From the moment Kode57, created by Japanese designer Ken Okuyama, appeared at Monterey Car Week, it was undoubtedly a shining star of the show. It’s not difficult to imagine Kode57 being loved by open-top sports cars enthusiasts, just like his prior Kode7 and Kode9. After all, former world champion boxer Floyd Mayweather paid US$2.5 million for it without a second thought!

Okuyama revealed that the “57” in its name was in praise of 1957, a year famous for the birth of many iconic sports cars. There are many obvious similarities between Kode57 and the contemporary 599 GTB Fiorano, such as chassis and transmission. Although the Kode57 boasts the 6.0-litre V12 engine of the 599, its power has increased to 702 hp, while its body weighs only 1,451 kg (300 kg less than Fiorano). Okuyama’s vision for the Kode57 also led to the removal of the roof, full-size doors and full windscreen, in addition to large-scale usage of carbon fibre and aluminium for the chassis and body to make this ultra-lightweight beauty even more appealing.