How Are Students at NATS Turning a Lexus into a Toyota Vellfire-Inspired Sedan?
Imagine a luxury sedan with the bold face of a minivan. That’s exactly what students at Nihon Automobile College (NATS) are building for the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon. Instead of sticking to digital concepts, these students are rolling up their sleeves and transforming a fourth-generation Lexus LS460 into a one-off sedan inspired by the Toyota Vellfire—a vehicle more commonly seen as a plush family hauler than a sporty four-door.
Their approach is refreshingly hands-on. The team is not just swapping badges or tweaking a few panels; they’re reimagining the entire front end, adapting the Vellfire’s signature LED headlights and oversized grille onto the Lexus. The challenge? Fusing minivan design cues with the elegant lines of a luxury sedan. It’s a mashup that shouldn’t work, but with NATS’ reputation for creative builds, there’s a good chance they’ll pull it off.
What Makes This Build Stand Out from Other Student Projects?
This Vellfire sedan isn’t the only wild idea NATS is bringing to the Tokyo Auto Salon. Alongside it, students are reviving a classic Nissan Gloria as a lowrider and crafting a mini-Supra Spider from a Daihatsu Copen. But the Vellfire-Lexus hybrid stands out for its sheer audacity. It’s not every day you see a full-size luxury sedan dressed up with minivan styling, complete with 21-inch WORKS wheels and a lowered air suspension stance.
The project’s uniqueness lies in its blend of comfort, performance, and visual drama. The Lexus LS460 donor car brings a 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 to the table, churning out 375 horsepower and 364 lb-ft of torque—numbers that would make most minivans blush. Yet, the students are keeping the mechanicals mostly stock, focusing on aesthetics, stance, and interior upgrades. It’s a lesson in restraint: sometimes, the best custom builds don’t need wild engine swaps to make a statement.
How Are the Students Tackling the Design and Engineering Challenges?
Merging the Vellfire’s bold lighting and grille with the Lexus’ refined fenders is no small feat. The students are fabricating a custom front bumper, integrating sporty intakes and ensuring the new headlights flow seamlessly into the bodywork. Around back, they’re adding slimmer, full-width LED taillights reminiscent of the Vellfire, plus a subtle ducktail spoiler and a reworked bumper.
Inside, the transformation continues with fresh white upholstery and likely a suite of modern tech—think upgraded infotainment and audio systems. The lowered air suspension not only gives the car a dramatic stance but also hints at the students’ attention to both form and function. It’s a balancing act: pushing boundaries while keeping the car usable and roadworthy.
Why Do Student Builds Like This Matter in the Automotive World?
Projects like the NATS Vellfire sedan are more than just eye candy for car shows. They’re a proving ground for the next generation of automotive designers, engineers, and fabricators. By working with real vehicles, students learn to navigate the messy, unpredictable world of custom car building—where not everything fits, and creative problem-solving is a must.
Industry insiders often keep a close watch on these student builds. According to a 2023 survey by the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, over 60% of automotive employers value hands-on project experience when hiring new graduates. These projects also foster teamwork, time management, and communication skills—traits that matter just as much as technical know-how.
What Can We Expect Next from the NATS Team?
As the Tokyo Auto Salon approaches, NATS is expected to release more images and videos documenting the build’s progress. Past projects from the college have gone viral for their creativity and craftsmanship, and this year’s lineup looks set to continue that trend. The Vellfire sedan, in particular, is generating buzz not just for its looks but for what it represents: a willingness to break the mold and try something truly different.
If you’re following the world of custom cars, keep an eye out for updates from NATS. Their builds often inspire both amateur enthusiasts and seasoned pros, showing what’s possible when you combine technical skill with a dash of imagination.
What’s the Real Takeaway for Car Enthusiasts and Builders?
The big takeaway? Custom car building isn’t about perfection—it’s about smarter adjustments. Start with one change this week, and you’ll likely spot the difference by month’s end. Whether you’re a student, a hobbyist, or just someone who loves seeing wild ideas come to life, the NATS Vellfire sedan proves that bold thinking and a hands-on approach can turn even the most unlikely mashups into something unforgettable.