CONCEPT CARS GIVE US an insight into the future direction a company is taking, and the Lexus LBX Morizo RR Concept, revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon, is no exception.
The intrguing concept of the brand’s all-new urban SUV adds exhilaration to the Lexus Driving Signature of dynamic performance faithful to the driver’s input, showing Lexus is serious about developing exciting cars for customers.
The LBX Morizo RR Concept is powered by a compact, high-output, 1.6-litre three-cylinder (G16E-GTS) petrol engine with intercooler and turbocharger, producing 224kW and 400Nm.
Power is put to the road by a Direct Shift 8-speed automatic transmission and electronically-controlled full-time all-wheel drive to offer plenty of grip, dynamic precision and driving thrills.
The concept is inspired by master driver and Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda, aka Morizo, who says he wanted a spot in his garage for an everyday luxury Lexus that didn’t need to be big in size, but needed to be big on fun.
The distinctive front and rear bumpers stamp the Morizo RR Concept as a special type of LBX, while contributing to superior air flow.
Extended wheel arch mouldings extend overall width by 20mm for a muscular on-road stance, housing darkened multi-spoke 19-inch aluminium wheels wrapped in 235/45 section rubber and brake calipers painted in an eye-catching yellow hue. Overall vehicle height is lowered by 10mm for a reduced centre of gravity and improved dynamics.
The stylish yellow accents are also evident on the upper edge of the spindle grille, which itself features a mesh pattern painted black. Further exterior enhancements include piano black door mouldings
The LBX Morizo RR Concept is presented in dark grey Sonic Chrome, complementing the darkened exterior elements while offsetting the contrasting yellow front moulding and brake calipers. Seatbelts are also yellow.
Lexus is yet to confirm when a production version of the LBX Morizo RR Concept will be offered.
LBX Morizo RR Concept main specifications
Mechanical:
Body: Length 4190mm, Width 1845mm, Height 1535 mm
Engine: 1.6-litre, three-cylinder engine with intercooler and turbocharger, developing 224kW and 400Nm
Transmission: Direct Shift 8AT
Drivetrain: Electronically controlled full-time AWD
Tyre size: 235/45R19
Suspension (front/rear): MacPherson strut/double wishbone
Brakes (front/rear): 18-inch/16-inch ventilated discs
Exterior:
Colour: Sonic Chrome with Black
Front bumper and grille (with exclusive decoration in yellow for the black plated moulding)
Coloured wheel arch moulding/rocker moulding
Door frame moulding (black plated)
Door belt moulding (Piano Black)
19-inch exclusive alloy wheels
Exclusive rear bumper
Exclusive yellow brake calipers
Exclusive “MORIZO RR” emblem
Interior:
Colour: Ochre
Exclusive sports seats
Exclusive alloy pedals
Exclusive yellow seat belts with “MORIZO RR” logo