Lexus Is Making Its Tiny Performance Crossover Even CrazierAutoblogSebastian CenizoThu, September 10, 2026 at 1:15 PM UTCAdd us on GoogleAutoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.It's forbidden fruit in America, but Lexus is working on a more extreme version of the already-racy LBX Morizo RR. New spy shots gathered by the Autoblog spies have captured a pre-production LBX Morizo RR prototype testing at the Nürburgring in Germany, and while camouflage is meant to throw us off the scent, it's the camouflage that draws our attention to a new addition. Besides the bumpers, rocker panels, and roof spoiler, this development mule has also had vinyl applied to its roof. The covering isn't hiding a panoramic glass roof, as engineers tend to leave these exposed to measure cabin temperatures and UV levels. Instead, the LBX Morizo RR seems to be hiding a lightweight carbon fiber roof.Lexus LBX Morizo RR Gleaning From Gazoo Racing Hot HatchesAutoblog/SH ProshotsView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThe existing Lexus LBX Morizo RR takes its name from Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda, who raced under the pseudonym 'Morizo,' and he was instrumental in creating the Toyota GR Yaris and GR Corolla from which this hot Lexus crossover draws. Under the hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft, figures familiar to the GR Corolla. And now, like the Gazoo Racing hot hatches, it appears that the LBX Morizo RR is gaining access to a lighter roof, but Lexus isn't stopping there. Our spies report that the bumper has been spotted with a small piece of vinyl camo missing, revealing a carbon fiber finish underneath, specifically around the license plate area. That suggests that the entire rear bumper, including its vented diffuser panel, will be made of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic, just like the roof and, presumably, its spoiler. Since the front end is also concealed, we can only assume the composite material may be used on both ends, and possibly even the other camouflaged areas. It seems Lexus is preparing a more lightweight, extreme version of the LBX, and if so, suspension, steering, and braking tweaks may also be in development.Autoblog's TakeAutoblog/SH ProshotsThis Lexus LBX sighting doesn't matter much to Americans because the crossover isn't sold here in any form, but it's important for the Lexus brand. The marque is currently working on a Morizo RR version of the RX SUV, which is sold in the U.S. and other markets, and increasing the number of performance-oriented Lexus models on offer helps each market the other. Toyota has been developing exciting new engines that would suit both this LBX and the GR Corolla, as well as bigger units with the grunt needed for a larger performance SUV, a mid-engine sports car, and more. As this performance portfolio expands, so will Lexus' opportunities to keep growing.Autoblog/SH ProshotsView the 3 images of this gallery on the original articleThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
+74 others
