Students Reimagine Lexus LS as a Toyota Vellfire-Inspired Sedan

Daily Car

·

13/01/2026

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At the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, students from NATS (Nihon Automobile College) unveiled a unique creation: a Lexus LS sedan transformed with styling cues from the Toyota Vellfire minivan. This one-off build, crafted entirely by hand, offers a fascinating counterpoint to Lexus's own explorations into minivan-like vehicles.

Key Takeaways

Students at NATS built a Lexus LS sedan incorporating Toyota Vellfire styling.
The project retains the LS460's V8 engine and rear-wheel-drive layout.
It showcases a creative blend of luxury sedan underpinnings with minivan aesthetics.

A Unique Automotive Mashup

The NATS project, dubbed the "Vellfire Sedan," is based on a 2011 Lexus LS460. The students meticulously integrated parts from the Toyota Vellfire, including its distinctive LED headlights and taillights, and a modified front bumper. The goal was to merge the aggressive, luxurious stance of the LS with the visual identity of the popular Vellfire.

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Design and Modifications

While the core structure of the LS460 remains, the exterior has undergone significant visual changes. The front fascia now sports Vellfire-inspired lighting and a reshaped bumper. The vehicle also features wider fenders, deeper side skirts, and a subtle ducktail spoiler at the rear. It rides on 21-inch WORKS wheels and is lowered using an air suspension system, giving it a decidedly sportier profile than its minivan inspiration.

The interior received a refresh with new upholstery, Eltide seat covers, suede accents on the dashboard, and wood trim on the steering wheel, aiming to maintain a sense of luxury.

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Mechanical Prowess

Underneath the custom bodywork, the Vellfire Sedan remains true to its Lexus roots. It retains the original 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine, producing 365 horsepower and 477 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The rear-wheel-drive configuration is also unchanged, ensuring the car drives like the luxury sedan it started as.

This student-built Vellfire Sedan stands as a testament to creative engineering and hands-on craftsmanship, offering a unique perspective on automotive design at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

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