New 300bhp Morizo RR packs the Toyota hot hatch’s engine and gets go-faster aero
CHARLIE MARTIN
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR – a fearsome, high-riding hot hatch that could be destined for dealerships – headlined a wave of potent new crossovers at Japan’s premier tuning show, Tokyo Auto Salon.
It swaps the LBX’s economy-minded 134bhp hybrid powertrain for the 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine from the Toyota GR Yaris hot hatch. Mated to a new eight-speed automatic gearbox, it sends 300bhp and 295lb ft to all four wheels.
The LBX’s suspension has also been reworked. The crossover now rides 10mm lower and its wheels are 20mm further apart. It sits on wider tyres than the regular LBX too – all in a bid to improve the car’s dynamic credentials.
Revised aerodynamics give the LBX a more aggressive look that, says Lexus, is inspired by air racing. This is complemented by yellow accents, which, like the car’s name, are a nod to Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, who uses yellow as a signature colour for his racing alter ego, Morizo.
Lexus has yet to confirm whether the Morizo RR Concept will reach production, but notably its unveiling comes as sibling brand Toyota hails the unexpected success of the mechanically related GR Yaris – which has made the model a permanent fixture in the firm’s line-up. Lexus has not said whether it sees a market for a hot crossover, but a production version would serve as a natural rival to the likes of the Volkswagen T-Roc R and BMW X2 M35i.
That Toyoda refers to it as his favourite Lexus and his “buddy” is a strong clue to the car’s prospects of reaching showrooms.
The hot LBX arrives shortly after new Toyota CEO Koji Sato, who previously led the Gazoo Racing (GR) motorsport division, hinted that the firm could expand its sports car line-up.
Sato said: “Our Master Driver [Akio Toyoda] was also president of the company at the same time as he had a steering wheel in his hand for Gazoo. Now he is only chairman, maybe he will have a lot more time to develop cars for them.”
Indeed, when Toyoda stepped down from his position as CEO, he explained that his passion for traditional sports cars was part of the reason why he made the move. “Because of my strong passion for cars, I am an old-fashioned person in regards to digitalisation, electric vehicles and connected cars,” said Toyoda. “I cannot go beyond being a car
