Lexus LBX 2024: GR Yaris-powered concept revealed

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Lexus has pulled the covers off a high-performance concept version of its upcoming LBX small SUV powered by the same engine featured in the Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla hot hatches.

Revealed at this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon, the LBX Morizo RR Concept performance SUV features the same G16E-GTS engine as featured in its Toyota cousins, boasting 224kW and 400Nm from the inline-three cylinder turbo-petrol. 

That’s an extra 3kW as compared to the range-topping GR Corolla Morizo edition, with equal torque figures. 

Notably, the concept couples the engine – and the vehicle’s electronically-controlled full time all-wheel drive system – with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which Toyota has just unveiled for the regular GR Yaris for the first time too.

Lexus said that the concept was inspired by Toyota Chairman and racing driver enthusiast Akio Toyoda – also known by his ‘Morizo’ moniker – “who says he wanted a spot in his garage for an everyday luxury Lexus that didn’t need to be big in size, but needed to be big on fun”.

Visually the LBX Morizo RR stands apart from the regular iterations of the model it’s based on thanks to its unique front and rear bumpers which Lexus says contribute to “superior air flow”.

As well as this, there are bigger wheel arch mouldings which make this LBX 20mm wider than the regular LBX, and concept-specific 19-inch aluminium wheels that feature 235/45 rubber and yellow brake calipers.

There are further yellow accents on the upper part of the front grille in contrast to the darkened features of the rest of the car which is pictured in a dark grey ‘Sonic Chrome’.

While the vehicle is wider, it also sports a lower stance by 10mm. Length is unchanged at 4190mm.

In terms of other specifications, the Morizo RR features Macpherson strut front and double wishbone rear suspension, as well as 18-inch front and 16-inch rear ventilated disc brakes, while inside Lexus says the car features sports seats, alloy pedals, and yellow seat belts featuring a ‘Morizo RR’ logo.

While it’s not clear if a production version of the LBX Morizo RR Concept will eventuate, it hasn’t been denied with Lexus saying it is “yet to confirm when a production version of the LBX Morizo RR concept will be offered”. 

The regular LBX – built on the same platform as the Toyota Yaris and Yaris Cross – is powered by 1.5-litre three-cylinder hybrid powertrain that produces 100kW of power and is due in showrooms in the first half of this year.