Ken Okuyama Kode0 one-of-a-kind supercar debuts at Pebble Beach - AllCarIndex
Ken Okuyama Cars has issued the following press release:
WORLD PREMIERE
Ken Okuyama Cars unveils the Kode 0 (Zero), a stunning one-off supercar at The Quail, A Motor Sports Gathering
On August 18, Ken Okuyama Cars unveiled its world premiere of a new one-off supercar – the Kode 0 (Zero) – at The Quail Motor Sport Gathering.
Just completed at a design studio in Japan, the one-off Kode 0 (Zero) supercar is a follow-up to the Kode 57 which was launched at last year's event. The Kode 0 was penned by Ken Okuyama, creator of an innovative styling trend that gave birth to the Ferrari Enzo and Maserati Quattroporte, as well as the one-off Ferrari Rossa and Maserati Birdcage 75th concept cars.
In the early 1970s, humankind was filled with dreams. It was a time when legendary designer Marcello Gandini and famed carrozzeria craftsmen penned masterpieces like the Lancia Stratos Zero, Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari Moduro.
The Kode 0 concept revives those dream car proportions of yesteryear using modern-day technologies.
Born from the latest aerodynamic formula, the unique and innovative detail infused into this silhouette creates an exterior that begs a second look. Incorporating a no-frills, back-to-basics approach, Ken Okuyama Cars realizes the Kode 0's bold proportions through a simple, timeless wedge-shaped design.
This concept is the personification of Okuyama's design philosophy in that it perfectly blends hypercar styling with world-class engineering that boasts a high-powered, naturally aspirated V12 engine and carbon fiber monocoque. Tipping the scales at 1,550 kgs and propelled by a 700hp engine, the Kode 0 delivers superb performance and handling.
The radical "one motion" exterior tempts the onlooker to start their aesthetic inspection of the car at the low, sharp nose with integrated brake cooling ducts, then proceed up through the narrow vertically-mounted, multi-layered LED headlights to the A-pillar. At the roofline, the sharp edge dips sharply to pass through the C-pillar and huge engine bay cooling ducts before climaxing at the upslanting rear end.
Air used to cool the radiator is expelled effectively through bespoke, mesh-covered vents at the tail end. The position of these air intakes could become a trend for supercar design in the near future. The six cooling fans fitted inside the rear fenders and air vents are painted in the Kode 0's signature metallic green while the two large fans visible inside the rear corner mesh add drama to the rear styling. Not bound by brand or regulations, the Kode 0 is the antithesis of modern day supercar design.
Employing a short rear overhang with high-mounted tail lights and a kicked up rear deck, the Kode 0's wedge-shape is complete. To add a final touch, Okuyama has penned a triangular-shaped, quadruple exhaust pipe combination that hints at the Kode series DNA.
Penned at Ken Okuyama Design's Aoyama studio in Tokyo, the Kode 0 was assembled at the Ken Okuyama Cars factory in Yamagata using industry-leading NC machine cutting techniques to cut and shape all carbon fiber body panels.
By gathering the highest quality components from around the world, all production and assembly were done by hand using Japan's precision quality controlled methods.
Ken Okuyama is a total design company incorporating an engineering development base in Tokyo and a production facility in Yamagata prefecture in northern Japan. Boasting a 40-strong staff and annual turnover of 1 billion yen (@US$9.15 million), Ken Okuyama encompasses Ken Okuyama Design (design consulting operation), Ken Okuyama Casa (furniture and interior design), Ken Okuyama Eyes (eyewear) and the company's flagship operation of Ken Okuyama Cars which has created low production sports models such as the kode7 and kode9.
Length : 4635mm Width : 2125mm Height: 1135mm Wheelbase : 2700mm
Front tread : 1810mm Rear tread : 1760mm Dry vehicle weight : 1550Kg
Engine : V12
Displacement: 6498cc
Bore x Stroke : 95.0 x 76.4mm
Maximum power : 700PS/8250rpm
Maximum torque : 690Nm/5500rpm
Transmission type : ISR gearbox with 7 speeds
Suspension type : Double wishbone fully independent suspension
Push rod magneto-rheologic active suspension with horizontal dampers and springs
Brake type : Front carbon-ceramic ventilated discs with 400mm diameter 6pot caliper
Rear carbon-ceramic ventilated discs with 380mm diameter
4pot caliper
Wheel : Front NOVITEC NL3 Forged 9.0JX20
Rear NOVITEC NL3 Forged 13.0JX 21
Tire Size : Front PIRELLI P-ZERO 255/30ZR20
Rear PIRELLI P-ZERO 355/25ZR21
Body panels: Carbon fiber
