The first thing that crossed our minds when we saw Kode9 by Ken Okuyama Design was the movie. Ken Okuyama is a well known car designer from Japan who has, in the past, headed the design team at Pininfarina. His famous works include the Ferrari Enzo->ke389 and Maserati Quattroporte->ke336. Well, he also loves building special one-offs, and the Kode9 was one such concept that was showcased at this year's Tokyo Motor Show->ke1834.

The influence of Italian automotive design is evident in Ken's work, and the Kode9 is an example of that inspiration. The exterior design of the Kode9 can be related to some classic sports car->ke506 as well as modern concepts->ke169. Despite the similarities, the Kode9 sits as a uniquely different design form and a rather attractive one, to say the least. Most of the parts used have been made using modern technologies like 3D printing and carbon fiber.

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2013 Ken Okuyama Design Kode9

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Ken Okuyama Design Kode9
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 370
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior

Clearly, the exterior of the Kode9 is influenced by the Alfa Romeo Disco Volante, and the rear wing and front fascia can be traced back to the Le Mans winning Jaguar->ke39 D-Type. The wide wheel arches have also been a feature on past Alfa Romeos and, of course, Jaguars. The front grille opening sits on an elongated snout that sits low and wide. Short overhangs, large wheels and wide haunches clearly suggest that this car wants it to be noticed. Move towards the rear and it is again all about a retro-modern design.

Interior

Staying true to its sporty theme, the interior is pretty basic. The minimalist dashboard sits at a right angle with the car floor and seems like a single carbon-fiber piece, wrapped partly in suede. Apart from two A/C vents on either sides of the dashboard and a bank of vertical switches on the center console, the rest of it consists of a the instrument binnacle with four dials.

The rest of the interior, along with the seats, is covered in even more retro, quilted leather. The bare gear-shift linkage adds a nice touch. We also like the sports chronograph a-la Porsche->ke1.

Drivetrain

The maker of the engine that powers the Kode9 has not been disclosed, but we do know that the car uses a 370-horsepower, in-line four-cylinder engine with a 2.0-liter displacement. The motor is boosted by a HKS Supercharger, which results in the overall high output. The car was built using lightweight materials, like carbon fiber, so it only weighs 890 kg (1,962 pounds). This low weight means that we can expect some brisk 0-to-60 mph acceleration times.

Suspension and Brakes

The makers promise a bespoke setup with individually adjustable suspension components. The Kode9 is designed to be a "part race car, part sports car", according to the press release, hence the complex and fully-adjustable suspension.

Brakes consist of four-pot Akebono calipers all-around. Ken Okuyama "guarantees unlimited fun behind the wheel", thanks to some Akebono stopping power.