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(Lexus LBX) Lexus wants a GR Corolla powered subcompact

7.9K views 43 replies 17 participants last post by  Sleeper  
#1 ·
#15 ·
Here's the press release for the LBX from Lexus Europe.

I don't see one on the Lexus USA site so maybe that's the clue that it won't be sold here?


  • World-first presentation of the new LBX Morizo RR Concept at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon
  • Special performance-focused version of the new LBX compact crossover, developed with Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda – alias “Morizo”
  • 305 DIN hp/224 kW turbocharged and intercooled 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine with Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission and electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive
  • Exclusive “Morizo” signature design details
  • Lexus booth also features an all-new GX 500 Overtrail JAOS version, customised with SUV aftermarket specialist JAOS
The LBX Morizo RR Concept makes its world debut today at the Tokyo Auto Salon, a reinterpretation of Lexus’ all-new compact crossover as a high-performance model that’s focused on driver engagement and rewards. At the same time, the concept preserves the essential high-quality driving experience and sophisticated design that are intrinsic to the brand

Adding another dimension to the LBX’s convention-breaking character, the concept model has been created with direct input from Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda – also known as “Morizo”. Chairman Toyoda gives a personal insight into the project in a short video that can be viewed on Lexus Europe Newsroom.

The LBX Morizo RR Concept is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled in-line three-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum 305 DIN hp/224 kW, driving all four wheels through an electronically controlled system and a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission. All key elements of the car have been honed for performance, including packaging, body, suspension and tyres. To optimise aerodynamics, the development team applied technologies from the world of high-speed air racing..

In keeping with the theme of the Lexus and Toyota Gazoo Racing presence at the exhibition, the concept has been customised with unique details. Morizo’s signature yellow colour features in the plated moulding of the unified spindle grille, the brake callipers and the seatbelts. , which carry the Morizo RR logo. Other features include sports seats, alloy pedals and coloured wheel arch and rocker mouldings. The result is a car that embodies a sense of casual luxury and has the reassuring, rewarding quality of a trusted driving partner.

LBX Morizo RR Concept outline specifications

Base vehicleLexus LBX
DIMENSIONS
Length (mm)4,190
Width (mm)1,845 (+20)
Height (mm)1,535 (-10)
ENGINE
Engine codeG16E-GTS
TypeIn-line 3-cylinder with turbocharger and intercooler
Max. output (DIN hp/kW @ rpm)305/224 @ 6,500
Max. torque (Nm @ rpm)400 @ 3,250 – 4,600
TRANSMISSION
TypeDirect Shift 8-speed automatic
DrivetrainElectronically controlled full-time AWD
WHEELS & TYRES
WheelsExclusive 19 inch alloy
Tyre size235/45R19
SUSPENSION
FrontMacPherson strut
RearDouble wishbone
BRAKES
Front/rear18-inch ventilated disc/ 16-inch disc
COLOURS
ExteriorSonic Chrome with Black
InteriorOchre
 
#16 ·
Here's the press release for the LBX from Lexus Europe.

I don't see one on the Lexus USA site so maybe that's the clue that it won't be sold here?


  • World-first presentation of the new LBX Morizo RR Concept at the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon
  • Special performance-focused version of the new LBX compact crossover, developed with Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda – alias “Morizo”
  • 305 DIN hp/224 kW turbocharged and intercooled 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine with Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission and electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive
  • Exclusive “Morizo” signature design details
  • Lexus booth also features an all-new GX 500 Overtrail JAOS version, customised with SUV aftermarket specialist JAOS
The LBX Morizo RR Concept makes its world debut today at the Tokyo Auto Salon, a reinterpretation of Lexus’ all-new compact crossover as a high-performance model that’s focused on driver engagement and rewards. At the same time, the concept preserves the essential high-quality driving experience and sophisticated design that are intrinsic to the brand

Adding another dimension to the LBX’s convention-breaking character, the concept model has been created with direct input from Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman and Master Driver Akio Toyoda – also known as “Morizo”. Chairman Toyoda gives a personal insight into the project in a short video that can be viewed on Lexus Europe Newsroom.

The LBX Morizo RR Concept is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled in-line three-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum 305 DIN hp/224 kW, driving all four wheels through an electronically controlled system and a Direct Shift eight-speed automatic transmission. All key elements of the car have been honed for performance, including packaging, body, suspension and tyres. To optimise aerodynamics, the development team applied technologies from the world of high-speed air racing..

