Lexus will release the high-performance model “LBX MORIZO RR” of the new compact SUV LBX as a new grade “F SPORT Performance” around August 2024. We will explain the details below.
Lexus “LBX MORIZO RR” Announcement
The LBX MORIZO RR CONCEPT was unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon 2024. The car was introduced at the MORIZO Garage, which displays the beloved cars of Toyota Chairman and CEO Akio Toyoda (known as Morizo).
Although this car is called a “concept,” it is in fact almost a production vehicle. It is equipped with the G16-GTS, a 1.6L inline 3-cylinder intercooled turbo engine, a first for Lexus, tuned from the G16E-GTS engine used in the evolved GR Yaris. It produces a maximum output of 224kW (304PS) at 6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 400Nm (40.8kgm) at 3,250-4,600 rpm (target values). It is also equipped with a 4WD system (the “GR-FOUR” sports 4WD system).
Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and CEO Akio Toyoda (Morizo) appeared as an “ordinary car-loving man” and delivered a “New Year’s greeting from Morizo.” Six of his beloved cars were on display during the presentation, including the “LBX MORIZO RR CONCEPT.”
Also, during the “Car Roundtable” held during the event, a question was asked about the release, but Toyoda’s response was vague, merely saying “someday.”
Morizo’s enjoyable driving in the video is impressive.
About the Lexus LBX High Performance Model
This high-performance model, based on the Lexus compact “LBX,” is equipped with the 1.6L inline 3-cylinder intercooled turbo engine “G16-GTS,” a tuned version of the “G16E-GTS” used in the ” Evolved GR Yaris .” Maximum output is 224kW (304PS) at 6,500 rpm, and maximum torque is 400Nm (40.8kgm) at 3,250-4,600 rpm (target values). It is also equipped with the “GR-FOUR” sports 4WD system.
Many parts, including the bumpers and suspension, have been specially developed for this model. It also features Morizo’s signature yellow color and is fitted with Continental 235/45R19 tires. The car’s dimensions are 4190mm long, 1845mm wide, 1535mm high, and a wheelbase of 2580mm.
Lexus LBX High Performance Model Major Equipment Changes
Exterior
- Front bumper and grille (black plated molding with exclusive yellow accents)
- Colored fender arch molding/rocker molding
- Door frame molding (black plated)
- Door belt molding (piano black)
- 19-inch forged aluminum wheels
- rear bumper
- Special yellow brake calipers
- Exclusive “MORIZO RR” badge
interior
- Special sports seats
- Dedicated aluminum pedals
- Special yellow seat belt (MORIZO RR logo)
Lexus LBX high performance model interior
The Tazuna cockpit, designed to meet the driver’s needs, offers enhanced driving support features such as a 12.3-inch full LCD meter and a 9.8-inch infotainment system. The “Bespoke Build” system offers five lifestyle-focused concepts, and allows customers to choose interior colors, seat materials, embroidery patterns, and more from approximately 330,000 possible combinations to create a one-of-a-kind vehicle.
The luxuriously low seats are comfortable and undisturbed by outside noise thanks to high-quality sound-insulating lining, and the car is equipped with a Mark Levinson audio system, heated front seats, a digital inner mirror, a head-up display, ambient illumination, a wireless smartphone charger, and nanoe™ X technology. With the rear seats in use, the car boasts a capacity of 332 liters.
Lexus LBX High Performance Model Safety Features
All vehicles come standard with the third-generation “Next Generation Lexus Safety System+.” It also features the advanced driving assistance technology “Lexus Teammate Advanced Park.” Laser radar and cameras are used to ensure excellent recognition performance and reliability, and the collision avoidance support systems PCS, LDA, and AHB are packaged together. It ensures collision avoidance and damage mitigation performance that is compatible even at high speeds. It also comes equipped with “Pre-Collision Safety,” which can detect bicycles during the day and pedestrians at night, and “Lane Tracing Assist (LTA),” which assists with steering operations necessary to keep the vehicle in its lane when “Radar Cruise Control,” which maintains a constant distance from the vehicle ahead, is activated. Software updates over the air (OTA) allow software updates to improve the performance of advanced safety equipment without the need to visit a dealership.
Lexus LBX High Performance Model Specifications
| Specifications | Lexus LBX high performance model |
|---|---|
| full length | 4,190mm |
| Overall width | 1,845mm |
| Overall height | 1,535mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,580mm |
| engine | 1.6L inline 3-cylinder intercooler turbo G16E-GTS |
| Maximum power | 224kW (304PS) / 6,500rpm |
| Maximum torque | 400Nm (40.8kgf) / 3,250~4,600rpm |
transmission |
GR-DAT (8-speed AT) |
| Drive system | 4WD sports 4WD system “GR-FOUR” electronically controlled multi-plate clutch (3-mode selectable) |
| Passenger capacity | 5 people |
| tire | 235/45R19 |
A word from the editorial department
This high-performance LBX model is equipped with the same 1.6L inline 3-cylinder DOHC direct injection turbocharged engine found in the evolved GR Yaris, making it undoubtedly a completely different model from the standard LBX. Furthermore, by installing this engine in a luxury compact SUV, we expect that even those who aren’t interested in the GR Yaris will be drawn to the high-performance LBX model. It ‘s sure to be an exciting car, with people wondering how it will drive. Even those who haven’t been interested in Japanese cars until now may find this car fascinating. We’re really looking forward to the arrival of the new LBX. We’ll keep you updated as new information becomes available.
Toyota News Release
https://global.toyota/jp/newsroom/lexus/39233145.html
https://global.toyota/jp/newsroom/lexus/40022751.html
Toyota News Release
