► The Lexus LBX gets a dose of fun
► Thanks to Akio Toyoda
► And a turbocharged three-cylinder engine
What do you get if you cross the sensible Lexus LBX with the new, unhinged Toyota GR Yaris? Well, you get this; the rather ridiculous LBX Morizo RR Concept. The brainchild of Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota (who goes by the name Morizo when he’s driving) it was revealed at the Tokyo Auto Salon with specs as silly as you’d hope.
What’s it powered by?
The Morizo RR uses a turbocharged in-line three cylinder engine that delivers 300bhp @6500 revs (that’s around 20bhp more than the new Yaris) – to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic ‘box.
The rest of the car has been upgraded to deal with the new performance too, so the LBX’s body, suspension and tyres have all been overhauled. Aero has been improved too, with engineers drawing inspiration and technology from the world of high-speed air racing.
In addition to the performance bump, Toyota and Lexus engineers have also added some small visual differences to the car’s exterior. Toyoda – or Morizo’s – signature yellow colour has been added at key parts of the car such as the top of the grille, brake calipers and seatbelts.