A fresh contender has emerged in the realm of supercars. Nilu27, a brand established by the designer behind Koenigsegg and Bugatti, Sasha Selipanov, has unveiled its inaugural vehicle: the NILU. This car opts for a more traditional route, eschewing advanced technologies such as turbocharging or hybrid systems in favor of a naturally aspirated V-12 engine paired with a gated manual transmission. It also boasts gullwing doors.
The NILU hypercar blends classic elements with modernity. Its core is a custom carbon fiber monocoque, reinforced by a series of aluminum-alloy subframes. The V-12 engine, crafted by Hartley Engines in New Zealand, is a 6.5-liter, 80-degree configuration that Nilu27 claims will rev like an electric motor. This engine features a unique setup with external throttle bodies and a top-exit exhaust in a 'hot V' arrangement, using a 12-into-1 Inconel exhaust system that is 3D-printed and culminates in a tri-exit tip inspired by a space shuttle. Although specific power figures are undisclosed, Nilu27 assures that the engine will deliver over 1000 horsepower.
Nilu emphasizes the importance of driver feedback, equipping the hypercar exclusively with a seven-speed gated manual transmission from CIMA, featuring a distinctive pole-like shift knob and a locking mechanism to prevent accidental shifts into reverse, akin to those found in the Lamborghini Countach. The interior is minimalist, devoid of buttons on the steering wheel and drive modes, with the sole screen integrated into the rear-view mirror. The seats are fixed, and adjustments for the pedal box, headrest, and door mirrors are made manually using machined levers and switches, highlighting the car's analog focus.
Mechanically, the NILU features double-wishbone, pushrod suspension, complemented by 20- and 21-inch staggered centerlock wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires and carbon-ceramic brakes from Brembo. Nilu plans to produce 15 launch-edition NILU hypercars, with an additional 54 street-legal units planned, suggesting the initial batch may be track-exclusive. The NILU will debut publicly at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week on August 15, with initial assembly taking place in Irvine, California before shifting production overseas.
"We’ve been delighted and humbled by the reaction to our social media teasers alone," stated co-founder and COO Inna Selipanov. "While the world is moving towards electrification, and for very good reason, we firmly believe the timelessness of these cars will not only keep them relevant but they will continue to find a place in the collections of passionate car lovers."
