Lexus to offer hi-po LBX in NZ

Lexus is bringing its LBX Morizo RR to NZ. Think of it as a luxury GR Yaris and you’re on the right track. 

This particular version of the littlest Lexus is powered by a turbocharged 1.6 litre triple with a handy 206kW and 390Nm. That’s sent to all wheels via an eight-speed auto. Torsen LSDs are used front and rear. 

The RR is 15mm wider than the hybrid LBX, the blistered arches housing 19-inch alloys. It rides lower, while the driver’s seat height has also been reduced to ‘create a greater sense of unity with the car’.

The chassis has been given a shot of rigidity with more spot welds (469 more than the regular LBX), underbody bracing and an additional 12.8m of structural adhesive.

Lexus says all the ‘key elements of the car have been honed for performance, including the body, suspension, brakes and tyres’. The aeros were said to be tuned with the help of Lexus Pathfinder Air Racing.

This LBX was developed by ‘Master Driver’ Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation. When Toyoda takes to the race track, he is known by his alter ego, Morizo, hence the naming of this car. The RR in the nameplate refers to Rookie Racing.

Apparently, the LBX Morizo RR is what Akio uses on the weekend.

“The LBX Morizo RR is kind of a casual luxury, the car is as comfortable as my sneakers,” says Toyoda. “People think that big is luxury and small is economical. But that is not true. To me smaller cars are more fun to drive. This LBX is a special edition with more high performance. The 1.6L inline-three intercooled turbo engine delivers exhilarating torque and power. Fun to drive is not just about driving, it is the sound, the smell, all the ingredients.”

Deliveries to customers in New Zealand are expected to commence from February 2025 with pricing still TBC.