LEXUS has officially announced the Japan domestic specifications for the highly anticipated LBX MORIZO RR, a performance-focused variant of their compact SUV, initially showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2024. Japanese customers can now place their orders, with the official launch slated for late August. Adding to the exclusivity, a limited run of 100 units of the LBX MORIZO RR “Bespoke Build” will be available via a lottery system, with applications accepted at Lexus dealerships across Japan from July 18th to July 31st. Lottery winners will be personally contacted by their respective dealerships.
This exciting new model is the brainchild of master driver Akio Toyoda, affectionately known as Morizo, who collaborated closely in its development. The LBX MORIZO RR is engineered to embody Lexus’s signature refined driving dynamics and sophisticated design, but with a significant performance edge. The core objective is to create a deeper connection between driver and machine, sparking joy and delivering an extraordinary driving experience that transcends the everyday.
Powering the LBX MORIZO RR is a potent 1.6-liter inline-three intercooler turbo engine (G16E-GTS), a powerhouse designed to deliver thrilling torque and horsepower. To effectively harness this power, Lexus engineers meticulously refined the vehicle’s fundamental characteristics. A bespoke platform was specifically developed to strike an optimal balance between agility and raw power. Handling prowess is further enhanced by the adoption of the world’s first Response-Enhancing Damping Structure (REDS) on the front lower arms. This innovative technology improves responsiveness while effectively managing damping forces, ensuring exceptional control across diverse road surfaces. True to Lexus’s commitment to refinement, extensive noise and vibration countermeasures have been implemented to maintain a serene cabin environment, even during spirited driving.
To maximize the performance potential, the LBX MORIZO RR boasts advanced features including a Direct Shift 8AT transmission. In a Lexus first, it also offers an optional 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission), catering to driving purists. Furthermore, an electronically controlled full-time AWD system is integrated to amplify the sporty driving dynamics and ensure confident traction in various conditions.
The design philosophy behind the LBX MORIZO RR aims to project both luxury and a commanding presence that defies its compact SUV classification. Adhering to the “Premium Casual” design concept, the vehicle is intended to be effortlessly integrated into the owner’s daily lifestyle, underpinned by its inherent high performance capabilities. The exterior receives distinctive front and rear bumpers, striking 19-inch forged wheels, color-keyed arch moldings, and rocker moldings, all contributing to a lower visual center of gravity and a more assertive stance. Inside, the cabin is crafted to foster a heightened sense of engagement between driver and car, creating an immersive and unforgettable driving environment. This is achieved through the inclusion of dedicated sports seats, aluminum pedals, and strategically placed interior accents that amplify the joy of driving.
The exclusive “Bespoke Build” program provides discerning customers with the opportunity to personalize their LBX MORIZO RR to an even greater degree. A range of unique customization options are available, including exclusive brake calipers finished in Morizo’s signature yellow, allowing for a truly bespoke ownership experience. The overarching vision for the LBX MORIZO RR is to create a casually luxurious vehicle that owners will eagerly anticipate driving every weekend, embodying the same effortless appeal as slipping into a favorite pair of sneakers.
