Selipanov’s Nilu is a completely bespoke hypercar of its own design

The automotive world recently witnessed the unveiling of the NILU27 hypercar—conceived by designer Sasha Selipanov who is known for his work with Koenigsegg and Bugatti. At the heart of the NILU27 lies a naturally aspirated V12 engine, an ode to the days when raw power ruled the roads. This 6.5-litre masterpiece, designed by Hartley Engines in New Zealand, is no ordinary engine. Its architecture, with a short-stroke design and individual throttle bodies, draws direct inspiration from Formula 1 engines of the 1980s and 1990s—a time when the sport was at its most thrilling.

The engine’s ability to rev up to a staggering 12,000 rpm offers an auditory experience that harks back to the golden era of motorsport. The unique intake and exhaust configuration—where the headers are integrated into the V-12’s vee—culminates in a 3-D printed Inconel exhaust system, inspired by Space Shuttle engines. This exhaust, with its trio of exit points, is housed in a wing-like structure, with gold foil heat shielding adding both function and flair.

The design of the NILU27 is the culmination of two decades of meticulous planning and development. Selipanov’s design ethos draws heavily from the elegance of Italian race cars of the 1960s and 1970s, infused with the minimalist principles of the German Bauhaus movement. This blend of influences results in a car that is both visually striking and technologically advanced.

The body of the NILU27 is crafted from carbon fibre, offering a lightweight yet incredibly strong structure. This is further supported by aluminium alloy subframes, ensuring that the car is as durable as it is beautiful. The centrally mounted V-12 engine, positioned just behind the passenger cabin, adds to the car’s balance and driving dynamics, creating an experience that is both thrilling and refined.

The engineering prowess of the NILU27 is evident in every detail. The suspension system features large double A-arms at each corner, paired with remote-reservoir push-rod dampers that allow for multi-way adjustable compression, jounce, and rebound. Brembo, synonymous with high-performance braking systems, provides stopping power through carbon ceramic rotors.

The wheels, a crucial component in the car’s aesthetics and performance, are lightweight, five-spoke forged units from APP Tech. These wheels are designed with scallops on the inner side to reduce weight, a detail that highlights the obsessive attention to detail in every aspect of this vehicle. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres, sized 265/35/20 at the front and 325/30/21 at the rear, ensure that the NILU27 maintains its grip and stability at high speeds, further enhancing its performance credentials.

Stepping inside the NILU27 reveals an interior that is as purposeful as it is luxurious. The single screen, integrated into the rear-view mirror, is a subtle nod to modern technology, serving a practical function without overwhelming the driver with unnecessary distractions. The steering wheel is a study in simplicity, completely round and devoid of buttons, reinforcing the car’s focus on the driving experience. The seats, immovable and firmly in place, contrast with the adjustable pedals, headers, and door mirrors, which can be fine-tuned through levers and switches.

Only 15 of these launch-edition hypercars are planned for production, each one a rare gem in the automotive world. However, there is a possibility that these initial models might be restricted to the racetrack, with the company planning to create an additional 54 “street homologated” units. The NILU27 made its public debut at Pebble Beach during the Monterey Car Week and the initial prototypes and customer vehicles will be assembled in Irvine, California, with production expected to move overseas in the future.