Lexus is testing a high-performance version of its RX SUV, called the Morizo RR, expected to debut in 2028. Spy photos from Nürburgring reveal a mule featuring wide fenders, large Brembo brakes, and aggressive tires, suggesting a serious challenge to German rivals in the sporty SUV segment.
A More Aggressive and Wider SUV
The prototype caught on camera stands apart from the current RX model, showing clear signs of being a more powerful and track-ready machine. It sports Brembo brake calipers painted red on drilled discs, indicating enhanced stopping power. The wheels are 21-inch multi-spoke units wrapped in staggered Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tires—265/40 at the front and 295/35 at the rear—pointing toward a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and a reinforced chassis.
Although the widened wheel arches and lowered stance appear temporary, these changes hint at a significantly broader, more planted RX compared to today’s version. The lower air intakes borrow from the existing RX 500h F Sport Performance, adding a sportier front look.
Targeting High-Performance German Rivals
The Morizo RR’s aggressive rear design, featuring dual exhaust pipes, and its lowered ride height underscore Lexus’s intent to compete with top-performance SUVs like the Audi RS Q8 and Mercedes-AMG GLE 63. Both German rivals feature powerful V8 engines with over 600 horsepower.
What remains uncertain is the exact powertrain Lexus will use. Reports suggest the Morizo RR could avoid a traditional large V8 in favor of a new hybrid setup. This might include a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine delivering around 400 horsepower, paired with two electric motors—one on each axle—to provide all-wheel drive support. If confirmed, this would mark the most powerful hybrid system ever offered in a production Lexus.
Still a Prototype, Official Confirmation Pending
Currently, Lexus has not officially confirmed the RX Morizo RR project or its availability in Europe. The mule seen testing lacks typical support crews, suggesting early development stages rather than final validation runs. Should the model reach production in 2028 as expected, it may open opportunities for other sporty Lexus models under the Morizo RR branding, including a compact hybrid SUV.
Source: motor.es