On the other side of the parking lot…
Well, the Kaizen Owner’s Club USA have arrived at the predetermined venue somewhere in Miami, Florida for the 2021 Automation “Virtual” Car Meet.
Included for this meeting are three examples of the long running Kaizen S series from the two generations from the 1990s, the K609 and the K610. They seek to highlight the model from multiple angles, including practicality, performance, and racing heritage.
Designed as a homologation model to the VSCPr GT1 race car, a particularly crazy attempt at getting a “luxury saloon” in the GT1 class of BPR Global GT Series, a place where supercars dominated. Kaizen were already renowned for creating some fo the sportiest and most engaging “luxury practical cars” around, and this confidence in the GT1 effort was intended to really showcase their technical expertise in a way that was distinctively Kaizen.
Only 67 of these homologation specials were created, in a nod to the race car’s main number. Initially, the number 66 was sought as it was a personal “lucky number” for the founder, but someone already took it, so the next number in line was chosen.
One particularly interesting fact was that it was created as part of a longtime partnership with the iconic British automaker Arion Automotive, and thus utilized much of the engineering expertise and innovations that would normally be found in Arion sports and super cars of the era, including but not limited to a highly refined bodykit and aerodynamics, engine and drivetrain tuning, and suspension parts.
Unfortunately, on the track, it was an utter failure, and we don’t think the organizers were too thrilled to learn of its development. Its massive V10 was simply too underpowered, as the car’s weight was significantly higher than its competitors. However, they would provide plenty of theater and would be a welcome “wild-card” in a field of highly developed and sometimes homogenous sleek sports cars, and thus would be quite popular with fans. After all, a big saloon type car locking horns with supercars was already amazing in its own right, a proof of the objective march of progress. In addition, they gained a reputation for an insane amount of mechanical grip that surpassed most of the field. Finally, various technology from the race cars made their way into lesser Kaizens (including that 1997 SC34 we just mentioned), and would greatly bolster the sporting reputation of the brand.
Homologation models would gain a detuned 552 hp version of the race car’s 6.2L single overhead cam 40-valve V10, with an exhaust and intake more suitable for street use. These cars were estimated to hit 62 mph in 5 seconds flat, and reach a top speed of 191 miles an hour.
This specific model actually went to a Kaizen dealership in the Orlando area, whose owners have kept it as their (climate controlled) showroom display in their decades of ownership. They regularly drive it, mainly to take it to car shows and track days.
@Aruna helped with the design and @Xepy did the livery.
Well, that’s all for today! Enjoy and have a good day!
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