The turbocharged, 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine inaugurated by the rally-bred GR Yaris and likewise discovered within the GR Corolla may make its option to a Lexus. The model put the engine in an idea unveiled earlier in 2024, and a current report claims the mannequin is headed to manufacturing.
Don’t fret if the LBX nameplate would not ring a bell; it is a small, Yaris Cross-based crossover unveiled in 2023 and developed for abroad markets, together with Europe. It isn’t bought in the USA. Whereas there’s nothing genuinely sporty about the usual mannequin, Lexus explored what a hot-rodded LBX may appear like when it launched the LBX Morizo RR idea on the 2024 version of the Tokyo auto present.
It is this idea that might attain manufacturing with an evolution of the triple discovered within the Yaris and the Corolla. John Pappas, the CEO of Lexus Australia, instructed Australian web site Drive {that a} manufacturing model of the Morizo RR is “highly likely but not confirmed.” The outlet notes that Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, who reportedly makes use of the idea as his private automotive, additionally hinted at a manufacturing mannequin in a promotional video.
The Morizo RR makes use of a unique model of the turbo-three than its Toyota-branded cousins. It is rated at 305 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. For context, the GR Corolla supply an identical 300-horsepower output however 273 pound-feet of torque, whereas the up to date GR Yaris posts figures of 280 and 287, respectively. What accounts for the distinction in energy is not clear. Lexus fitted all-wheel-drive and an eight-speed automated transmission, although it is too early to inform whether or not the manufacturing model of the idea would additionally supply a six-speed guide.
Suspension updates, stickier tires, and a muscular-looking physique package additional set the Morizo RR (pictured) other than the regular-production LBX. All instructed, it seems pretty life like; it is not a wild, overly futuristic idea that appears unlikely to see the within of a showroom till 2050.
If the Morizo RR idea receives the proverbial inexperienced mild for manufacturing, we count on to be taught extra about it within the coming months. Nothing suggests the crossover will probably be bought in the USA, the place the usual LBX is not out there, however it will likely be attention-grabbing to see if the 1.6-liter triple makes its option to different members of the Lexus vary — together with some developed with the American market in thoughts — in the end.
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