Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept – B-segment crossover gets 1.6L turbo 3-cylinder, 8AT from Toyota GR Yaris

Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept – B-segment crossover gets 1.6L turbo 3-cylinder, 8AT from Toyota GR Yaris

The Tokyo Auto Salon is where independent companies as well as manufacturers show their latest wares in the realm of customised vehicles, and this year’s edition sees Lexus brings a performance-oriented concept based on its LBX B-segment crossover. Enter the Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept, so named for borrowing company chairman and master driver Akio Toyoda’s racing nickname, Morizo.

Pitched as a “concept model with further-honed basic vehicle elements that enable the driver to interact with the car and pursue driving fun,” the LBX Morizo RR Concept is equipped with parent company Toyota’s turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, the G16E-GTS.

This engine also powers the 2024 GR Yaris – and by extension, the GR Corolla as well – and is also paired with full-time AWD and a direct-shift eight-speed automatic transmission, a version of the latter also found on the rally-bred three-door hatchback. This powerplant in the LBX Morizo RR Concept appears to be in similar state of tune as the 2024 GR Yaris, producing 304 PS at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm from 3,250 rpm – 4,600 rpm.

The exterior dimensions of the LBX Morizo RR Concept are a length of 4,190 mm, width of 1,845 mm (20 mm wider than the base LBX), and a height of 1,535 mm (10 mm lower). This paint finish is named Sonic Chrome, with contrasting elements in black. A signature yellow is applied to the spindle grille moulding and brake calipers, while a ‘Morizo RR’ emblem signs off on the identity of this concept.

Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept – B-segment crossover gets 1.6L turbo 3-cylinder, 8AT from Toyota GR Yaris

Lexus adds that the LBX Morizo RR Concept has been treated to a plethora of ‘exclusive developments’ which have been applied to its packaging, body, suspension, tyres, AWD control, and the eight-speed automatic transmission. Rolling stock is a set of 19-inch BBS forged aluminium wheels, and are shod in Continental SportContact 7 tyres in 235/45R19 front and rear.

To accommodate its electronically controlled full-time AWD driveline, the LBX Morizo RR Concept starts with the suspension layout of the AWD version of the base LBX, which is MacPherson struts in front and a double wishbone arrangement at the rear (FWD versions of the LBX employ a rear torsion beam).

Inside, the LBX Morizo RR Concept gets special sports seats in front with seat belts in yellow with the Morizo RR logo, while the driver in particular gets an aluminium pedal set.

While it is a concept by name, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept certainly appears feasible for production. Would you have a Lexus LBX with the underpinnings of a GR Yaris?

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • These Japanese still obsess with chubby cars. They should get out of their bubble and see what the world is doing.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 20
  • CX3 new facelift….haaa

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 6
  • Peppa on Jan 15, 2024 at 7:32 pm

    This look better than GLA and Audi inside and out. Almost as impressive as the new BMW X1 despite the different segment

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 12 Thumb down 4
  • Rockie on Jan 15, 2024 at 9:34 pm

    Great, an option to Luxury Hot Hatch Cross.

    with TNGA and Double Wishbones too.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 2
  • New car, old tech on Jan 15, 2024 at 11:56 pm

    Jap still clinging to the past. Move forward already.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 5
  • ThePolygon on Jan 16, 2024 at 7:32 am

    A touch of luxury and easy to drive and park.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Faisal on Jan 16, 2024 at 8:55 am

    Absolutely want! Looks good.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • China’s production cars look like concept cars from the future. Jepunis concept cars look like production cars from the past.

    Kesian.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • At a glance. looks like a glorified Perodua Ativa -> toyota raize -> lexus. better buy ativa and bodykit the hell out of it.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • yea deal with ur DCVT lol
      this one is 8AT unless u swap entire GR-yaris drivetrain into ur Ativa

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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