Lexus made the LBX, a small crossover sold globally, a lot more interesting when it powered it with the 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder from the Toyota GR Corolla for the 2024 Tokyo Auto Show. The concept has been morphed into a regular-production model in Japan, called the LBX Morizo RR.
Previously hinted at by executives as a 2024 release, the LBX Morizo RR was developed with input from Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda. He’s one of the most respected executives in the industry and has become an outspoken advocate of enthusiast cars in recent years. Power comes from the same 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in the GR Corolla and GR Yaris, which produces 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It sends transmissions to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed intelligent manual transmission.
Weight checks in at 3,240 pounds with the automatic and 3,174 pounds with the stick. The Morizo RR stretches 165 inches from bumper to bumper, so it’s exactly the same length as the standard LBX, but at 72.4 inches wide and 60.4 inches tall, it’s both wider and shorter.
Lexus quotes a zero-to-62-mph time of 5.2 seconds, but the LBX Morizo RR isn’t just about going fast. The brand also redesigned the suspension, fitted bigger brakes, and added 19-inch wheels wrapped in sticky tires. And yet, the Morizo RR is a Lexus; the idea wasn’t to build a stripped-down track monster that you’ll need earplugs to drive flat-out. Lexus explains that it went to great lengths to keep noise and vibration in check to achieve the kind of quiet, smooth ride that buyers expect from a car with a bright “L” emblem on its nose.
Visually, the Morizo RR is not to be confused with the standard LBX. It wears a model-specific body kit that includes a deeper front bumper with large air intakes, side skirts and dual exhaust outlets. Lexus claims that many of these additions are functional; the changes at the front in particular help to direct more cooling air into the engine bay. Inside, front passengers benefit from nicely bolstered sports seats.
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR is on sale now and has a base price of 6,500,000 yen in Japan, which translates to approximately $41,600 at the current exchange rate. Deliveries are expected to begin in August 2024, and Lexus will also make 100 Bespoke Build models available through a lottery system. Buyers who secure one of the build slots will have a wider palette of interior and exterior customization options to choose from.
