Zenshi at the 2019 NAIAS
Zenshi’s 2019-2020MY lineup is laid on the grounds like a hand of cards on a poker table, along with two very special flagship cars making their appearances for the show, one of which is now finally complete.
"Make history time and time again."
Everything has it’s limit. Time and time again, we manage to pass those limits and make history. When it comes to designing a flagship vehicle, one needs to take into account who or what they are trying to target, what they are trying to satisfy, because it can’t be a flagship without truly showing the world what you can be capable of.
2020 Gundan
The 3rd generation Gundan undergoes a facelift for the 2020 MY, now possessing a more aggressive appearance, yet still retaining the luxurious demeanor.
And, for the first time, will make it’s way to international markets outside Japan.
Usually a facelift is a mild appearance change alongside a couple of new bells and whistles to go along with the car. For the Gundan, some significant changes have been made for the high-end executive sedan.
The main notable change is the front and rear end design. Taking notes from various cars of their own lineup with various clear design languages on them, such as the very sporty Nimessa and Altrea, and the more refined and mature Axia, and mixing those languages together with the 3rd generation Gundan’s initial design, makes for a prim and proper design mixed in with a bit of a playful side.
The Gundan’s KZH45-GDA2T Twin Turbocharged 4.5L V12 engine has been reworked, now making around 460 HP and over 510 lb-ft of torque, around 10 more HP and 80 more lb-ft from what it originally was presented with. The 6-Speed AvanTec is now replaced by the newer 8-Speed AvanTec-E transmission, which aids in making the Gundan more responsive, as well as more efficient.
Pricing will start at $125,000 for the US Market, and will hit dealers within Spring.
"The road is your canvas."
Driving can be an art. The road ahead of you is looking a little empty. Why not give it a burst of life by sending a little rubber all the way?
2020 Shinden X2
After multiple trials, run-throughs, a couple of prototypes and breakdowns (both mechanically and mentally), the successor to Zenshi’s ultimate machine has been complete: The Shinden X2.
The Shinden X2 has proved to be a very tough challenge for designers and engineers from Zenshi and ZMD alike, thanks to their somewhat perfectionist nature. Originally introduced in the Goodwood Festival of Speed last year as a prototype design (which happened to be their 3rd one at the time), The final version makes it’s way to the stage for all to now see and gaze over.
Originally, the Shinden X2’s 4.2L Twin Turbo V10 made 875 HP. After some time, ZMD decided that that wasn’t enough, and raised the stakes, risking a change in competitive targets with a whole new power output from the vehicle after adjusting the ER42 even further: 992 HP and 613 lb-ft of torque.
However, raw power was not all they needed to improve on the car, they also need a considerable bit of aerodynamics to make the car drivable for many people. Ditching the original 3-stage aero system that was used on the Goodwood prototype, ZMD resorted to a 4-stage aero system that made sure the Shinden was not only keeping at speed, but was also keeping stable on the road.
The result was that of a hypercar that can keep itself under control on the track, all the while being a pleasant driving experience on many roads.
The Shinden X2 starts at $315,000, and will be available for order within the following month.
Zenshi as of now, is taking pre-orders.
