Imagine this scenario: you take a practical, fuel-efficient subcompact crossover and swap out its hybrid technology for the powerhouse engine of a legendary hot hatch
Lexus, a brand synonymous with luxury, innovation, and unparalleled craftsmanship, is gearing up for an exhilarating future. With a renewed focus, Lexus is set to captivate enthusiasts and redefine the boundaries of luxury and performance. Lexus of Tauranga has celebrated their third year of presence in the Luxury Automotive Segment in Tauranga and has been fortunate enough to have increased the Lexus market share to a degree where it’s quite common to see a Lexus on the streets of the Tauranga district.
The small team of seven people that staff the Dealership are all very passionate about delivering the “Omotenashi” experience (the ancient Japanese concept that describes ones ability to anticipate the needs of another, even before they arise) and that is reflected in the Dealership having one of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the Lexus Dealer Network. As the brand evolves into the future, the Tauranga Dealership will continue to grow and expand on its established customer base.
At the forefront of this exciting future is the highly anticipated Lexus LBX Morizo RR, a vehicle that is a passion project of the previous CEO Akio Toyoda.
So why “Morizo”? Why “RR”? The Morizo name is derived from the motor-racing pseudonym of Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda. Because of his insistence to participate in racing activities, Akio received harsh criticism, both from within and outside the company.
To make himself less conspicuous and susceptible to criticism, Akio took on the name “Morizo”. He started using the moniker publicly from the 2007 Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race, when he was vice president. The RR stands for Rookie Racing – a racing team founded by Toyota that participates in Japan’s version of Formula 2 and Touring car championships.
One of the most exciting aspects of the LBX Morizo RR is found under the bonnet. That’s because it shares the same 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine found in the Toyota GR Yaris. Developing 206kW and 390Nm, the engine is said to have been tuned by Lexus for the LBX, and keeps the turbo’s wastegate closed “during normal engine operating speed … for instant torque delivery and no turbo lag.” Power is sent to all four wheels through an all-wheel-drive system with an ‘AWD Mode’ that locks the system in a 50:50 front-to-rear split, similar to Track mode in a GR Yaris. Lexus claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 5.2 seconds, with a quoted weight of 1485kg.
Lexus New Zealand Vice President Andrew Davis says the development aim for the LBX MORIZO RR was to create a ‘partner’ that could provide a thrilling out of the ordinary experience and bring a smile to the face of the true enthusiast, someone like Morizo.
Long story short, the LBX Morizo RR will be one very fun car to drive. With electrified models making 82% of overall sales for Lexus in New Zealand, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR marks a bold new chapter for the brand, targeting a younger, more dynamic audience. This compact crossover is more than just a vehicle; it’s a statement of intent from Lexus to innovate and adapt to changing market demands while maintaining its core values of luxury and quality.
Deliveries to customers in New Zealand are expected to commence from February 2025, and customers are encouraged to register their interest with their local Lexus dealership. LBX MORIZO RR pricing will be announced closer to the local launch.
