The Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept gets the same powertrain as the evolved GR Yaris, and the Chairman’s magic dust.
Akio Toyoda may have ascended to the role of Chairman, but he’s still very much a part of special vehicle development. His “Morizo” alter ego has now been used to tune a new version of the Lexus LBX which features the same powertrain of the newly evolved GR Yaris. In fact, Toyoda says that this is the car he drives daily and calls “his favourite car” (video below).
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept is all about driver engagement and is aimed directly at the European market. The engine is the same 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine as the GR Yaris now with an output of 305 DIN hp and 400Nm of torque. It sends power to all four wheels via an 8-speed Direct Shift automatic transmission. Besides that the entire car has been tuned for performance. The body, suspension and tyres have all been modified over the original LBX.
Aesthetically, there are changes as well. The most easiest to spot is the signature yellow, which now graces the plated moulding of the spindle grille, the brake calipers and the seatbelts. The seatbelts also feature “Morizo RR” branding. The LBX Morizo RR also comes with sport seats, alloy pedals, as well as coloured wheel arches and rocker mouldings.
There are also exclusive 19″ alloy wheels with 18″ ventilated brake discs in front and 16″ brake discs at the rear. Compared to the base LBX, the changes to the bodywork adds 20mm in width and the changes to suspension lower the car by 10mm.
The LBX Morizo RR Concept was only shown in Sonic Chrome with a Black roof and an Ocher interior. It’s possible there’ll be more colour options should it go into production, that being said, the GR Corolla Morizo edition was only offered in Matte Steel.
This is still a concept vehicle and Lexus has not indicated any pricing or launch date for the product and in the video when Morizo speaks about the car, he says “we’re selling it next year”, but the screen flashes text that says it’s a concept that’s not for sale.
