Lexus Tempts Us with a Sporty LBX Morizo

Presenting a thermal engine SUV in a positive light in 2024 is not an easy task, but if it foreshadows an even more elevated hybrid…

Presented by Lexus as a concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show in January 2024, this sporty version of the LBX was developed in collaboration with “Morizo”. If you are not yet familiar with this colorful character, a big fan of sports cars, it is none other than Akio Toyoda, the President and CEO of Toyota!

The Japanese’s burning passion for motorsport has long been considered incompatible with the governance of an automotive giant like Toyota. He therefore chose to compete under the pseudonym “Morizo” to discreetly continue to indulge his racing passion. Today, this nickname has become the sports label of Toyota and Lexus, the premium branch of the Japanese manufacturer.

The LBX Morizo RR is equipped with a 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine with an intercooler that develops 304 hp and a torque of 400 Nm. Yes, a “simple” thermal engine, so why talk about it on Mobiwisy? Simply because the LBX is a model designed for hybridization and an electric unit should soon join the thermal unit to offer even more power and torque, and above all reduce CO2 emissions.

To maximize driving pleasure, a 6-speed manual iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) is available in addition to the 8-speed automatic transmission. A permanent all-wheel drive with electronic control is integrated to optimize the sporty driving experience. This base is of course more than suitable for the addition of hybridization. It will be an imperative in view of commercialization in France, as it is understood that this base 100% thermal model stands no chance once penalized by the ecological tax.

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