Lexus LBX Rumored To Get GR Yaris Engine For New Performance Variant Debuting In Tokyo

For the primary time, a non-Toyota car might get GR badging as rumors recommend {that a} high-performance model of the Lexus LBX shall be powered by the GR Yaris’ 1.6-liter engine

The GR Yaris has been such successful globally that its engine was deemed sturdy sufficient to energy the bigger Corolla sizzling hatch in North America. Now, rumors recommend that the engine may also type the premise for a high-performance model of a luxurious car: the Lexus LBX.

Just lately unveiled, the LBX is a premium compact crossover that has grow to be the smallest car within the Lexus lineup. Primarily based on an up to date model of the TNGA-B platform, it already shares its underpinnings with the Toyota Yaris (although it’s extra much like the Yaris Cross).

Proper now, energy comes from a hybridized 1.5-liter, three-cylinder engine that places out 134 hp (100 kW/136 PS). Nonetheless, in a press launch final week, Lexus promised {that a} higher-performance model of the LBX can be unveiled on the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2024, with out clarifying if it’s an idea or a manufacturing mannequin.

Right here’s the quick assertion from Lexus, translated from Japanese: “On the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2024, we are going to showcase a brand new variant of the LBX  with the ability to take pleasure in driving and expertise a rare sense of exhilaration. We’re planning to exhibit a efficiency mannequin with a strengthened powertrain.”

Learn: New Lexus LBX Debuts As Brand’s Smallest Model Ever, Based On Toyota Yaris Cross

Illustrations Carscoops / John Halas

Whereas Lexus shunned divulging particulars in regards to the powertrain, rumors recommend that the mannequin could also be geared up with the GR Yaris’s 1.6 liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine that’s also found in America’s GR Corolla.

That will double the LBX’s output, delivering 268 hp (200 kW/272 PS), and make the crossover the primary non-Toyota car to make use of the engine. The rumor, which comes from Japan’s Magazine-X, additionally means that the Lexus may have GR badging, one other first for a non-Toyota car.

“The high-performance model ready for LBX appears to have been developed with the assistance of the GR firm,” reviews Magazine-X. “The GR brand, which isn’t alleged to be engraved on Lexus automobiles, shall be positioned on the components of the LBX.”

The place that GR badge goes stays to be seen. As an illustration, it isn’t clear that the car shall be known as the GR LBX, however might as a substitute get Lexus’s personal F efficiency naming, with a separate badge that notes that energy comes from Gazoo Racing on the engine, or elsewhere.

In a ultimate twist, the outlet claims that the LBX shall be supplied with both a newly-developed eight-speed automatic, or a six-speed handbook transmission. That will make it the primary Lexus since 2013 to return with three pedals, per Australia’s Drive.

The high-performance LBX can be anticipated to get the identical all-wheel-drive system because the GR Yaris, permitting drivers to maneuver nearly all of the torque ahead or rearward. It’ll additionally get wider wheels, larger wheel wells to comprise them, and different visible updates that assist convey that it has extra energy.

Sadly, it isn’t but clear when the mannequin will hit the highway, however with a attainable unveiling deliberate for January, we gained’t have to attend too lengthy to search out out.

Word: This story comprises unbiased illustrations which haven’t any relation to Lexus

The usual manufacturing Lexus LBX was introduced earlier this yr