In keeping with the theme of the Lexus and Toyota Gazoo Racing presence at the exhibition, the concept has been customised with unique details. Morizo’s signature yellow colour features in the plated moulding of the unified spindle grille, the brake callipers and the seatbelts. , which carry the Morizo RR logo. Other features include sports seats, alloy pedals and coloured wheel arch and rocker mouldings. The result is a car that embodies a sense of casual luxury and has the reassuring, rewarding quality of a trusted driving partner.

LBX Morizo RR Concept outline specifications

Base vehicleLexus LBX
DIMENSIONS
Length (mm)4,190
Width (mm)1,845 (+20)
Height (mm)1,535 (-10)
ENGINE
Engine codeG16E-GTS
TypeIn-line 3-cylinder with turbocharger and intercooler
Max. output (DIN hp/kW @ rpm)305/224 @ 6,500
Max. torque (Nm @ rpm)400 @ 3,250 – 4,600
TRANSMISSION
TypeDirect Shift 8-speed automatic
DrivetrainElectronically controlled full-time AWD
WHEELS & TYRES
WheelsExclusive 19 inch alloy
Tyre size235/45R19
SUSPENSION
FrontMacPherson strut
RearDouble wishbone
BRAKES
Front/rear18-inch ventilated disc/ 16-inch disc
COLOURS
ExteriorSonic Chrome with Black
InteriorOchre
So the LBX is essentially a Corolla Cross Lexus with the g16e and GR four system
 
#19 ·
Honestly I would take a hopped up lexus with our drivetrain in 2 seconds. I do love my GRC buttttt its TINY! And there is no way around it. And even though the LBX is not much bigger. Anything bigger then our cars would be fine. I have tried every combination under the sun and I literally cannot fit my kids stroller into the back of the hatch of the GRC. Drives me nuts.
 
#35 ·
Mr. Chao gets some info from the chief engineer about the LBX RR. Design leads the way going forward.

Honestly I would get one if it were on sale. While I do LOVE MY GRC. I'm now in my 30's with two kids under 3 years old. I can put both car seats into the GRC but it is TIGHT! I think the Lexus would be perfect daily commuter. Little more civil. Little more comfy. Nice amenities inside. Not saying I would get rid of my GRC just yet. But if this car comes to be on sale. I will totally try to trade my GRC in for a more "grown up" lexus. Eventually the wife wanted to get a Lexus GX anyways down the road. But its all toyota family anyways.

Fingers crossed it goes on sale in the USA. Hyundai Kona N is the only smallish performance crossover in the busniess. Nothing better then reliable and well established lexus to get in on the same turf now that the KONA N is dead.
 
#25 ·
Seems kinda like a funny car. To me that the best quality of the GR Corolla, its raw and lively feel, seems at odds with the kind car that Lexus typically sells. Imagining a heavier, higher center of gravity GRC with more sound deadening and softer more compliant suspension and driving characteristics doesn't really set my heart on fire. Unless they add a hybrid or tune the engine for more power, it's certain to be a worse performer. It sounds like something that would compete, unfavorably, with the Audi S3, a car that doesn't interest me much and which is certainly in a near dead segment in the US.

On the other hand, put the G16GTS with a little more power in an IS, with the six-speed, and maybe a rear-biased AWD system and I'd be getting ready to trade up.
 
#28 ·
Cheap luxury hatch/suv with a performance package. It's not meant to be a competitor to the GRC just stealing it's performance bits.

Sorry this is a huge L imo. GRC minus most of its best qualities.
I'd say it would improve on the GRC's flaws. Too small of cargo space and cheap interior. It's a car built to take you and your small family on a short trip vs the track.
 
#37 · (Edited)
Huh... Lexus LBX Morizo RR

GRC engine with much more torque

Base vehicle Lexus LBX
DIMENSIONS
Length (mm) 4,190
Width (mm) 1,845 (+20)
Height (mm) 1,535 (-10)
ENGINE
Engine code G16E-GTS
Type In-line 3-cylinder with turbocharger and intercooler
Max. output (bhp/DIN hp/kW @ rpm) 300/305/224 @ 6,500
Max. torque (Nm @ rpm) 400 @ 3,250 – 4,600
TRANSMISSION
Type Direct Shift 8-speed automatic
Drivetrain Electronically controlled full-time AWD
TYRES
Size 235/45R19
SUSPENSION
Front MacPherson strut
Rear Double wishbone
BRAKES
Front/rear Ventilated discs
COLOURS
Exterior Sonic Chrome with Black
Interior Ochre