VIEW - KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN

Press Release
For immediate release
August 19th, 2016
KEN OKUYAMA CARS Unveils Limited Edition kode57
Japan s sole carrozzeria KEN OKUYAMA CARS presents next generation
high performance coupe at The Quail
Creator of an innovative styling trend that gave birth to the Ferrari Enzo and Maserati
Quattroporte, as well as one-off concept cars including the Ferrari Rossa and Maserati Birdcage
75th, KEN OKUYAMA CARS today announces the completion of a next generation high
performance car.
Sitting on a highly rigid aluminum chassis, the kode57 is propelled by one of the world s most
powerful V12 engines mounted directly behind the front axle in a front mid-ship configuration.
It is a limited edition car whose body has been meticulously styled to deliver a breath-taking
visual experience and supercar driving pleasure.
KEN OKUYAMA CARS guarantees you will be able to appreciate the high level of passion and
commitment in all facets of this one-off model, built in a Japanese state-of-the-art facility
focusing on specialist handmade techniques.
The name kode57 pays homage to the year 1957, an iconic year in which many legendary cars
were born and motor racing gained a strong worldwide following.
With its classic proportions of long-nose-short-deck, every panel on the car boasts daring and
innovation in the surfaces and detail. Front air intakes, fins positioned behind each tire and a
large rear diffuser improves internal airflow and cooling, while wind resistance is minimized
thanks to the integration of groundbreaking design techniques that reduce frontal projection
surfaces.
Employing superior aerodynamics, the two-seater takes on a Formula car-like appearance
through its bold see-through fenders and sleek silhouette.
As part of its exhaustive weight-saving efforts, the kode57 incorporates an aluminum space
frame and carbon fiber body panels. With its low-cut windscreen and long side proportions, the
roofless coupe achieves an open-air feeling not seen in today s high performance supercars.
kode57 features a driver-oriented cockpit with bespoke individual color themes defining each
seat. Its handmade leather and ultra-suede (Toray) interior combination exudes an air of
elegance and style while the rear-hinged scissor-type doors give the car a super sporty look.
Electrically-adjustable seats, air-conditioning and an adjustable steering wheel add comfort and
enable the pilot to find their ideal driving position.
The V12 engine and suspension settings can be tuned to suit the owner s tastes thanks to a
collaboration with German specialist Novitec Rosso. This partnership allows the front ride
height to be adjusted by up to 45mm using a dedicated switch to assist during parking and
other driving situations. Specially selecting the tires to deliver both performance and comfort,
Pirelli P-Zero 295/25ZR21) were fitted to the front while P-Zero 335/25ZR22 were shod at the
rear.
Penned at KEN OKUYAMA s Aoyama studio in Tokyo, the kode57 was assembled at the KEN
OKUYAMA Yamagata Factory using industry-leading NC machine cutting techniques to cut and
shape all carbon fiber body panels. Gathering the highest quality components from around the
world, all production and assembly were done by hand using Japan s precision quality control
methods.
The kode57 is an exclusive limited edition model that we invite discerning enthusiasts of sports
car history to experience in the flesh.
*****
Background
Based in Tokyo, KEN OKUYAMA is comprehensive design company featuring engineering
development and production divisions. The firm has 50 employees and an annual turnover of
around 1,000,000,000 yen.
KEN OKUYAMA has subsidiaries including KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN, furniture and interior division
KEN OKUYAMA CASA, and eyewear by KEN OKUYAMA EYES. Involved in small volume sports car
development, production and sales, KEN OKUYAMA CARS in 2008 launched flagship models
including the kode7 and kode9.
Company profile:
Name:
KEN OKUYAMA
Office:
Aoyama Studio & Showroom
Foundation:
April 10th, 2007
Capital:
JPY 100 million
CEO:
Kiyoyuki Ken Okuyama
Employee:
45 persons (as of August 2016)
Minato-ku, Tokyo
History:
October, 2006
Established headquarters in Yamagata
April, 2007
Converted to Stock Company
May, 2007
Launched eyewear brand KEN OKUYAMA EYES
January, 2008
Introduced a new collection of YAMAGATAKOUBOU at MAISON&OBJET
February, 2008
Issued new shares through third-party allocation
March, 2008
Launched kode7 and kode8 at Geneva Motor Show
April, 2008
Introduced a new collection of YAMAGATA KOUBOU at Milano Salone
May, 2008
Founded subsidiary company in U.S.A.
Sept., 2008
Opened Tokyo office
April, 2010
Opened Yamagata Factory
May, 2010
Opened KEN OKUYAMA CASA Gotenzeki shop
July, 2011
Started to produce kode7
January, 2013
Opened AOYAMA Studio & Showroom
November, 2013
Launched kode9 at Tokyo Motor Show
September, 2014
Started to produce kode9
November, 2015
Launched kode9Spyder Prototype, kode9 production model and
kode7 ClubmanSeriesII
at Tokyo Motor Show
Kiyoyuki Ken Okuyama biography:
CEO, KEN OKUYAMA
Born in Yamagata Japan, 1959.
Ken has worked as a Chief Designer for General Motors, a Senior Designer for Porsche AG, and a Design
Director for Pininfarina S.p.A., being responsible for Ferrari Enzo, Maserati Quattroporte and many other
projects. He is also known for numerous products such as motorcycles, furniture, robots and architecture.
In 2007, KEN OKUYAMA was founded providing design business consultancy to many corporations. Ken is
also a published author of many books.
Website
KEN OKUYAMA official website :
kode57 special website :
www.kenokuyamadesign.com/
www.kenokuyamadesign.com/kode57/
The Quail, Motorsports Gathering :
signatureevents.peninsula.com/en/motorsports/motorsports.html
KEN OKUYAMA CARS
Email:
cars@kenokuyama.com
Address: 7-10-9 Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062 Japan