A Minivan Found Itself in a Lexus Body and Chose to Embrace It | Carscoops

      A student team has created a Lexus inspired by the Vellfire, featuring minivan aesthetics, large wheels, and personalized details.

      

      July 19, 2025, at 21:01

      

      by Thanos Pappas

      

      NATS college has unveiled their latest student-built creations for the Tokyo Auto Salon.

      Among the highlights is a sedan modeled after the Toyota Vellfire, based on a Lexus LS.

      The V8 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission are anticipated to remain unchanged.

      What if a well-known minivan were to take the shape of a sedan? This is the exploration embarked upon by students at NATS (Nihon Automobile College) as they transform a Lexus into a vehicle influenced by the Toyota Vellfire. Instead of using digital designs, the team has opted for a practical approach by constructing the car from scratch.

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      The Toyota Vellfire Sedan is one of three distinctive projects currently underway by NATS students ahead of this year’s Tokyo Auto Salon. They are also restoring a Nissan Gloria to be modified into a lowrider and converting a Daihatsu Copen into a mini-Supra Spider. All three projects are progressing, with plans to finish them for the show in December.

      A Lexus Foundation with a Vellfire Influence

      

      Among the trio, the Vellfire Sedan is notable for its unique combination of sedan dimensions and minivan design elements. The foundation for this build is a Lexus LS460, part of the fourth generation produced between 2006 and 2017. This full-size luxury sedan now serves as the basis for a much more unconventional creation.

      The plan includes installing LED headlights from the Toyota Vellfire onto the Lexus, along with a custom front bumper featuring a large grille and sporty air intakes. The key challenge will be integrating the minivan’s lighting elements with the sedan's fenders, but based on past NATS projects, the students have the expertise required to succeed.

      NATS

      The side profile will be enhanced with 21-inch wheels from WORKS and a lowered height achieved through air suspension. At the rear, streamlined full-width LED taillights will replicate the Vellfire's design, complemented by a discreet ducktail spoiler and an updated bumper.

      Inside, the vehicle will feature new white upholstery, likely paired with a technological upgrade that includes modern infotainment and audio systems.

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      It's uncertain whether NATS will implement any mechanical changes apart from the air suspension. The base vehicle is equipped with a naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 that produces 375 hp (280 kW / 381 PS) and 493 Nm (364 lb-ft) of torque. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, a setup that is expected to remain as is.

      NATS is anticipated to share more images and videos as the construction progresses, leading to its official introduction at the Tokyo Auto Salon. We'll continue to monitor updates and share additional information as the project develops.