The Kode89 looks like the offspring of a Ferrari Enzo and the Nissan GT-R 50 by Italdesign. The resemblance to that iconic Ferrari is even stronger if you look at the V12 in the back and keep in mind that the same man designed both vehicles. Ken Okuyama Cars recently revealed its latest at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, and it’s limited to just eight copies.
Each one of those eight will come with a 750-horsepower V12 and a six-speed manual. Be still our wedge-loving hearts.
From Ferrari To Shinkansen, This Designer Has A Very Broad Portfolio
Ken Okuyama Cars kode89Ken Okuyama Cars
The car was unveiled to go along with the 20th anniversary of the founding of Ken Okuyama Design. Okuyama opened his own studio in 2006 after a career that included work on the 996-generation Porsche 911, Ferrari Enzo, and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano. He has penned multiple cars under his own name, but also multiple iterations of Shinkansen locomotives and cars, Japan’s famed bullet train.
This car is meant as an homage to 1989. Not the Taylor Swift album, but the year itself. Okuyama told Japanese industry magazine Response that that year was “when car design was at its peak.” He is especially referring to models like the original Mazda MX-5, Nissan R32 Skyline and Fairlady Z, Lexus LS400, and Infiniti Q45, among others. It’s hard to argue with him.
Ken Okuyama Cars isn’t saying much about the car, but Response reports that it will have a V12 sitting behind the driver. Not just one specific V12, though; owners will be able to pick from choices including a 5.3-liter model and a 5.9. The basic engine makes 540 horsepower, and the 5.9 “crafted by a renowned Japanese tuner” makes 756 hp. Whichever one you pick, it will have a manual transmission and a very 1990s-parts-store custom steering wheel.
A Manual Transmission And Hydrogen Combustion?
Ken Okuyama Cars kode89Ken Okuyama Cars
“In today’s world, where excessive showmanship and digitalization are becoming tiresome, this is a bespoke model produced in extremely limited quantities that intersects analog passion with cutting-edge technology. It is a truly Made in Japan Carrozzeria hypercar that rewrites conventional notions,” the company said.
Though it looks like an Enzo, the chassis is specific to this car. An aluminum space frame holds the engine and carbon body panels, giving it modern car rigidity and handling. Okuyama said that he picked aluminum because it wasn’t as stiff as carbon, saying “we wanted to pursue a supple feeling that allows us to communicate with the road surface.”
Somehow, the claimed weight is only around 2,860 pounds. That’s an incredibly light figure for a car like this, especially one with the massive size and weight of a V12 engine. The engines can also run on hydrogen, using a system that Okuyama invented and sells.
Ken Okuyama Cars is exceedingly sparing with the details, but it might not have to say more. The first three of the eight production cars are already sold, so the automaker doesn’t have many people it needs to convince.
Sources: Ken Okuyama Cars, Response
