Lexus has unveiled a high-performance model of the brand new LBX crossover on the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Known as the Morizo RR Thought, it swaps the LBX’s 134bhp 1.5-litre hybrid powertrain for the G16E-GTS engine from the Toyota GR Yaris. Mated to a brand new eight-speed automated gearbox, the turbocharged three-pot sends 300bhp and 295lb feet to all 4 wheels. That is up at the 276bhp and 288lb feet that it produces within the facelifted GR Yaris.

The LBX’s suspension has been remodeled, with the crossover now sitting 10mm decrease and 20mm wider. The revised aerodynamics take inspiration from air racing and provides the fashion a extra competitive glance.

Yellow accents additionally characteristic all the way through the auto as a connection with Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, whose racing regulate ego ‘Morizo’ makes use of it as a signature color. It options above the grille, at the brake calipers and at the seatbelts.

Lexus has but to verify whether or not the Morizo RR Thought will make it to manufacturing, but it surely may well be that the sudden good fortune of the GR Yaris – which has sealed it as an everlasting fixture within the logo’s line-up – has reinforced the case for a brand new performance-focused Lexus.

That Toyoda, who performed an energetic position within the construction of the Morizo RR, refers to it as his favorite Lexus (and his “pal”) is an additional trace on the automobile’s potentialities of attaining showrooms.

Its unveiling comes months after new Toyota CEO Koji Sato, who in the past led the Gazoo Racing (GR) motorsport department, hinted that the company may just boost up construction of its sports activities automobiles.

Sato mentioned: “Our Grasp Motive force [Akio Toyoda] was once additionally president of the corporate concurrently he had a guidance wheel in his hand for Gazoo. Now he’s simplest chairman, perhaps he’s going to have much more time to expand automobiles for them.”