Lexus is making a big splash with a souped-up version of its LBX urban SUV. Called the Morizo โโRR, this impressive model borrows the Toyota GR Corolla's engine to deliver sports car-like performance in a compact format. A bold move that could well redefine the standards of the segment.
A muscular design for an extraordinary SUV
The Lexus LBX Morizo โโRR does not go unnoticed. Its aggressive look and enlarged proportions immediately assert its sporting ambitions. The trapezoidal grille, a signature of the brand, takes on impressive dimensions here and blends in with the air intakes of the specific front bumper.
The wheel arches have been widened by 15 mm to accommodate 19-inch forged wheels, while black plastic elements highlight the side skirts. The matching roof and mirror caps reinforce the dynamic appearance of the whole. At the rear, the dual exhaust pipes integrated into the bumper leave no doubt as to the potential of this small SUV.
A sports car heart under the hood
Lexus has made the bold choice of installing the Toyota GR Corolla engine in its LBX, a sports car unfortunately absent from the European market. It is a 3-cylinder 1.6 turbo unit developing no less than 305 hp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm.
Two transmissions are offered: a 6-speed manual for purists, or an 8-speed automatic for those who prefer comfort. Weight varies slightly depending on the option chosen, with 1,440 kg for the manual version and 1,470 kg for the automatic.
All-wheel drive is standard, allowing the LBX Morizo โโRR to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.2 seconds. Impressive performance for a vehicle of this size, which thus rivals well-established sports cars.
A chassis optimized to exploit the power
To control this cavalry, Lexus has completely revised the chassis of the LBX. The suspension has been completely redesigned with a sporty focus, offering a compromise between road holding and comfort adapted to demanding daily use.
The braking system has also been resized to cope with the increased performance. Larger diameter discs and reinforced calipers ensure powerful and durable braking, essential for fully exploiting the vehicle's potential on the road and on the track.
Lexus DNA preserved despite sporting ambitions
While the LBX Morizo โโRR clearly displays its sporting pretensions, it is nonetheless a Lexus. The interior thus retains the level of finish and comfort specific to the Japanese brand. The materials used are of high quality, with particular attention paid to ergonomics and soundproofing.
The sports seats offer excellent lateral support without sacrificing comfort on long journeys. The state-of-the-art multimedia system and numerous driving aids remind us that this vehicle remains above all designed for versatile use, capable of satisfying both daily journeys and sporty weekend escapades.
A unique philosophy expressed by its designer
Kunihiko Endo, Chief Engineer of the Lexus LBX Morizo โโRR project, explains the vision that guided the development of this atypical model: โWith the standard LBX, we wanted to transcend traditional hierarchies based on size, offering relaxed luxury that allows those who value authenticity to reconnect with their true selves, driving with ease and confidence.โ
He continues: โFor the LBX Morizo โโRR, our goal was to create a vehicle that is loved by true automotive enthusiasts like Morizo, a traveling companion that engages deeply with the sensory pleasures of sound and smell, and ultimately makes them smile.โ
This statement perfectly illustrates Lexus' ambition to create a vehicle capable of arousing real emotion in its driver, beyond simple numerical performance.
An uncertain future for the European market
For now, the Lexus LBX Morizo โโRR is exclusively reserved for the Japanese market. It is not excluded that it will be marketed in other countries in the future, potentially in the form of a limited edition to preserve its exclusive character.
Japanese enthusiasts will even be treated to an even more exclusive version: the Lexus LBX Morizo โโRR 'Bespoke Build'. Limited to just 100 units, this edition will only be accessible through a lottery system, further reinforcing its status as a potential collector's item.
A bold bet for Lexus
With the LBX Morizo โโRR, Lexus takes the risk of shaking up the established codes of the compact SUV segment. By injecting the DNA of a true sports car into an urban format, the Japanese brand demonstrates its ability to innovate and surprise.
This model could well pave the way for a new category of vehicles, combining everyday practicality with sports car performance. It remains to be seen whether the European public will have the chance to discover this explosive cocktail, and whether other manufacturers will rush into the breach opened by Lexus.
In any case, the LBX Morizo โโRR has already established itself as a fascinating automotive object, a symbol of the know-how and audacity of the Japanese automobile industry.