the latest version with the GR Yaris engine?

We’d all love to see the GR Yaris engine in other models. And that may be about to happen. In any case, that’s what some rumors suggest. The small Lexus LBX may be entitled to this smaller engine and more impressive performance.

Is it a Lexus sports SUV?

In fact, Lexus has already called us. Unveiled as a concept in January at the Tokyo Motor Show, the LBX Morizo ​​RR has a good chance of being produced in a large series.
Now the small Lexus crossover with a powerful “G16E-GTS” engine has been practically confirmed. It should actually be sold in certain markets. Ours colleagues from Drive magazine spoke to Lexus Australia CEO John Pappas. The latter said the LBX Morizo ​​RR will “likely” go into production soon.
However, he added that the Lexus LBX power derivative based on the Yaris crossover has not yet received the actual green light. And whatever happens, we shouldn’t expect to see it reach Europe… At least not France.
Especially since it will be a new model since the Yaris Cross was not available in a sports version. Only the GR Sport which gives it the look of the GR model, but not the performance, saw the light of day.

Will it go on sale from 2024 in certain markets?

The LBX in the sports version released at the beginning of the year in Japan had a 300 horsepower engine from the GR Corolla. On the other hand, the block developed 400 Nm of the GR Corolla Morizo ​​Edition.
The only downside is that there is no six-speed manual gearbox for this Lexus SUV. The LBX with sports engine is only offered with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The same transmission found in the redesigned GR Yaris launched in 2024. If finally confirmed, the edgy derivative of the Lexus LBX will have more than twice the power of the previous model.
The latter makes 136 horsepower from its 1.5-liter hybrid engine. Another important, but less interesting difference, the LBX hybrid will be sold in France. On the other hand, it is less likely that its version inspired by GR Yaris and GR Corolla will come to the list of brands in France.

And for good reason, ecological punishment would probably win him over. However, given the Toyota group’s opinion on hot engines, it’s better to never say never!