Nat Huynh’s Lexus Ls460 has been turning heads in the VIP car scene for years, and it’s not hard to see why. Long admired for its meticulous execution and bold styling, this LS460 transcends typical VIP builds, offering a unique blend of luxury, performance, and head-turning aesthetics. While VIP style often evokes strong opinions, Nat’s LS460 stands as a testament to how impactful and tastefully done this automotive subculture can be. This isn’t just about stance; it’s a comprehensive transformation that integrates a supercharger into the mix, elevating it far beyond mere static display.
Before diving into the details, the location chosen for showcasing this automotive masterpiece deserves mention. Eschewing the overly familiar Alameda Naval Air Station, the photographer initially considered other spots before ultimately realizing its unique suitability. The backdrop of boats and the San Francisco skyline at sunset perfectly complement the “boat-like” proportions of the VIP-styled Lexus LS460. The area’s diverse scenery, from waterfront views to industrial relics, provides an ideal canvas for capturing the LS460’s multifaceted personality.
However, the true focus is undeniably the car itself. The first striking feature of Nat’s VIP-style Lexus LS460 is its captivating paint. Moving away from the original white, Nat opted for a custom candy ‘brandywine’ finish. This color choice dramatically changes the car’s character depending on the light. Previously seen in less direct light, the full vibrancy of the red hue was initially understated.
As daylight fades, the brandywine transforms, deepening into a rich, wine-like red, further enhancing the luxurious and sophisticated presence of the LS460. This evolving color palette mirrors the car’s overall development; Nat has continuously refined and perfected this LS460, shaping it into a personalized vision of automotive art.
Exterior Elegance: The VIP Treatment
Beyond the paint, a VIP build hinges on key elements: a striking body kit, meticulously chosen wheels, and, of course, the signature stance. Nat’s LS460 masterfully incorporates all of these.
The aggressive Black Pearl body kit, expertly installed by Josh White of Priola Bodyshop, seamlessly integrates with the Wald fenders and widened rear body. This combination creates a powerful and cohesive visual statement. Adding to the refined aggression is an F Sport front end conversion. This subtle yet impactful change aligns perfectly with the overall aesthetic direction of the car, enhancing its sporty and luxurious character.
The wheel choice is critical, and Nat’s selection of Work Wheels W10Ms is spot-on. Sized at 21×10.5 inches on all four corners, these wheels perfectly complement the LS460’s large frame. The carefully calculated offsets ensure the desired stance, achieving a subtle tuck in the rear that brings this large sedan impressively close to the ground.
To achieve the desired stance, Air Runner OTG suspension is employed. The controls are discreetly integrated within the cabin, allowing for easy and on-the-fly ride height adjustments. Even at a more practical, raised ride height, the LS460 maintains an undeniably commanding and stylish presence.
Moving to the rear, the Black Pearl bodywork continues its seamless flow, culminating in a molded ducktail spoiler. This addition gives the once rounded lines of the LS460 a more assertive and complete rear profile, solidifying its VIP aesthetic from every angle.
Nat’s LS460 stands apart from many stanced cars that often appear unfinished or perpetually in progress. This build exudes a sense of completion and refinement. It’s a car that is not only visually stunning but also fully functional and enjoyable to drive, a testament to Nat’s dedication and vision.
Interior Sanctuary: Refined VIP Luxury
Stepping inside Nat’s LS460 reveals an interior that perfectly complements the exterior’s VIP theme. It’s an environment that whispers luxury and bespoke craftsmanship.
While many show cars overwhelm with excessive modifications, Nat has taken a more sophisticated approach. He retained the high-quality elements of the original 2007 LS460 interior and enhanced them to align with the VIP aesthetic, rather than replacing them wholesale. This approach results in a cleaner, more refined, and genuinely luxurious cabin.
The seats and door panels have been meticulously restitched, accompanied by custom floor mats, creating a cohesive and upscale feel. The quality of the interior work is so high it almost feels inappropriate to enter with shoes on.
A subtle green tint from the window film adds a unique ambiance to the interior, creating a cool and exclusive atmosphere without being overtly flashy.
The rear passenger area mirrors the front in its level of detail and luxury. Re-stitched seats, matching door panels, and custom woodwork elevate the experience for those in the back, emphasizing the VIP focus on passenger comfort and refinement.
Further enhancing the rear cabin is a state-of-the-art audio-visual setup. Featuring a full Focal/Arc audio system, a large 32-inch television, dual 10-inch subwoofers, and 9-inch screens integrated into the headrests, this LS460 transforms the rear into a mobile entertainment lounge. The seamless integration and high-quality finish of this system are truly remarkable.
Performance Unleashed: Supercharged V8 Power
What truly sets Nat’s LS460 apart in the VIP scene is what lies beneath the hood. This build isn’t just about static aesthetics; performance is a key component.
The engine bay is as meticulously detailed as the rest of the car. Gone are the factory plastic covers, replaced by custom stainless steel and carbon fiber elements. This transformation elevates the engine bay from a purely functional space to a visual showcase.
The heart of this performance upgrade is an HKS supercharger bolted to the already potent 1UR-FSE V8 engine. This addition injects a significant boost in power, transforming the driving experience and ensuring the LS460 has the performance to match its aggressive looks.
To ensure confident stopping power to match the increased performance, a Futura big brake kit is installed behind the large wheels. This upgrade not only enhances safety but also adds another layer of visual appeal. Despite its size and low ride height, the supercharger and brake upgrades make the LS460 feel surprisingly agile and responsive, belying its two-ton weight.
Conclusion: The Definitive VIP Lexus LS460
Nat Huynh’s Lexus LS460 transcends the typical VIP build. It is a fully realized vision, meticulously crafted and flawlessly executed. This LS460 redefines what a show car can be, proving that VIP style can be both visually arresting and dynamically impressive. It’s a benchmark build that deserves recognition not just within the VIP community but across the broader automotive world as a prime example of dedication, taste, and comprehensive automotive artistry. This is not just a show car; it’s a statement.
Trevor Yale Ryan Instagram: tyrphotoTYRphoto.com
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