- Nilu27 has unveiled their new hypercar, which features a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine.
- The model is slated to have more than 1,000 hp and a top speed of 249 mph.
- The Nilu is apparently track-only, but there are plans for a street-legal variant in the future.
Long before there were a million EV startups, companies loved to announce plans for a new hypercar that would challenge Lamborghini and Ferrari. Unsurprisingly, many of these firms faded away almost as quickly as there were introduced.
Nilu27 is looking for a different fate as they’ve introduced their new Nilu hypercar. Optimistically billed as “highly anticipated,” the company was founded by car designer Sasha Selipanov. While the name might not ring a bell, he’s had a hand in creating an assortment of high-profile models including the Bugatti Chiron, Koenigsegg Gemera, Lamborghini Huracan, and Genesis Mint concept – among others.
More: Nilu27 Is A New Hypercar Brand From The Koenigsegg Gemera’s Designer
Given that pedigree, it’s not surprising that design is front and center. The firm says the Nilu takes inspiration from 1960s F1 and Le Mans race cars as well as classic Italian design houses and old school American muscle cars. As a result, it’s a little bit of everything and a tad generic.
However, the Nilu screams performance as it features two large intakes that are surrounded by curvaceous LED lights. They’re joined by a jet-like canopy that features gullwing doors, which promise best-in-class entry and egress.
Moving further back, we can see prominent side scoops as well as 20- and 21-inch wheels that are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. They’re backed up by a Brembo carbon ceramic braking system.
The rear end has a Pagani-like vibe with a center-mounted three-tip exhaust system, which was 3D-printed in Inconel. We can also see a massive diffuser and brake lights that look like they were sourced from the bargain bin.
Moving inside, there’s a minimalist cockpit focused on “manual, analog controls, inputs and feedback.” As part of this effort, the only screen is the rearview camera mirror.
While many people can appreciate that, the obsession with “analog driving” borders on the pathological. In particular, the company proudly proclaimed the “steering wheel, pedal box, headrest, door mirrors and other adjustments are deliberately manual.”
This approach continues with the steering wheel, which is purposely devoid of buttons and switches. It resides in front of large, circular gauges as well as a minimalist dashboard. Other highlights include machined billet controls as well as what appears to be ceiling-mounted toggle switches.
Power is provided by a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 from Hartley Engines. It purportedly produces 1,070 hp (798 kW / 1,085 PS) and 634 lb-ft (860 Nm) of torque, although the press release only mentioned an output in excess of 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS).
Questionable numbers and communication aside, the engine is connected to a seven-speed manual transmission. The company strangely listed the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time as “driver-dependent,” but claimed the car will be able to hit a limited top speed of 249 mph (400 km/h).
Rounding out the highlights are a double wishbone, pushrod suspension as well as a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque chassis. The car is also said to have a dry weight of 2,646 lbs (1,200 kg).
Nilu27 said “initial … prototype vehicles and [the] first batch of customer cars will be assembled by Aria Group in Irvine, CA.” This could help to explain some of the questionable figures and statements as it appears the company still has a lot of work to do.
Regardless, the Nilu will apparently be track-only and limited to 15 units. However, the company mentioned plans for a “street homologated version” which will be limited to 54 units including four “unique, one-off designs.”
While a number of questions remain, the car will make its public debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 18.
