Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 19 August 2026
Japanese coachbuilder Ken Okuyama Cars has revealed the Kode89, an ultra-limited supercar that combines a naturally aspirated V12 with a gated manual gearbox and styling inspired by the 1980s and 1990s.
Unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Car Week, the Kode89 takes a deliberately traditional approach to performance. There is no hybrid system, four-figure power output or dual-clutch transmission here.
Instead, the recipe consists of an aluminium space-frame chassis, carbon-fibre bodywork, rear-wheel drive and a longitudinally mounted V12.
Low and wide design
The Kode89 measures 4611mm long and 1996mm wide but stands just 1139mm tall.
Its shape features a long, low nose, wide cabin and sharply defined bodywork. Rather than covering the car in large wings and complex aerodynamic devices, Okuyama has kept the exterior relatively uncluttered.
The styling looks back to an era when supercars relied on dramatic proportions and simple geometric surfaces to create an impression. However, unlike several of the company’s previous projects, the Kode89 is not based on an existing production supercar.
Ken Okuyama Cars developed the aluminium space-frame chassis specifically for the model, making it the company’s most ambitious in-house project to date.
Two naturally aspirated V12 options
The standard Kode89 is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.4-litre V12 producing 403kW at 7000rpm and 569Nm.
Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed gated manual transmission.
A more powerful flagship is also planned. Japanese publication Response reports that this version will use a 5.9-litre V12 developed with a Japanese engine specialist, increasing output to approximately 559kW.
While that figure is modest compared with some modern hybrid hypercars, the Kode89’s appeal is likely to come from its naturally aspirated engine, manual transmission and relatively simple mechanical layout.
Performance figures, including its 0-100km/h time and top speed, have not been released.
Only eight will be made
Production will be limited to eight cars worldwide. Two examples scheduled to be built during 2026 have reportedly already been sold, in addition to the vehicle displayed at Pebble Beach.
Customers will work with a dedicated concierge to configure their cars. Options will range from stripped-out, track-oriented specifications to more luxurious grand-touring interpretations.
No price has been announced, although the tiny production run and level of customer involvement suggest each example will be extensively personalised.
Designed by the man behind the Ferrari Enzo
Company founder Ken Okuyama previously worked at Pininfarina, where he was involved in designing several significant performance cars, including the Ferrari Enzo.
He later established his own design and coachbuilding business in Japan. Previous projects include the Lamborghini Aventador-based Kode 0, the Ferrari 599-based Kode 57 and the Lotus Elise-derived Kode 9.
The Kode89 moves the company beyond rebodying existing supercars by using a bespoke chassis and mechanical package.
