A Lexus crossover with a manual transmission and a 300-horsepower engine from the GR Corolla sounds like something out of a car enthusiast’s fever dream — but it might actually happen.
The idea of a driver-focused luxury crossover seems almost absurd in today’s market, where everything is automatic, hybridized, and softened for comfort. Yet Toyota’s chairman — and lifelong gearhead — Akio Toyoda (a.k.a. “Morizo”) just dropped a major hint that such a machine could become a reality.
This is the Lexus LBX Morizo RR, and if Lexus builds it the way Toyoda wants, it could redefine what a performance crossover — and maybe Lexus itself — really means.
The LBX Morizo RR Concept: Small but Savage
Unveiled earlier this year, the Lexus LBX Morizo RR is a compact crossover built with an almost rebellious attitude. It’s based on the Europe-market Lexus LBX, which itself shares DNA with the Toyota Yaris Cross — but don’t let that fool you.
This concept isn’t your average entry-level Lexus. Under the hood lies the same 1.6-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine found in the GR Corolla and GR Yaris, delivering around 300 horsepower and paired with all-wheel drive.
That’s right: a 300-hp AWD system in a subcompact crossover platform. It’s essentially the spirit of a rally car, dressed in luxury.
Currently, the concept features an 8-speed automatic transmission, but that could soon change — because the man behind it all wants a manual.
Akio Toyoda Wants a Manual Gearbox — And That Matters
In case you’re new to the story, Akio Toyoda isn’t just a corporate executive; he’s a full-blown racing enthusiast who drives under the pseudonym “Morizo.” He’s the reason cars like the GR Corolla, GR86, and Supra manual exist today.
And now, he’s turning his attention to Lexus.
Toyoda has reportedly been personally involved in the LBX Morizo RR’s development, and he’s gone on record suggesting that a six-speed manual transmission — the same one used in the GR Corolla and GR Yaris — is “seriously being considered.”
If that happens, we’d be looking at something unprecedented: a manual, all-wheel-drive Lexus crossover with rally-bred DNA and luxury finishes.
The name “Morizo RR” itself is a giveaway — “RR” stands for “Racing Rally,” and the concept embodies exactly that philosophy.
Why This Is a Big Deal
Lexus has spent decades perfecting the art of quiet luxury — but lately, Toyota’s premium brand has been exploring a more emotional side. Cars like the IS 500 F Sport Performance (with its 472-hp V8) and the LC 500 have shown that Lexus still knows how to build cars that stir the soul.
But this? This would be a first.
A small, turbocharged, manual Lexus aimed at drivers instead of commuters would completely flip the script on what people expect from the brand.
Imagine the refinement of a Lexus interior paired with the raw engagement of a GR Corolla — Alcantara seats, premium materials, and a six-speed shifter sitting proudly in the middle. It could be the world’s first luxury hot hatch crossover.
And because the drivetrain and transmission already exist in production form, this idea isn’t far-fetched. It’s a parts-bin dream with real potential.
Would It Come to the U.S.?
That’s the million-dollar question.
Right now, the standard Lexus LBX is only confirmed for Europe and Japan. It’s designed as a compact urban crossover for markets that favor smaller vehicles. But the LBX Morizo RR changes the equation — it’s not about practicality; it’s about passion.
If Lexus can position it as a niche halo car, much like the GR Corolla is for Toyota, it could absolutely attract enthusiasts in the U.S. who want something different.
Imagine pulling up in a Lexus that has a clutch pedal and pops off 0–60 runs in under 5 seconds — all while wearing a luxury badge. There’s nothing like it on sale today.
Why a Manual Lexus Makes Perfect Sense
At first glance, a manual Lexus might sound contradictory. But think about it: Toyota already has the engineering foundation, and Akio Toyoda has made it clear he wants Lexus to embrace performance more boldly.
In his words, cars should “connect with the driver emotionally,” not just transport them. The LBX Morizo RR could become the perfect ambassador for that philosophy — an attainable, enthusiast-oriented luxury car that bridges Toyota’s GR lineup with Lexus refinement.
It’s a statement car. And for a brand trying to reinvent itself in a world of EVs and CVTs, there’s no better statement than three pedals and a turbo.
Verdict: The Pocket Rocket Nobody Saw Coming
The Lexus LBX Morizo RR isn’t just a wild concept — it’s a signal of what Lexus could become under Akio Toyoda’s continued influence. It’s bold, unexpected, and exactly the kind of car enthusiasts crave in an era of soulless crossovers.
If it reaches production with a manual transmission, it could be one of the most unique performance vehicles of the decade — a rally-bred, luxury-badged, 300-horsepower crossover that dares to be different.
So is it genius or madness? Maybe both. But one thing’s for sure: if Lexus builds it, every car enthusiast will want a turn behind the wheel.
