[GRower]

From car and driver

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a46366856/lexus-lbx-morizo-rr-concept-gr-corolla/

 

[Sid SB]

Not very informative and a lot of editing, but some nice shots of the car:

 

[doktorjak]

From his lips to God‘s ears. Smaller cars = better.

 

[Jeonsa]

Mr. Chao gets some info from the chief engineer about the LBX RR. Design leads the way going forward.

 

[dleiv]

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.

 

[AE86Guy]

Oh look a fat geriatric GRC.

Sorry this is a huge L imo. GRC minus most of its best qualities.

 

[Jeonsa]

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.

IS doesn’t need AWD like that. Lol I think an entry level manual IS would be amazing though. Kind of bring it back to what it originally was

 

[Carl]

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.

 

[dleiv]

IS doesn’t need AWD like that. Lol I think an entry level manual IS would be amazing though. Kind of bring it back to what it originally was

Fully agree, I just think that AWD is the direction most manufacturers are going with these kind of sports sedans. In a world of pure fantasy, I'd take something like a Corolla sedan with a slightly upgraded interior, RWD with a small, light engine like the G16. I guess just a contemporary AE86 or E30 M3. Nobody builds anything like this anymore unfortunately.

 

[Jeonsa]

Fully agree, I just think that AWD is the direction most manufacturers are going with these kind of sports sedans. In a world of pure fantasy, I'd take something like a Corolla sedan with a slightly upgraded interior, RWD with a small, light engine like the G16. I guess just a contemporary AE86 or E30 M3. Nobody builds anything like this anymore unfortunately.

Yeah it’s a simple formula but a rare one now. I agree with your take on the LBX btw, it’s a weird car for Lexus especially since they’re at a cross roads right now. EV or Hybrid, F or RR.

They seem to never go fully into one direction. Lol

 

[SpaceFolding]

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.

If I'm not mistaken, the regular Lexus LBX is based off of the Yaris Cross platform and is made for the European, Japan, Australia, and SEA markets. I'm assuming this LBX Morizo is the same. It makes sense why us North Americans don't seem to care.

 

[doktorjak]

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.

It’s not meant to be a GRC. This is a better daily driver than the GRC. Because of all the things you listed. My CE is my performance car in my fleet of vehicles. Rain sleet snow or shine, year round performance in any weather condition. I have a daily driver already. So this vehicle is for a different buyer than you. This would be great for a daily driver and the GRC also for a weekend car. So in that scenario this thing makes sense. It’ll be more comfortable than a GRC or GRY. Softer suspension = better or more compliant suspension for daily driver duties, highway trips, etc. And more sound deadening is a quality of life thing. So it’s kind of a luxury CUV type thing, but has performance, via the motor and drivetrain. Then bumper to bumper traffic, etc, a slushbox is nice to have.

I don’t know why some of y’all have an issue with another vehicle being offered. It’s not like it’s going to come here. I hate CUV’s, with gusto. Hatch or truck for me. I don’t even like sedans. But I think this thing is rad, and cool they made it. Not everyone wants a stiff awd turbo hatch with a 6MT. I certainly do, but this vehicle is for a different target demographic and maybe for the GRY or GRC owner in Japan who wants a pair, and for this thing to be the DD in the fleet.

 

[dleiv]

It’s not meant to be a GRC. This is a better daily driver than the GRC. Because of all the things you listed. My CE is my performance car in my fleet of vehicles. Rain sleet snow or shine, year round performance in any weather condition. I have a daily driver already. So this vehicle is for a different buyer than you. This would be great for a daily driver and the GRC also for a weekend car. So in that scenario this thing makes sense. It’ll be more comfortable than a GRC or GRY. Softer suspension = better or more compliant suspension for daily driver duties, highway trips, etc. And more sound deadening is a quality of life thing. So it’s kind of a luxury CUV type thing, but has performance, via the motor and drivetrain. Then bumper to bumper traffic, etc, a slushbox is nice to have.

I don’t know why some of y’all have an issue with another vehicle being offered. It’s not like it’s going to come here. I hate CUV’s, with gusto. Hatch or truck for me. I don’t even like sedans. But I think this thing is rad, and cool they made it. Not everyone wants a stiff awd turbo hatch with a 6MT. I certainly do, but this vehicle is for a different target demographic and maybe for the GRY or GRC owner in Japan who wants a pair, and for this thing to be the DD in the fleet.

I guess it's my Americentrism showing through. You're right it's not likely to come here and it really isn't a segment that's sold in the US at all, beyond maybe the John Cooper Works Mini Countryman All Four (that's gotta be in contention for longest car name in history), which is actually very close in spec to what the LBX with a GR-FOUR drivetrain would be. I suppose in Europe and Japan there's probably a market for very small luxury SUVs with a bit of a performance flavor, while in the US, most who can afford it would just buy something bigger.

 

[Jeonsa]

If I'm not mistaken, the regular Lexus LBX is based off of the Yaris Cross platform and is made for the European, Japan, Australia, and SEA markets. I'm assuming this LBX Morizo is the same. It makes sense why us North Americans don't seem to care.

I think the interesting takeaways is the whole “design influences engineering approach” where before they would stretch design over something (Supra). We got a taste of it with the LC but it seems like they want to do it more.

As a Toyota fan this little Lexus confuses me though. First the brand was reliable luxury, then they half stepped into sport luxury, then they announce it’ll be an all electric lineup, then they rebadge that GR GT3 as a Lexus and make this concept. 😂

Lexus needs to pick a direction

 

[mdp5094]

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.

 

[turb0]

The front end is pretty hideous imo, but as an overall package it's pretty unique. Not many competitors in the market. The G16 is a pretty buzzy engine for a luxury car though. Not sure it would fit the vibe they are going for

 

[thespyfactory]

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

 

[racer01]

Same torque as current Morizo. Tricked me for a second too, but saw it is listed in newton-meters. 400nm is 295 ft-lbs.

 

[Sleeper]

Looks pretty solid, and a logical progression for the platform.

 

[thespyfactory]

Same torque as current Morizo. Tricked me for a second too, but saw it is listed in newton-meters. 400nm is 295 ft-lbs.

Sorry was too late when I posted it, but yep Nm.