A new star has emerged in the hypercar universe. Automotive designer Sasha Selipanov, renowned for his work with industry giants like Bugatti, Koenigsegg, and Lamborghini, has launched his own hypercar company, Nilu27. The debut model, the NILU hypercar, promises to captivate automotive purists with its blend of old-school charm and cutting-edge technology.
The NILU hypercar takes inspiration from the racing legends of the 1960s, including F1 and Le Mans cars, while also drawing on the Bauhaus principle of “form follows function,” classic Italian design, and American muscle. The vehicle’s powerhouse is a 6.5-liter V12 engine, developed in partnership with New Zealand’s Hartley Engines. This naturally aspirated engine churns out over 1,000 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated hypercars ever built. Power is delivered through a seven-speed CIMA manual transmission, underscoring the car’s appeal to driving enthusiasts.
Beyond its raw power, the NILU is a showcase of advanced technology and materials. It features a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, a 3D-printed exhaust system, and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. The prototype and initial batch of 15 customer cars will be meticulously assembled by Aria Group in Irvine, California. Additionally, a street-homologated version limited to 54 units is in development.
Selipanov’s design philosophy for the NILU is to create an unfiltered driving experience. This is evident in the car’s minimalist interior, which lacks large screens and excessive buttons. Instead, it focuses on essential driving controls, including a gated seven-speed manual shifter and billet-machined switches. The floating bridgework gauge cluster enhances the purist appeal.
The exterior design of the NILU is equally striking. It sits low to the ground, with a wide twin-scoop front reminiscent of classic racing cars. The bodywork, featuring 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, rises and falls dramatically, ending in a wide rear scoop and exposing the V12 engine. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires and a forged double-wishbone pushrod suspension ensure the NILU performs as aggressively as it looks.
The V12 engine itself is a marvel, with 12 throttle bodies and a redline above 10,000 rpm. It produces 1,070 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque without any forced induction. The engine’s design includes a 12-into-1 3D-printed Inconel exhaust system, creating a visually stunning and aurally thunderous centerpiece.
Nilu27 plans to publicly debut the NILU at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance during Monterey Car Week on August 15, 2024. Following its debut, the NILU will be featured in the CSR Racing 2 mobile simulator app, allowing enthusiasts to virtually experience its capabilities.
Selipanov’s transition from working on iconic models like the Lamborghini Huracán, Bugatti Chiron, and Koenigsegg CC850 to creating his own hypercar marks a new chapter in automotive innovation. The NILU, named after his children Nica and Lucia and inspired by F1 legend Gilles Villeneuve, embodies Selipanov’s vision of the perfect hypercar. With its powerful V12 engine, manual transmission, and minimalist design, the NILU is set to become a future classic.
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