Kode Japanese sports cars star at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013
One
of the best things about being at an international motor show in person
is coming across amazing cars you didn’t even know existed – and here
at Tokyo 2013, the very best examples of this are the Kode 7 and Kode 9
on the Ken Okuyama Design stand.
Absolutely stunning – but that’s hardly a surprise given the man responsible also designed the Enzo Ferrari.
The
Kode 7 – an evolution of the ko.7 that debuted in Geneva 2008 – appears
in Exclusive (silver) and Clubman (red) guises as a lightweight track
toy. The Kode 9 (white, pictured), meanwhile, looks like a 1960s or
1970s GT racing car reimagined as a coupe for Speed Racer.
It’s
not just the immediate look of these Kode cars that’s outstanding – the
detailing is absolutely sublime as well. The Kode 9 and the Kode 7
Clubman both make their world debut here, and both are built as
road-legal racing cars. They weigh little and some parts are even
produced on 3D printers. Truly cutting edge.
Amusingly, and in contrast to the ‘motorcycle-like handling and performance’ of the Kode 7, Ken Okuyama Design is also showing a concept tractor on the stand, which it’s been working on with Yanmar. This features a GPS system that would theoretically help it operate by itself. But that’s enough of that.
Amusingly, and in contrast to the ‘motorcycle-like handling and performance’ of the Kode 7, Ken Okuyama Design is also showing a concept tractor on the stand, which it’s been working on with Yanmar. This features a GPS system that would theoretically help it operate by itself. But that’s enough of that.
The
Kodes are compact and low slung in the metal – in fact, the Kode 7 is
so paired back that the mid-mounted engine actually pokes out through
the bodywork behind the passenger compartment. With some beautifully
indulgent interior features, they’re not exactly minimal, but certainly
appear highly focused.
Okuyama’s background includes stints at GM, Porsche and Pininfarina, where he was responsible for the Enzo and the Maserati Quattroporte. Of the Kode 9, he says:
“This is my message to today’s car industry which seems stuck in a rut of overly complicated lines and styling based on the lowest common denominator.”
Hence the Kode 9 ‘employs stunning but simple proportions’ together with the promise of a great driving experience.
Okuyama’s background includes stints at GM, Porsche and Pininfarina, where he was responsible for the Enzo and the Maserati Quattroporte. Of the Kode 9, he says:
“This is my message to today’s car industry which seems stuck in a rut of overly complicated lines and styling based on the lowest common denominator.”
Hence the Kode 9 ‘employs stunning but simple proportions’ together with the promise of a great driving experience.
The
Kode 9 is powered by a ‘Japan-sourced’ 2.0-litre petrol engine uprated
with an HKS supercharger to no less than 370hp. Given it also weighs
just 890kg we’re looking at something properly rapid here, so it’s
probably a good thing it comes with Akebono brakes. Akebono is the
Formula One supplier that developed the brakes for the McLaren P1.
The Kode 7 is offered with a choice of engines ranging from 1.6- to 2.4-litres. It weighs 790kg, and more then 50% of the parts for the Clubman version were created using 3D printers. The one on display is powered by a highly-strung 250hp 1.6, while the Kode 7 Exclusive also on the stand boasts a 230hp 2.0-litre.
Both Kode 7 and Kode 9 feature a hydro-formed aluminium chassis – which we believe is sourced from Lotus. Appropriate given the 7 is a pretty clear reference to the Lotus 7. The Kode 9 uses unique, fully adjustable suspension components, however.
The Kode 7 is offered with a choice of engines ranging from 1.6- to 2.4-litres. It weighs 790kg, and more then 50% of the parts for the Clubman version were created using 3D printers. The one on display is powered by a highly-strung 250hp 1.6, while the Kode 7 Exclusive also on the stand boasts a 230hp 2.0-litre.
Both Kode 7 and Kode 9 feature a hydro-formed aluminium chassis – which we believe is sourced from Lotus. Appropriate given the 7 is a pretty clear reference to the Lotus 7. The Kode 9 uses unique, fully adjustable suspension components, however.
There’s
no price listed for the Kode 9 or the Clubman, but you can order a Kode
7 Exclusive ‘from’ 25 million Yen. Which is around £155,000. Exclusive
design doesn’t come cheap.
All of Okuyama’s cars are available in left- or right-hand drive.
All of Okuyama’s cars are available in left- or right-hand drive.
That amount of cash pushes the Kode 7 into supercar territory, but then this is very much a rich persons’ plaything.
Think of it as a ultra-lux version of something like the Ariel Atom or BAC Mono, rather than a Ferrari 458 Italia rival.
Think of it as a ultra-lux version of something like the Ariel Atom or BAC Mono, rather than a Ferrari 458 Italia rival.
Either
way, you’ll be getting something exquisitely finished on the inside –
all beautiful toggle switches, exposed gear linkage and diamond quilted
material. The symmetrical dashboard with the screen in front of the
passenger is a nice touch.
If we could afford one, we’d be tempted. The Kode 9 even has a bespoke Tag Heuer Carrera watch mounted on the dashboard.
The Kode 7 and Kode 9 are close to being our favourite cars of the entire 2013 Tokyo Motor Show – exceptional Japanese engineering based around well-established chassis technology, with powerful engines and first class pedigree.
That lottery garage list just got a little longer.
If we could afford one, we’d be tempted. The Kode 9 even has a bespoke Tag Heuer Carrera watch mounted on the dashboard.
The Kode 7 and Kode 9 are close to being our favourite cars of the entire 2013 Tokyo Motor Show – exceptional Japanese engineering based around well-established chassis technology, with powerful engines and first class pedigree.
That lottery garage list just got a little longer.