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Lexus, Toyota’s upscale division, is rumored to tap into the high-performance GR Corolla’s engine for an upcoming compact crossover, making it a noteworthy sharing of resources between the luxury and performance segments of the company.
The G16E-GTS engine, a signature of Gazoo Racing, was installed in a Lexus LBX for the personal enjoyment of Akio Toyoda, resulting in the LBX Morizo RR Concept. This concept crossover, which bears the name of Toyoda’s racing pseudonym, received a yellow-accented, 1.6-liter turbo three-cylinder engine along with performance-focused suspension and all-wheel drive upgrades, aligning it with other GR models in spirit and engineering.
Revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon within “Morizo’s Garage,” the LBX Morizo RR concept was initially a showpiece that seemed to epitomize Akio Toyoda’s vision of a compact yet powerful and luxurious crossover. However, Lexus Australia’s CEO, John Pappas, hinted to Drive that production of this vehicle is almost a certainty.
Lexus
When the standard Lexus LBX made its debut in 2023, Toyoda mentioned that the Morizo edition could be expected the following year, confirming earlier speculations reported by Drive magazine.
Pappas goes on to say that if the LBX Morizo RR does hit production lines, the Australian market would be a key destination, thanks to the ease of importation from Japan due to both nations using right-hand drive configurations. This, however, implies a low probability of the vehicle reaching the U.S. market.
The Lexus LBX is a sibling to the Toyota Yaris Cross sold in international markets, which also received attention from Gazoo Racing in the form of the Yaris Cross GR Sport. Despite its sporty moniker, this model did not inherit the powerful GR three-cylinder engine. The new Lexus LBX Morizo RR may correct this by equipping it with the famed 300-horsepower powerplant.
In the U.S., the smallest Lexus crossover offering is the UX, and there are no signs of this changing in the immediate future. The potential advent of the LBX Morizo RR, boasting the G16E-GTS engine’s robust 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, certainly stirs excitement. Unique to this Lexus is an eight-speed automatic transmission which offers quicker shifts than the manual variant in the GR Corolla. Such prowess reaffirms the LBX Morizo RR’s legitimate GR DNA, making its absence from the American market particularly disappointing for enthusiasts.
Lexus
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FAQs About The GR Corolla’s Engine in a Lexus Crossover
- What is the GR Corolla’s engine?
The GR Corolla’s engine is a G16E-GTS 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. - What is the Lexus LBX Morizo RR?
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR is a concept crossover equipped with the GR Corolla’s engine, boasting luxury and performance upgrades. - Is the Lexus LBX Morizo RR going into production?
Australia’s Lexus CEO indicates it’s highly likely, although it was first unveiled as a concept car. - Will the Lexus LBX Morizo RR be available in the United States?
Due to the right-hand drive configuration, the likelihood of the Lexus LBX Morizo RR making it to the U.S. market is low.
Conclusion
The potential realization of the Lexus LBX Morizo RR, integrating the power and performance dynamics of Gazoo Racing’s GR Corolla engine, exemplifies a tantalizing cross-divisional synergy within Toyota. While still a tentative prospect, its arrival in production form could redefine expectations for luxury crossovers, blending opulence with the exhilarating drive typically reserved for performance-oriented vehicles. However, fans in the U.S. might have to appreciate this thrilling combination from afar, as current indications point to markets closer to Japan as the primary beneficiaries of this high-powered Lexus creation.
