Yahoo Autos Lexus LBX Morizo RR Packs 300 Horsepower and a Six-Speed Manual
Lexus is putting the LBX Morizo RR concept into production, but only for the Japanese market.
The Morizo RR has the GR Corolla's 300-hp turbocharged three-cylinder powering all four wheels.
While the concept only had an eight-speed automatic transmission, the production car is also offered with a six-speed stick shift.
Lexus caught our attention at the Tokyo auto show in January when it unveiled the LBX Morizo RR concept, a spicier version of the Japanese luxury automaker's tiniest crossover. Along with sharp styling, the Morizo RR concept shared its 300-hp turbocharged three-cylinder heart with the enthralling Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch. Now, Lexus has decided to put the Morizo RR into production, but like the tamer variants of the LBX crossover the RR will remain forbidden fruit for American enthusiasts, destined exclusively for the Japanese market.
As the Morizo RR—named for the alias used by former CEO and current chairman Akio Toyoda while racing—transitions to production, not much has changed from the original concept. The GR Corolla's turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder remains the crossover's motivating force, but while the concept was shown exclusively with an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the production car's auto will be joined by the optional six-speed manual found in the sporty Corolla. The engine's 300-horsepower output is sent to all four wheels thanks to an electronically controlled full-time all-wheel-drive system.
The production Morizo RR looks identical to the concept with a wide, squat stance. The front bumper gets chunky air intakes while the grille aperture is larger and finished in black for a more menacing look. The wheel arches are painted to match the body instead of the black plastic on the standard LBX. The rear bumper gets two prominent exhaust tips. The LBX Morizo RR also rides on intricate 19-inch forged wheels.
Inside, the Morizo RR packs sports seats, aluminum pedals, and red stitching. Lexus will also offer 100 units of the LBX Morizo RR through the automaker's "Bespoke Build" program, which opens up an array of options to let shoppers customize their car. This will include flashy yellow brake calipers and multiple choices for interior colors, seat materials, seatbelt colors, and stitching. Orders for the RR can be placed now in Japan, with the Bespoke Build cars being distributed via a lottery.
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