Lexus has officially announced the Japan Domestic Market (JDM) specifications for the highly anticipated LBX Morizo RR, a performance variant of their compact SUV, initially showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2024. Starting today, July 18th, Japanese customers can place orders, with the official launch slated for late August. Adding to the exclusivity, a limited run of 100 units of the bespoke LBX Morizo RR “Bespoke Build” will be available through a lottery system. Enthusiasts in Japan can enter the lottery at Lexus dealerships from July 18th to July 31st, with winning applicants to be contacted by their respective dealerships.
Developed in close collaboration with master driver Akio Toyoda, famously known as Morizo, this iteration of the Lexus LBX is engineered to deliver Lexus’s signature refined driving dynamics combined with a sophisticated design language. The LBX Morizo RR is specifically crafted as a high-performance model to amplify driver engagement, spark spontaneous driving enjoyment, and provide an exceptional and thrilling experience beyond the ordinary. At its heart lies a potent 1.6L inline-three intercooler turbo engine (G16E-GTS), promising exhilarating torque and power delivery.
To effectively harness this power, Lexus meticulously refined the fundamental vehicle characteristics. A dedicated platform was specifically developed to strike an optimal balance between agility and robust power. Ensuring superior control across diverse road conditions, the LBX Morizo RR pioneers the world’s first*1 Response-Enhancing Damping Structure (REDS) on the front lower arms. This innovative system enhances responsiveness while effectively managing damping forces. Furthermore, staying true to Lexus’s renowned quietness, extensive source control measures have been implemented to minimize noise and vibration, even under spirited driving scenarios.
Performance is further augmented by the inclusion of features designed to maximize the vehicle’s capabilities. These include a Direct Shift 8AT (8-speed Automatic Transmission) and a LEXUS*2 first – a 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission). Complementing these advanced transmissions is an electronically controlled full-time AWD (All-Wheel Drive) system, further enriching the sporty driving dynamics and ensuring confident handling.
The design philosophy behind the LBX Morizo RR aimed to express both a sense of luxury and a commanding presence that transcends the typical size classifications of vehicles in the LBX category. Inspired by the “Premium Casual” design concept, which encourages owners to seamlessly integrate the vehicle into their daily routines, the design is deeply rooted in its high-performance underpinnings. Exterior enhancements include exclusive front and rear bumpers, striking 19-inch forged wheels, and color-coordinated arch and rocker moldings. These elements collectively accentuate the vehicle’s low center of gravity and widened stance, projecting an assertive road presence. Inside, the interior is meticulously crafted to create a sportier ambiance, fostering an intuitive connection between driver and machine. Dedicated sports seats, aluminum pedals, and carefully chosen interior accents work in harmony to amplify the joy of driving and cultivate an unforgettable sense of vehicle unity.
The “Bespoke Build” program offers customers an unparalleled opportunity to personalize their LBX Morizo RR, crafting a truly unique vehicle from an extensive array of customization options. Exclusive bespoke options, such as signature brake calipers finished in Morizo’s distinctive yellow, are available, further enhancing the personalized ownership experience. The overarching vision for the LBX Morizo RR is to be the epitome of casual luxury – a vehicle that owners eagerly anticipate driving on weekends, akin to reaching for a favorite pair of sneakers, embodying both comfort and exhilarating performance.
*1 World-first for a damping structure applied to front lower arms in production vehicles as of July 2024, based on Lexus research.
*2 Lexus first for Intelligent Manual Transmission in their vehicle lineup.
