The Lexus LBX may come with a standard hybrid powertrain, but that didn’t stop the folks over at Gazoo Racing from putting in something a bit more potent. With the help of Akio Toyoda (aka Morizo), they’ve created the LBX Morizo RR Concept.
Since the LBX also rides on the TNGA GA-B platform—the same one that underpins the GR Yaris—it makes sense for Gazoo Racing to shoehorn in the G16E-GTS engine under there. The LBX Morizo RR Concept receives the new Direct Shift 8-speed automatic and the new 304 horsepower, 400 Nm outputs of the evolved GR Yaris.
Along with the high-performance engine, the LBX Morizo RR Concept receives the GR Yaris’s electronically-controlled full-time all-wheel drive system. It has been widened (+ 20 mm) to accommodate the 235/45 R 19 wheels and tires. It also has better aerodynamics thanks to its revised bumpers. The crossover has also been lowered by 10 mm because of revisions made to its suspension.
The LBX Morizo RR Concept is colored in Morizo’s preferred color: Sonic Chrome with the door frame molding and door belt molding now finished in black. His signature yellow is also found in the molding of the “Unified Spindle” grille, brake calipers, and seatbelts. The interior is, naturally, finished in a sporty shade of black. Morizo did manage to add unique touches thanks to the new sport seats and pedals.
For now, the LBX Morizo RR Concept remains a one-off concept but given how it looks so production ready, don’t be surprised if it’ll see limited production as some sort of LBX F. After all, this is how Morizo himself envisions what a great casual luxury car should be like.
Morizo is bringing back excitement to Toyota and Lexus.
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