Lexus debuts sporty LBX Morizo RR concept

LEXUS has upped the performance ante this week with the announcement of its LBX Morizo RR Concept at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Lexus says the concept adds exhilaration to the Lexus Driving Signature of dynamic performance faithful to the driver’s input, showing it is serious about developing “exciting cars for customers”.

The high-performance ‘urban SUV’ features a powertrain familiar to that of the related Toyota GR Corolla (and therefore GR Yaris) – the G16E-GTS three-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit displacing 1.6 litres and developing 224kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

Power is put to the road via an eight-speed automatic transmission and electronically controlled all-wheel drive to offer what Lexus says is “plenty of grip, dynamic precision and driving thrills”.

Lexus says the LBX Morizo RR Concept was inspired by Toyota Motor Corporation chairman and master driver Akio Toyoda (aka Morizo), who said he wanted a spot in his garage for an everyday luxury Lexus that didn’t need to be big in size but needed to be “big on fun”.

Against the standard model, the concept measures 4190mm in length (±0mm), 1845mm in width (+20mm), and 1535mm in height (-10mm). It rides on a familiar MacPherson strut front / double wishbone rear suspension arrangement and is stopped by 18-inch rotors up front and 16s at the rear.

The concept model is characterised by bespoke front and rear bumpers which contribute to the vehicle’s aerodynamic make-up. Extended wheel arch mouldings sit 20mm wider than the derivative model, adding extra “stance” and neatly wrapping a set of darkened, multi-spoke 19-inch aluminium wheels shod with 235/45 profile rubber.

The brake callipers are finished in an eye-catching yellow while the overall vehicle height sits 10mm lower than in the standard model, reducing its centre of gravity and improving its dynamics.

The yellow accents found on the brake callipers are also evident on the upper edge of the spindle grille, which itself features a mesh pattern finished in black. There are further garnishing elements on the door mouldings, this time finished in piano black.

For the Tokyo Auto Salon, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept was presented in a dark grey finish dubbed Sonic Chrome, which was complemented by darkened exterior elements and yellow highlights.

Even more yellow is found inside the cockpit with yellow seatbelts contrasting sweetly against darker Ochre upholstery. Other interior highlights include alloy pedals, sport seats, and a MORIZO RR logo.

Lexus is yet to confirm when a production version of the LBX Morizo RR concept will be offered.