It first emerged as a concept, but the hot LBX Morizo RR has officially gone into production.
Toyota has been on a roll when it comes to enthusiast cars over the past few years, from reviving the Supra to updating the more affordable GR 86 and giving us a new hot hatchback: the GR Corolla. Overseas, though, there’s another contender if you want a hot all-wheel drive pocket rocket with a bit of brand prestige. Meet the Lexus LBX Morizo RR — a Lexus with a turbocharged three-cylinder engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. Oh yes.
In fact, the new Lexus LBX Morizo RR sends its power to all four wheels through either the 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. It uses the same 1.6-liter turbocharged heart as the tiny Toyota GR Yaris or the GR Corolla available here in the States, and measures 165 inches bumper-to-bumper, as well as 72.4 inches in width and 60.4 inches in height. Like its brethren, you can really call it more of a hatchback since it’s a full foot shorter than a Lexus UX, but it is technically a hot subcompact crossover.
Lexus says the LBX Morizo RR will make the 0-60 sprint in just over 5 seconds (its 0-100 km/h time is 5.2 seconds), though this sort of car (like Toyota’s GR-branded hatches) isn’t about out-and-out speed. To that end, engineers also overhauled the suspension system with what the company says is the world’s first “Response-Enhancing Damping Structure” on the front lower control arms, as well as fitted larger brakes and high-performance tires wrapped around 19-inch wheels.
Apart from the dynamic changes, the new Lexus LBX Morizo RR has a bespoke body kit, as well as bolstered sport seats for the driver and passenger.
Of course there’s a catch…
The first deliveries will kick off in August, but here’s where the shoe drops: It’s only available in Japan. That’s not terribly surprising since we don’t even get the normal LBX, but we’re definitely not getting this hot version either. Prices for Japanese buyers start at 6.5 million yen, which translates to about $41,425 at today’s exchange rates. Those looking for exclusivity can enter a lottery to be able to buy one of 100 Bespoke Build models, which offers up a wider array of customization options for the exterior and interior.
Even though we can’t buy it, the thought of a turbocharged Lexus with a manual transmission does sound fun. Acura does offer a hot Integra, after all. But hey, at least we can still buy the Toyota GR Corolla.
