Lexus launches LBX with GR Yaris engine in Japan

Thanks to Toyota, the GR Yaris really gets the most out of its investment. The car is back for a second generation, when it first blew all expectations out of the water, the engine powers the GR Corolla that has North America absolutely drooling, and now the amazing triple turbo G16E-GTS has hit the market. Lexus LBX.

First introduced as a concept as recently as January, the LBX Morizo ​​RR is now a production reality. In Japan at the moment, though given how much it shares with the Yaris – and the penchant for predatory SUVs here – there’s no reason why it couldn’t come to other markets. If the Yaris seemed like a wonderful throwback to the days of Japanese rallying, then the LBX also seems to resurrect that other great tradition of wonderfully stupid engines in unlikely places. There’s been the Nissan Stagea wagon with the RB26 inline six, a number of very boring non-Type R Civics with screaming VTECs, and now a small Lexus crossover with the world’s most powerful three-cylinder under the hood. Fantastic.

The LBX actually features the most powerful 1.6 variant to date, now churning out 304bhp – over 100bhp per cylinder! – and 295 lb ft, where the new Yaris is rated at 280 hp and 288 lb ft. (The Corolla had 300 hp and 273 lb ft.) It will be offered with an eight-speed automatic or, quite remarkably for Lexus, a six-speed manual. It appears that the Morizo ​​RR can hit 62 mph in 5.2 seconds, presumably with an automatic. This LBX is 15mm wider and 10mm lower than the standard LBX and weighs 1,440kg with the six-speed or 1,470kg with the eight-speed.

It’s more than just an engine swap. Lexus says the LBX’s response-enhanced damper structure on the front suspension arms is a world-first, increasing both responsiveness (the clue’s in the name, huh) and refinement (because it’s still Lexus). This RR, perhaps unexpectedly named, also boasts a number of measures “to suppress noise and vibration even during sporty driving”. Strange.

That being said, any Toyota or Lexus with “Morizo” written on the boot is getting information from Akio Toyoda, so there’s plenty to be excited about too. There are 19-inch forged wheels, bigger brakes, improved cooling and all-wheel drive that “enhances the sporty driving experience”. Normally you’d take these claims with a grain of salt when it comes to a car like this, although enough has been achieved with similar cars that some enthusiasm is understandable.

Kunihiko Endo, RR Chief Engineer, said: “For the LBX MORIZO RR, our goal was to create a vehicle that true car enthusiasts like Morizo ​​love. A driving companion that deeply engages the sensory pleasures of sound and smell and ultimately brings a smile to their face. Extensively developed at the Toyota Shimoyama Technical Center and at various circuits alongside professional driver Masahiro Sasaki, this car typically provides a relaxed and casual driving experience. However, when you step on the gas pedal for spirited driving, it delivers performance that exceeds expectations. Stay tuned for this high-performance model that promotes a pleasant dialogue with the car, brings smiles and an exciting feeling of being special. Sign up with us and immediately experience the exciting feeling of being extraordinary.

The LBX is now on sale in Japan with an open lottery for 100 units of the Bespoke Build model, which allows for further personalization. However, the standard one seems to be a regular production model. Now is the time to do the same in the UK. Don’t pretend you weren’t a little impressed by Lexus’ 300bhp six-speed manual pocket rocket…