Racy Lexus RX prototype spied, may be brand’s next Morizo RR model

The Lexus RX could follow in its LBX little brother’s footsteps and gain a high-performance Morizo RR variant, named after Toyota chairman and certified petrolhead Akio Toyoda.

An RX prototype has been spied by our photographers, wearing the more aggressive front-end styling of the existing RX500h F Sport Performance flagship but with widened fenders to support a wider track.

There are also pronounced dual exhaust outlets, and bright red Brembo brakes with cross-drilled discs.

It rides on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV tyres – 265/40 ZR 21 examples up front, 295/35 21s at the rear – wrapped around thin 15-spoke gloss-black alloy wheels.

Overseas reports suggest the RX Morizo RR will be released in 2028 and feature a next-generation 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid powertrain with dual electric motors and a total system output of over 600 hp (447kW).

This will give Lexus a rival to the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S, which uses a 450kW/850Nm twin-turbo mild-hybrid 4.0-litre V8 powertrain.

It’s unclear if this will feature a traditional plugless hybrid powertrain like the RX350h and RX500h F Sport Performance, or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system like the RX450h+… or, indeed, the controversial four-cylinder Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance.

Lexus’ current flagship RX is the RX500h F Sport Performance all-wheel drive hybrid, which mates a 202kW/460Nm turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a six-speed automatic transmission and 64kW front and 76kW rear electric motors for a total system output of 273kW.

It has a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.2 seconds.

Beyond a potential new performance flagship, the RX is set to receive updates for 2027.

Previous spy photos have revealed a largely unchanged exterior, but the interior may receive a revised dashboard to align the RX with the newer ES and TZ.

The current, fifth-generation RX entered production in 2022, and arrived here in 2023.

Lexus typically redesigns its RX large SUV every five to seven years, so it’s about time for a mid-life update.

It’s unclear if Lexus will stretch out the current RX’s lifecycle, something many manufacturers are doing to keep development costs down as they invest in new technology and electric vehicles (EVs).

The RX was Lexus Australia's second-best seller last year with 2126 deliveries, making it one of the top five best-selling large luxury SUVs. The smaller NX mid-size SUV outsold it by almost three-to-one, however, with 6024 deliveries.

MORE: Explore the Lexus RX showroom