New Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept Boasts the Same Powertrain As the Toyota GR Yaris

The construction makes it compatible with a hot mill, namely the one powering Toyota's GR Yaris rally homologation special. And as it happens, the small high-rider has just received this lump, albeit in the form of a concept car shown at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon.

Built with input from Toyota's chairman, Akio Toyoda, the study is called the LBX Morizo RR Concept and features the famous 1.6-liter three-pot from the GR Yaris. Curious about how much power it has. That would be 300 hp (305 ps/224 kW) at 6,500 rpm and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque between 3,250 and 4,600 rpm, or identical to the facelifted supermini hot hatch.

To better handle all that power, this one-off Lexus LBX features an all-wheel drive system, just like the GR Yaris, and has an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also comes with a double-wishbone suspension at the rear, MacPherson strut at the front, ventilated discs on all four corners, and 235/45 tires wrapped around the 19-inch wheels.

Speaking of the styling, we might as well tell you that it has a new front bumper, a redesigned grille with yellow trim, and a fresh bumper at the rear with a sporty diffuser attached to it. The GR-powered LBX study has a pair of tailpipes at the back, additional yellow accents, and some special badges to set it apart from its stock self.

According to Toyota's premium auto brand, the show car also comes with exclusive sports seats on the inside, yellow seatbelts that have the Morizo RR logo on them, and bespoke alloy pedals. The dominating hue on the inside is ochre, Lexus says, whereas the exterior sports Sonic Chrome with a few black accents and the aforementioned yellow touches.

If you must know, the LBX Morizo RR Concept measures 165 inches (4,190 mm) from bumper to bumper, identical to the standard LBX. Nevertheless, at 60.4 in (1,535 mm), it is 0.4 in (10 mm) shorter, and its width has grown by 0.8 in (20 mm) to 72.6 in (1,845 mm).

At this point, you are probably curious when the production model will launch, featuring the same upgrades as this study, right? The truth is that we don't know the answer to this question. In fact, it might never get the green light, as Lexus hasn't mentioned anything about a possible production version in the press release. Not launching it would be a pity, as crossovers sell in great numbers, and the car world certainly needs this feisty Lexus.