Originally hailing from the Soviet Union, Sasha Selipanov is unquestionably one of the most significant names in contemporary automotive design, being responsible for a slew of modern iconic performance cars like the Lamborghini Huracán, Bugatti Chiron, and Koenigsegg Gemera, just to name but a few.
And after spending years designing cars for some of the world’s most elite marques, Selipanov has now harnessed his world-class skills to launch his own ultra-high-performance hypercar known as the Nilu27.
The Basics
A product of Selipanov’s recently-launched design firm, Hardline27, the Nilu27 is an insanely high-performance hypercar that, while cutting-edge through and through, takes something of a back-to-basics approach by combining otherworldly power figures with a state-of-the-art aero kit and a super analog driving experience. Slated to makes its official public debut at Monterey Car Week, the Nilu27 is constructed around a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque chassis with lightweight aluminum-alloy tubular subframes and a midship engine bay.
Powertrain
Unlike the vast majority of today’s high-dollar supercars and hypercars — that typically employ forced induction systems and electric drive motors — the Nilu27 takes a decidedly old-school approach with 6.5-liter V12 that’s naturally aspirated. Developed by Hartley Engines in New Zealand exclusively for the Nilu27, this mid-mounted mill comes bolted to an open-gate, seven-speed manual mechanical transmission sourced from Italian brand CIMA.
Power & Performance
Despite being devoid of a turbocharger, supercharger, or electric drive motor, the Nilu27’s ultra-potent 6.5-liter V12 still manages to crank out a wildly-impressive 1,070hp and 634ft-lbs of torque. When coupled with the hypercar’s 2,645-pound dry weight, it’s able to achieve a top speed of 248.5mph — though this is an electronically-limited (but still insanely impressive) figure. Thus far the company hasn’t cited a 0-60mph time but we imagine its somewhere between 2 and 3 seconds.
Running Gear
Unsurprisingly, the Nilu27 has been outfitted with some of the finest componentry that money can buy. This includes a carbon ceramic braking package from Brembo with the Italian brand’s top-of-the-line GT | BM calipers and CCM-R Plus rotors, and a bespoke forged aluminum double-wishbone pushrod suspension setup that leaves it rear wishbones on full display. The hypercar also rides on a custom-designed set of 9.5” x 20” and 12.5” x 21” center-locking wheels courtesy of AppTech in Italy.
What Makes It So Special
As if its absurd speed and power figures and exotic design weren’t enough, the Nilu27 is made all the most special by the fact that it aims to deliver a much more traditional analog behind-the-wheel driving experience that isn’t watered down by a host of modern assists and electric motors — thereby prioritizing the connection between man and machine. This is also the first vehicle we’ve ever seen that can probably be best described as a pure driver’s hypercar.
Spec Sheet
Class: Hypercar
Brand: NILU
Model: Nilu27
Engine: Naturally-Aspirated 6.5L V12
Power: 1,070HP & 634FT-LBs
Chassis: Bespoke Carbon Fiber Monocoque
Suspension: Forged Aluminum Double-Wishbone Pushrod
Dry Weight: 2,645LBs
Top Speed: 248.5MPH
Production: 54 Units (+ 15 Launch Edition examples)
Starting Price: Unknown
Pricing & Availability
Assembled by the Aria Group in Southern California, the Nilu27 hypercar will initially be available via a 15-unit run of Launch Edition examples before 54 more “regular” Nilu27 specimens are built. Thus far the company has yet to reveal any specifics on its scheduled release date or pricing — though we assume its MSRP will run well into seven-figure territory.
Recap
Nilu27 Hypercar
Boasting 1,070hp on tap and a nearly-250-mph top speed, the Nilu27 is a naturally-aspirated V12 hypercar that fuses modern looks and aero with an old-school, analog experience behind-the-wheel.
