Reinforced A-pillars and pyrotechnically charged roll hoops are obviously not on the menu for this second-generation Lexus LS 400 Cabriolet, which was created in a matter of minutes during a DIY coachbuilding lesson at the 2012 StanceWars event in Belgium this past weekend. Make the jump to view the videos for yourself. 
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PHOTO GALLERY
Back in the late 1980s, two automakers with very different values and historical backgrounds each set out to build a roadster model for mainstream enthusiasts. The two brands were Mazda with its MX-5, also known as Miata in North America and Eunos Roadster in Japan, and Lotus, then owned by General Motors, with the Elan M100. Both two-seater models were presented in 1989, but only one managed to become a phenomenal sales success, and that was the MX-5. Ironically, Mazda's goal was to create a direct descendant of the original Lotus Elan from the 1960s, with a nostalgic feel in terms of styling, lightweight philosophy and rear-wheel drive setup, adapted of course, to the times. 
On the other hand, the British automaker purposely designed a futuristic successor that maintained the handling and nimbleness of the original Elan, but instead of RWD, opted for a FWD layout, the first and last time Lotus tried it on a production model. Even though the modern Elan was praised for its handling and forward looking styling, it ultimately fell victim to its high price having to compete with the cheaper and more reliable MX-5, and the fact that it was not as entertaining on the road as a rear-wheel driven model. The Lotus Elan remained in production from 1989 to 1995 being offered with a choice of two modified 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines sourced from Isuzu, which was then also controlled by GM. The base, naturally aspirated version produced 130hp (132PS), while the Lotus-developed turbo variant was good for 162hp (164PS). After ending production of the Elan in 1995, Lotus sold the car's rights to Kia Motors, which at the time, was an independently run automaker. Kia built the Elan in South Korea for three years from 1996 until 1999 (in 1997, Kia went bankrupt with Hyundai stepping in to take a controlling stake of 51 percent in the company the following year). Visually, Kia's version of the Elan, was almost identical to the original Lotus model sans some negligible differences such as the badges, the goofy looking tail lamps and some interior parts such as the steering wheel, gear shifter knob and instrument panel graphics. The most important modification to the design, however, was the replacement of the original Elan's 1.6-liter engine with one of Kia's own motors, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 152hp (154PS). Needless to say, the Kia flavored Elan is a much rarer automobile than the original Lotus model, but we did manage to find two examples up for sale in Germany. The first one, featured in a black finish, has covered 75,000km (46,600 miles) and is priced at €7,700 (US$10,170), while the yellow colored model with 65,000km (40,400 miles) could be yours for €9,600 (US$12,700). PHOTO GALLERY
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Feast your eyes on more than four dozen Lamborghini supercars of all sorts of colors, old and new, all parked in the same lot. Naturally, you will be wondering what's going on here. Well, this fantastic gathering of Raging Bulls took place in a recent meet hosted by the Lamborghini Club of America. Among other cars that you will see in the video that follows below are the Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera, Diablo SV and SE30, many Murcielagos, Diablo, Aventador and several classics like the Countach, 350GT and the Espada. VIDEO
Who names a customized Ford Mustang "Konquistador"? Why, a German tuner, of course, silly! Now, what the Spanish and Portuguese conquistadors (Konquistador in German) have to do with a tuned Mustang is another story entirely… Using a fifth generation Ford Mustang from 2005 as its canvas, or so to speak, Felge came up with this cosmetics package that bundles bits and pieces from various shops such as the €8,000 (US$10,500) Cervini-Bodykit loosely inspired from the Eleanor that played in the 2000 blockbuster film, Gone in 60 Seconds. The car rides on Felge's own Hause Schmidt Revolution 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped around Dunlop tires size 265/35R20 on the front axle and 305/30R20 at the rear, which will cost you another €4,500 (US$5,900). The tune is rounded out with a KW sports suspension with an HLS (Hydraulic Lift System) Kit and beefier Brembo brakes all around. PHOTO GALLERY
If you consider the distance between Australia and America and even more so the country's right-hand drive (RHD) policy, it's not hard to see why classic Aussie vehicles are a rarer site than special edition Lamborghinis in the States. But once in a blue moon you'll find an imported model from Down Under available for grabs in the classifieds like this 1974 Ford Falcon XB Ute. 
The Ute is an Australian conception that dates back to 1934 with its creation credited to Ford engineer and designer Lew Bandt who came up with the idea of combining the front cabin of a sedan with the back of a small truck. The most popular Utes in the country are made by local carmakers Holden and Ford. The one you see in these pictures is a 1974 model based on the third generation Falcon and it comes with a 302 cubic inch (4.9-liters) Cleveland V8 matched to a four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The unrestored RHD model has the GS package (we don't know if it's original or a replica) that includes the wheels, paint job and vented hood, while you also get the cheeky license plates. The asking price on Hemmings Classifieds is $16,900. For more info, check out the seller's description that follows below.
Seller's Description:
"1974 Ford Falcon XB Ute. This is the pickup version of Mad Max's Interceptor coupe. This car draws a huge amount of attention - very few people in the US have ever laid eyes on one of these.
It is equipped with a 302 V8, 4 speed manual transmission, and right hand drive. It also has the GS roadwheels, "NASA" bonnet w/bonnet locks, rally grill with Hella foglights, bucket seats, console with floor shifter, special stripe package, etc. Power steering, power disc brakes and air conditioning. The A/C is not working but every component is there. Painted in the very cool '70's Tropicana Green metallic. Nice high quality tonneau cover for the bed, and Col Paige Ford "SuperDog" decal in the back window.
The engine is a 302 cu. in. Cleveland, the same as a 351 but destroked by Ford. Most parts are interchangeble with the 351. The engine has a performance cam with a slight but noticable lope, and the exhaust note is spectacular!
This is an unrestored car that would either make a very fun daily driver, or a great basis for taking it to the next level. Parts are easy to get for these online from various sources. A workshop manual and spare parts are included.
It would certainly cost a LOT more than this to locate & purchase one of these in Australia and import it yourself. This one is already here in the US, and is legally titled so you can see it and drive it (without all the expense and trauma of buying something half way around the world sight unseen).
Priced at $16,900 - Interesting trades considered"
PHOTO GALLERY
On the other hand, the British automaker purposely designed a futuristic successor that maintained the handling and nimbleness of the original Elan, but instead of RWD, opted for a FWD layout, the first and last time Lotus tried it on a production model. 
Named after Hyperion, one of the Titans of Greek mythology, the convertible model was designed by Jason Castriota of former Saab fame and built by the Special Projects division of Pininfarina. 
The Ute is an Australian conception that dates back to 1934 with its creation credited to Ford engineer and designer Lew Bandt who came up with the idea of combining the front cabin of a sedan with the back of a small truck. 
