Lexus LBX may get engine from GR Corolla hot hatch

Under the hood of the “charged” version of the compact crossover of the Japanese brand there may be a 1.6-liter petrol turbo engine.

< p>Lexus presented its LBX SUV in early June of this year, the letter index stands for Lexus Breakthrough Crossover: the company explained that the model should become a “breakthrough” (translation of breakthrough from English) for the business of the Japanese brand in Europe. In the hierarchy of the brand, this small and most affordable crossover is one step below the Lexus UX.

In the photo: Lexus LBX < p>The closest relative of the Lexus LBX is the European Toyota Yaris Cross SUV, while the geography of the LBX is wider: it is also intended for Japan and a number of other countries. As Kolesa.ru reported earlier, according to the company's plan, the full-scale launch of a compact SUV on the market should take place early next year.

The new product will have a “charged” version, this information has already been confirmed by the company. True, the manufacturer did not provide details about the “filling” of this design. The Japanese publication Mag-X suggested that the “hot” Lexus LBX crossover will be equipped with the same engine that is in the range of the current Toyota GR Yaris hatchback (for the domestic market), as well as the GR Corolla.

We are talking about an in-line three-cylinder petrol turbo engine G16E with a volume of 1.6 liters, which is under the hood of the basic “charged” Yaris in Japan produces 272 hp (its maximum torque is 370 Nm). And in the Toyota GR Corolla, the same engine produces a maximum of 304 hp. (and the same 370 Nm). The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission with automatic speed adjustment when switching.

In the photo: Lexus LBX interior

Let us remind you that in Europe the Lexus LBX is available only as a hybrid, while the SUV shares the technology with the Toyota Yaris Cross. The power plant is based on a three-cylinder 1.5-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, working in tandem with an electric motor and an electromechanical CVT. In the LBX, the system power is 136 hp and the torque is 185 Nm (in turn, the “donor” has 116 hp and 120 Nm). The all-wheel drive LBX has a separate electric motor on the rear axle.

Under the hood of the Toyota GR Corolla

“Regular “The Lexus LBX SUV takes 9.2 seconds to accelerate from zero to “hundreds.” Obviously, a “charged” crossover will be able to complete this exercise faster. For example, the “hot” Toyota GR Yaris with a 272-horsepower turbo engine reaches the first “hundred” in less than 5.5 seconds.

Earlier, the manufacturer said that the “charged” version of the Lexus LBX will be presented in January next year at the Tokyo Motor Show. We will probably learn details about the “filling” of this SUV as part of the presentation.

Lexus in Europe relies not only on crossovers: for example, in the spring the luxury Lexus LM minivan entered this market. It is available with either six or four seats. Last month, this model appeared on the home market.