The Upcoming Lexus Power Move: Swapping a GR Corolla Engine into Luxury’s Lap
If the automotive world were a grand theater, then Toyota’s recent maneuvering could very well be its most dramatic act yet. The notion of a three-cylinder engine doesn’t typically send waves of excitement crashing through the hearts of car enthusiasts. However, when that tiny titan of an engine is Toyota’s 1.6-liter turbocharged beast from the GR Yaris and GR Corolla, ears perk up. The plot thickens with whispers, now escalating to assured conversations, about the next stage for this potent powertrain: a prominent role beneath the bonnet of a Lexus.
The stage was set in January at the Tokyo Auto Salon, where the concept of luxury meets grunt force was unveiled with the Lexus LBX Morizo RR. This wasn’t just any introduction; it was a declaration of potential, a hint at a future where the boundaries between luxury and performance blur even further. Information from insiders and those at the helm in Lexus suggests that the LBX Morizo RR transitioning from an ambitious concept to a tangible powerhouse on the roads has shifted from a possibility to a ‘highly likely’ scenario.
The Heart of the Beast
The essence of the Lexus LBX Morizo RR lies in its heart, a 1.6-liter turbo G16E-GTS engine, famed for its deployment in the GR Corolla Morizo Edition. This engine is not just any power plant; it’s a statement, boasting 300 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Unlike its siblings, which favor the purist’s six-speed manual transmission, the Lexus iteration embraces a more sophisticated touch with an eight-speed, torque converter automatic transmission, an adaptation heralding from the 2024 GR Yaris.
Toyota's chairman, affectionately known within rallying circles as 'Morizo' and formally known as Akio Toyoda, has voiced that the LBX Morizo RR is expected to greet the market in 2024. This isn’t merely corporate speak; it’s a promise from the heart of a man who isn’t just at the helm of a global automotive giant but is also an enthusiast at his core. This model isn’t just about adding another car to Lexus’ portfolio; it’s about making a statement in performance luxury.
A Glimpse into the Luxury Performance Future
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR does more than just carry a powerful engine; it symbolizes the evolving ethos at Toyota and Lexus. It's a clarion call to the industry that fun, dynamic cars can also be embodiments of luxury. The existence of a new R&D center in Japan, designed to mimic the Nürburgring pit lane, underpins this move towards a more exciting future for Lexus (and Toyota) models. Sure, the LBX may not grace North American shores immediately, being that the UX is the smallest Lexus available in the region, but its development is a testament to Lexus’ commitment to innovation and excitement.
Toyota isn’t just stopping with the LBX. The air is buzzing with talks of reviving legends like the Celica and teasing the future with concepts like the FT-Se, hinting at an electric sports car that carries the spirit of the MR2. These are not just cars; they are harbingers of Toyota and Lexus’ ambitious vision for the future, melding performance, innovation, and luxury in ways we’ve only begun to imagine.
In conclusion, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR is not just a car; it’s a beacon of what’s to come. It represents a blend of luxury and performance, a bridge between the legacy of Toyota’s GR models and the refined elegance of Lexus. As the automotive landscape evolves, Lexus stands at the forefront, ready to redefine expectations. The future is not just about going faster or being more luxurious; it’s about reimagining what a car can be. And with Lexus at the helm, it’s bound to be an exhilarating ride.