BusaLoco Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 Looks like a mid engined se7en ... I Like it! http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/images/large/3631-1.jpg Japanese born and trained automobile designer Ken Okuyama started his own business in 2006 after working for several major manufacturers for twenty years. In those years he was involved with developing a variety of cars including the original Honda NSX, the 996 Porsche 911 and the Corvette C5. His last employer was Pininfarina where he supervised the design of the Ferrari Enzo, the Maserati Birdcage 75th and the much acclaimed Ferrari P4/5. With his first products (eyewear, furniture and humanoid robots) Okuyama stayed far away from his former life, but he returned to automobile design in 2008. Under the brand name ''k.o'' Okuyama launched two sports cars at that year's Geneva Motorshow; the 7 Spider and 8 Coupe. Even though they look very different, both cars use the same carbon fibre chassis and double wishbone suspension. That is about were the similarities stop as the 7 Spider sports a very minimalistic cycle fender body while the 8 Coupe is fitted with a fully enveloping closed body. The two machines also feature very different mid mounted propulsion units; a 250 bhp four cylinder for the Spider and a lithium ion charged electric motor. At 750 kg, the Spider is a true featherweight. Okuyama's keen eye for design can be seen especially in the many great styling details inside and out. Especially the simple, but very effective and efficient interior stands out. Both cars are destined to enter production later in 2008. The newly built Ichinoseki, Japan based factory has a production capacity of around 100 cars per year and Okuyama expects the Spider to represent 70% of the production. While at first sight the 7 Spider and 8 Coupe are direct rivals for the likes of the Lotus Elise / Exige and the Ariel Atom, the rumoured price tag of $250,000 puts them in an altogether different class. It will be interesting of the superb design and exclusivity will convince buyers to pick the k.o over its English counterparts. WM Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 mid engine 4 banger, but 1650 lbs? almost as heavy as my car, but without the power Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusaLoco Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 Maybe it could use a little V8 help from Mr. Chevy! BTW, with all that carbon fibre how on earth did it get so fat? ... 1,653.467 lbs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Does seem a little porky for what it is. Isn't the Ariel Atom around 1300 lbs? I really like the looks, in fact I think it's a much better looking design than the atom, but then I saw the price...holy crap, 250k?!?!? :ack: I think I could buy 7-8 cars that I like for that price!! Bruce :7drive: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 I expect the price to rise after the inevitable lawsuit. :smash: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusaLoco Posted March 11, 2008 Author Share Posted March 11, 2008 That's Right! ... "Seven", "7", and the "Super 7" logo device are registered trademarks of Caterham Cars Limited. ... Tee Hee! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powderbrake Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 It looks a lot better than an Atom. Lets see now................................ if I grab the nose of my Ultralite, and stretcccch it out........... then move my 240hp engine to the rear, add some shiny metal, and some carbon fibre decals,..........I now have the same car with 10 less hp, but 200+ lbs less weight. Anybody want to buy it at half price.....$125,000? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Lets see now................................ if I grab the nose of my Ultralite, and stretcccch it out........... then move my 240hp engine to the rear, add some shiny metal, and some carbon fibre decals,..........I now have the same car with 10 less hp, but 200+ lbs less weight. Sounds a little like what I'm actually doing to my car :lol: Move the engine back a little, move the roll bar, etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mondo Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 I think the coupe looks better. Don't know why electric cars have to cost so much... http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/3632/k.o-8-Coupe.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solder_guy Posted March 11, 2008 Share Posted March 11, 2008 Does seem a little porky for what it is. Forget it! It has doors that open up vertically! :ack: No wonder it weighs so much and is so fat ... Rob http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1853115033_os7.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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