Lexus LBX Morizo RR idea may preview forbidden fruit

Lexus debuted an idea efficiency model of the lately unveiled LBX subcompact crossover on the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Known as the LBX Morizo RR idea, it provides an uprated powertrain to the LBX, which went on sale in markets exterior the U.S. final November. Former Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda, a racing driver and the impetus behind many of the firm’s present efficiency fashions, was introduced in to advise on the mission, which is why the idea bears his racing alias Morizo.

The usual LBX arrived with a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 1.5-liter inline-3 and a single electrical motor, sending 134 hp to the entrance wheels solely. The Morizo RR idea will get a barely bigger 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-3 from the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, with output bumped to 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Lexus seems to have ditched the hybrid system, but it surely has added all-wheel drive, together with an 8-speed automated transmission. This Direct Computerized Transmission makes use of software program that predicts driving conduct to shift quicker. It considers pace and deceleration g-forces like different good transmissions but in addition acceleration and braking. This enables it to anticipate when a shift is critical earlier than the driving force modifications their driving conduct.

The suspension, tires, and brakes had been upgraded as effectively, based on Lexus, however the automaker did not present a lot element.

Some beauty modifications had been additionally made, together with a brand new entrance bumper that joins the Lexus spindle grille with air intakes on the corners. Designers additionally added splashes of yellow on the grille and brake calipers.

Lexus did not talk about plans for a manufacturing model of the LBX Morizo RR idea, however such a mannequin could be unlikely to achieve the U.S. anyway. Measuring simply 165.0 inches lengthy, the LBX is 12.0 inches shorter than the Lexus UX, the model’s smallest U.S.-market mannequin.