The sporty crossover will embrace carbon fiber to lose weight

Spy photographers recently snapped a more extreme version of the Lexus LBX Morizo RR and now a prototype has been spied alongside the regular model. If that wasn’t interesting enough, they even got a look inside.

While the front end appears to largely carryover, a closer inspection reveals a subtle lower lip on the high-performance variant. It’s a small, but telltale sign this isn’t the regular crossover.

More: The Most Extreme Lexus Crossover Could Borrow Even More Cues From The GR Corolla

We can also see camouflage on the roof, which suggests it could be made out of lightweight carbon fiber. While this is a tad unusual for a crossover, carbon roofs have been a mainstay on higher-end versions of the Toyota GR Corolla.

The changes continue at the rear as previous pictures have suggested the crossover is equipped with a carbon fiber bumper. That isn’t the only modification as there appears to be functional vents between the dual exhaust system.

Higher up, there’s a new spoiler that could also be made out of carbon fiber. It features a split design with two central supports and an air passage between levels.

The interior is instantly recognizable, but it looks like the prototype has been equipped with lightweight sport seats featuring leather and suede upholstery. They’re joined by red contrast stitching and what appears to be carbon fiber trim on the center console.

Other highlights should include a digital instrument cluster and a 9.8-inch infotainment system. We can also expect aluminum pedals, a heated steering wheel, a dual-zone climate control system, a wireless smartphone charger, and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

While the latest variant is focused on weight reduction, it remains unclear if it will get a performance boost. If Lexus decides to leave the powertrain untouched, we can expect a turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine producing 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.

The prototype has been equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the regular model also offers a six-speed manual, so it would be surprising if the performance variant didn’t follow suit. All-wheel drive is also a given and we can likely expect the new version to eclipse the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of 5.2 seconds.