The "LBX MORIZO RR," exhibited at Tokyo Auto Salon, is finally released

LEXUS LBX MORIZO RR | LEXUS LBX MORIZO RR

The LBX High-Performance Model Bearing Morizo's Name

On July 18, Lexus announced the domestic specifications for the high-performance model "MORIZO RR" of the compact crossover "LBX" and began accepting orders. Additionally, the "LBX MORIZO RR 'Bespoke Build'," a limited-edition lottery sale of 100 units, was also announced and applications are being accepted until Wednesday, July 31st.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Refined Fundamentals and World-First Features

The "LBX MORIZO RR," exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2024, has finally been unveiled.

The "LBX MORIZO RR" was developed as a high-performance model that allows drivers to enjoy interaction with the car and experience extraordinary exhilaration, while retaining the refined driving dynamics and sophisticated design characteristic of Lexus, in collaboration with Chairman Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo, our Master Driver.

The "LBX MORIZO RR" Exhibited at Tokyo Auto Salon is Finally Released | LEXUS

The heart of the vehicle is a 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbo engine, producing a maximum output of 224 kW (304 ps) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. To fully harness this power, a dedicated platform was developed, and the car's fundamental performance has been meticulously refined.

Notably, the front arm incorporates REDS (Response-Enhancing Damping Structure), a world-first damping structure designed to improve responsiveness. This technology was adopted to achieve high controllability across various road conditions.

Furthermore, to achieve Lexus-like quietness, "source countermeasures" were implemented to suppress the generation of noise and vibration, even during sporty driving. To maximize the vehicle's performance, it is driven by either an 8-speed automatic transmission or, for the first time in a Lexus, a 6-speed iMT (intelligent manual transmission), with four-wheel drive.

The exterior features dedicated elements such as front and rear bumpers and 19-inch wheels, emphasizing a low center of gravity and a wide stance. The interior has also been refined to create a more sporty space for driver interaction, with dedicated sports seats and aluminum pedals.

In addition, the "Bespoke Build" option allows for the creation of a unique vehicle from a wide range of interior colors and seat materials, also limited to 100 units. For this option, yellow brake calipers, Morizo's signature color, can be selected as a dedicated item.

Racing driver Masahiro Sasaki, who competed in Super Taikyu alongside Morizo and served as the development driver for the LBX, commented on the "LBX MORIZO RR": "If the HEV model of the LBX is like sneakers, the MORIZO RR is like athletic shoes that can be worn anywhere when you want to be active, even becoming spikes. I believe you can feel the fun of the car and the joy of driving through its powerful acceleration and exhilarating sound."

The price for the "LBX MORIZO RR" is 6.5 million yen for both AT and MT models. The "LBX MORIZO RR 'Bespoke Build'," a limited lottery sale of 100 units, is priced at 7.2 million yen for both AT and MT models.