Rolling Rarity - When it comes to jaw-dropping design and sheer automotive passion, nothing stirs the soul quite like a limited-edition supercar. Over the past few years, we’ve seen hyper-machines push boundaries with speed, luxury, and exclusivity. But every now and then, a creation emerges not just to chase numbers—but to make a statement. That’s exactly what happened with the unveiling of Kode 57. or k.o 57, a car that isn’t just rare—it’s a rolling piece of modern art with an origin story that makes it even more compelling.
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| Ken Okuyama unveils his radical Kode 57 world premiere supercar concept at The Quail event in California. (Picture from: Forbes) |
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| The Ferrari Rossa concept, created by Ken Okuyama in 2000 during his time at Pininfarina, served as a key source of inspiration for the Kode 57. (Picture from: Motor1) |
Unlike many supercars designed by large teams under strict brand constraints, Kode 57 is a deeply personal project. Okuyama didn’t just sketch the idea—he brought it to life through his own design and engineering company. With only five units to be made, each car is hand-built in a state-of-the-art facility with craftsmanship at the center of the process. It’s the kind of attention to detail you rarely see outside of haute couture fashion or bespoke watchmaking.
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| The name Kode 57 pays homage to the year 1957, a year in which legendary cars like the Jaguar XKSS and Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa were born. (Picture from: Forbes) |
Beneath the sculpted body lies a steel chassis supporting a front mid-mounted V12 engine capable of producing around 600 bhp. That engine placement, still a bit of a mystery, plays a key role in balancing the car’s performance. The result? A machine that looks like a Formula 1 car crossed with an alien spaceship—low-slung, aggressive, and undeniably fast.
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| The interior incorporates individual color schemes for the driver and passenger. (Picture from: Forbes) |
The design is anything but subtle. A long, pointed nose and a short rear deck define its proportions, while massive front air intakes and a wide rear diffuser maximize airflow and cooling. The body, built using carbon fiber and an aluminum space frame, keeps the weight down and the performance up. There’s even a unique half-height front windscreen and scissors-style doors that open backwards—details that are both dramatic and functional.
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| Check out the rear diffuser. The ground effects on this coupe are inspired by formula cars! (Picture from: Forbes) |
Customization plays a big role in what makes each Kode 57 special. The engine tuning, suspension setup, and even the ride height can all be adjusted to the owner's preferences, thanks to a partnership with German performance specialist Novitec Rosso. For grip and performance, Pirelli P-Zero tires wrap the wheels, leaving nothing to chance when it comes to handling.
Priced at around $2.5 million, the Kode 57 is a symbol of exclusivity, performance, and design ambition. It’s no surprise that it’s caught the attention of celebrities like boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, who reportedly added one to his already impressive collection of exotic cars.
At a time when many supercars chase ever-higher top speeds and digital gimmicks, Kode 57 takes a different road. It’s a celebration of design heritage, individuality, and mechanical excellence. With its roots in one of the greatest design minds of our era, this car isn't just a machine—it’s a legacy on wheels. *** [EKA [24082016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN | FORBES | DRIVESPARK | MOTOR1 ]
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