Lexus LBX Morizo RR enters manufacturing – luxe GR Yaris crossover with 304 PS 1.6T 3-cylinder, 6MT/8AT

On the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this 12 months, Lexus unveiled one thing actually fairly intriguing – a high-performance model of the trendy however fairly tame LBX. Sporting the mechanicals from the highly-acclaimed Toyota GR Yaris and bearing the racing pseudonym of chairman Akio Toyoda, the Morizo RR was billed as an idea however seemed very a lot production-ready, whetting fanatics’ appetites.

Six months later, the corporate’s worst-kept secret is out of the bag – you’re trying on the manufacturing model of the LBX Morizo RR, which matches on sale in Japan in late August priced at 6,500,000 yen (RM193,700). As you’ll be able to think about, the spec sheet seems like a fever dream – the engine, gearbox (choices) and suspension from the facelifted GR Yaris shoved into the physique of an unassuming luxurious B-segment crossover.

The engine is, after all, the venerable 1.6 litre G16E-GTS turbocharged three-cylinder engine. Similar to within the up to date GR Yaris, it’s been fettled a strengthened valvetrain, a brand new exhaust valve materials, higher-pressure direct injection and new pistons with wear-resistant rings and produces a heady 304 PS at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 3,250 and 4,600 rpm.

Additionally lifted from the GR Yaris is a brand new eight-speed Gazoo Racing Direct Automated Transmission, developed to ship the quickest doable downshift and anticipate the suitable gear choice primarily based on brake and throttle enter. It additionally will get heat-resistant clutch materials, a brand new torque management system and a compact, high-response linear solenoid.

To fulfill the purists on the market, the Morizo RR can also be supplied with a six-speed guide gearbox (which will get a brand new dual-mass flywheel) with computerized rev-matching. Extremely, that is the primary Lexus to be bought in Japan with a row-your-own choice.

Sending the facility to all 4 wheels is an electronically-controlled full-time all-wheel-drive system, doubtless associated to the GR Yaris’ GR-4 setup. No phrase on whether or not the Toyota’s Regular, Gravel and Monitor modes have been retained, solely that the torque distribution will be mounted at 50:50 with AWD Mode chosen. You additionally get Torsen limited-slip differentials on the entrance and rear, in addition to an Skilled mode for the soundness management that permits for better slip angles.

Similar to the GR Yaris, you get MacPherson strut entrance and double wishbone rear suspension – this is identical base setup you’ll discover on the common AWD LBX, so there was no want for a complete structure rework as was the case with the Toyota.

It’s not fairly the identical suspension, nevertheless, because the Morizo RR options the world’s first Response-Enhancing Damping Construction (REDS) on the entrance decrease management arms, including thermosetting resin inserts to enhance steering response and suggestions. Torsional rigidity has been elevated via further spot welds and structural adhesives, whereas a efficiency damper has been added to the rear to enhance experience and dealing with.

Noise was a specific level of focus for the Morizo RR, given the automotive’s premium positioning. Sound deadening has been added to the fender liners, boot ground and under-engine cowl – itself coming with a NACA duct for further cooling, whereas the energetic noise cancellation now adapts to driving situations and the drive mode chosen. This corresponds to the engine and exhaust sound as nicely.

All these adjustments end in a automotive with a much more purposeful stance, whereas nonetheless retaining the LBX’s good-looking compact design. The entrance bumper has been opened up with air inlets that enhance cooling, plus horizontal fins that direct air across the entrance wheels. On the rear, the bumper corners have been prolonged to cut back drag, whereas a brand new diffuser integrates the dual spherical exhaust ideas.

General, the Morizo RR is 15 mm wider and 10 mm decrease than the common LBX, hunkering over the 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in 235/45R19 tyres. These cover bigger brakes with two-piece discs on the entrance; they’re slotted and ventilated on the entrance and, on the guide mannequin, on the rear.

Inside, the LBX retains its fashionable inside, replete with its waterfall centre console and 9.8-inch portrait touchscreen. You do, nevertheless, get alloy pedals, a bigger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with numerous show choices and distinctive sports activities seats, the latter upholstered in black semi-aniline leather-based and that includes an built-in foam building to offer sufficient assist even throughout spirited driving.

On the guide automobiles, the centre console has been redesigned to accommodate a great old school guide handbrake to drag some sick slides. Presumably, the AWD system has a rear driveline disconnect just like the GR Yaris to facilitate this.

Except for the “commonplace” Morizo RR, consumers in Japan additionally get the choice of a Bespoke Construct variant, which swaps out the pink brake callipers for yellow ones paying homage to the idea. Inside, you’ll be able to select from quite a lot of color choices, together with Solis White and Ochre, which additionally covers the dashboard and steering wheel. Priced at 7,200,000 yen (RM214,700), the Bespoke Construct will likely be restricted to 100 models, with the fortunate consumers being chosen by way of a lottery system.

Regardless of being bought solely in Japan for now, the Morizo RR is destined for world markets – Lexus Australia has already confirmed that the automotive will make its means Down Underneath subsequent 12 months. Given this, you’ll be able to anticipate it to reach in Malaysia eventually as a counterpoint to the GR Yaris. Would you get the Morizo RR or the unique scorching hatch? Pontificate within the feedback after the bounce.

: 2024.05.16

: 2023.12.25

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