Ken Okuyama delivers sports car zen with K.08

While some of the more exotic sports cars at this year's Geneva Motor Show can only claim green credentials, we have discovered one that actually delivers. Ken Okuyama, formerly of General Motors, Porsche and Pininfarina presented his electric vision in the form of the sleek beauty you see pictured above, the K.08. Sharing a lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum chassis with its more traditionally-powered stablemate, the K.07, this automotive katana is all function and silent power. If you prefer its topless twin or just wish to collect them all, there are plans to electrify it as well. The two models represent the beginning of Ken Okuyama Cars, a company with plans for new models each year.

Production of the K.08 will be handled by MODI in Japan with a limited edition of 99 vehicles. Lithium ion is the battery tech employed and its three phase motor will put out 100kw. The price? If you have to ask... For more details check out the press release at the jump.

Press Release:

KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN, Industrial design studio and coachbuilder, introduces 2 limited production cars at 2008 Geneva Motor Show on March 4th at its own stand. K.O 7, a Spartan spider, which becomes K.O 8 with roof and fender module, are built on the original chassis with lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum at 750kg,with 240ps 2000cc 4 cylinder engine.

Built in limited volume of 99 units per year at MODI, it will have unique body style and specifications each year.
Future line-up will add electric motor version as demonstrated in K.O 8. Collaboration with TAG Heuer made it possible to demonstrate something in common between 2 different industries; "the endless quest for the quality". The interior of K.O 7 was inspired by Grand Carrera, and is mounted on dashboard as a chronograph.
Official photos of 2 cars will be released at the website www.kenokuyamacars.com after March 5th world debut at Geneva

K.O 7 Specifications;
Dimensions; Length 3580mm/Width 1850mm/Height 1100mm
Approach angle 14.2/departure angle 24.5
Front overhang 740mm/Rear overhang 550mm
Engine; 4cylinder DOHC NA 2000cc
Maximum power 240ps/8300 rpm
Maximum torque 21kgm/7000 rpm
K.O 8 Specifications;
Dimensions; Length 3710mm/Width 1860mm/ Height 1100mm
Approach angle 11.6/departure angle 15.8
Front overhang 760mm/ Rear overhang 640mm
Power unit; Tree-phase electric motor
Electric battery; lithium ion battery
Driving range; 160km per charge
Maximum output; 100kw
Total battery capacity; 18kwh
Geneva, March 4. 2008

K E N O K U Y A M A D E S I G N
CONCEPT KEYWORDS OF K.O 7 AND K.O 8
A MODERN CLASSIC / RUNNING MECHANICAL WATCH / SUSHI OF SPORTS CAR / ZEN
AND SAMURAI / MODULARITY
A MODERN CLASSIC

For the ones who already experienced all the aspects of automobiles, yet still enjoys the pure driving pleasure, K.O 7 offers the modern, simple and timeless solution of design. It stays in your heart, and in your garage, for a long time. It is an instant modern classic.

RUNNING MECHANICAL WATCH
They are constructed in rich lightweight materials at the finest level. It might catch your eyes for its powerful proportion first, but it grows in you as you discover the depth of the refinement and the craftsmanship of details; just like the beauty of mechanical watches.

SUSHI OF SPORTS CAR
It can't be any simpler, yet it gives you the rich flavor of refined materials. The dry carbon body and hand crafted aluminum panels on K.O 7 are shown to the viewer without any paint or disguise. You need a good material to do so, just like SUSHI cooking.

ZEN AND SAMURAI
A lightweight joy of driving can co-exist with our future environment. The spirit of Zen through minimalism brings us both extreme efficiency and the pleasure of driving, embodied with Japanese advanced technology. Also, the simple yet powerful style of K.O 7 and K.O 8 spiritually came from the functional form of Japanese sword, Katana.
200 units of K.O 7 will be built at MODI factory in Ichinoseki where samurai general Yoshitsune lived and died 800 years ago.

MODULARITY
For those who prefer a enclosed driving, there is a coupe module, which consists of glass windows, a roof, and fixed fenders, as demonstrated in the form of K.O 8. They can be mounted on K.O 7 in your garage to enjoy the diversity. The electric power pack of K.O 8 with Lithium Ion batteries will also come in the form of K.O 7 when it will be production ready.

K E N O K U Y A M A D E S I G N
KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN provides full R&D services in automotive and industrial product field to worldwide customers. Planning, design, engineering, and in partner ship with MODI, prototype construction, and limited production assembly, are on its capability list. KEN OKUYAMA also manufactures and markets several products under its own brands.

KEN OKUYAMA CARS releases new cars every year in a limited volume. K.O 7 and K.O 8 are the first of series of exclusive cars to be produced every year.
KEN OKUYAMA EYES markets eye wear products in Japan and Europe
KEN OKUYAMA HOME/ YAMAGATA KOUBOU offers furniture and interior products.

KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN / Ken Kiyoyuki Okuyama, CEO
www.kenokuyama.com / www.kenokuyamacars.com
Ken has worked as a Design Director and Chief Designer for General Motors, Porsche A.G., and Pininfarina S.p. A. being responsible for the design of Ferrari Enzo, Maserati Quattroporte, and many others. Known also for mumerous industrial design products and consultancy, ken produces modern furniture from "Yamagata Koubou", eyewear series from "Ken Okuyama Eyes", and finally, automotive coach building "Ken Okuyama Cars".
Currently a visiting professor at Art Center College of Design(USA), Tama Art University, Kanazawa Art College, and Nagoya University of Arts(Japan). Also Vice Chairman for the Good Design Award. As an author, several books are published.
MODI / Tatusuya Murakami, President
www.modi.co.jp
In bringing together foundational craftsmanship, art and technology of Japan, MODI plays a critical part of Murakami & Co. With its facility and staff being capable of prototype building, and limited production assembly, MODI has been providing as world's top services to international customers in automotive and product design industry.

In the partnership with Ken Okuyama Design, customers can now enjoy its full capacity from design and engineering to prototyping and production. In particularly with its dry carbon Autoclave, metal stamping and milling skills, MODI provides a rare full service to worldwide customers

[Source: Ken Okuyama Cars via Edmunds Insideline]