The NILU Hypercar Is A Manual V-12 With A Kiwi Heart

The Nilu27 Hypercar is from a new manufacturer founded by former Koenigsegg and Bugatti designer, Sasha Selipanov. It’s a purist’s dream, shying away from driver assists, infotainment, and quick shifting gearboxes for a pure raw driving experience.

It isn’t all old school though. Beneath the skin is a carbon fibre monocoque with a 6.5-litre 80-degree V-12 built by New Zealand-based Hartley Engines. The naturally aspirated V-12 gets a ‘hot V’ configuration with its exhausts on the inside and individual throttle bodies on the outside of the V. The engine is completely exposed with no covers, allowing you to take in all the engineering. Nilu27 claims the engine will make over 1000hp and with its large bore and short stroke, rev like an electric motor.

Inside, the carbon tub is covered with crushed carbon and vegan leather fixed seats that transition from orange to black. The 350mm steering wheel, dash and pedals move to accommodate the driver. There is also a gated shifter, Bluetooth stereo and digital rear view mirror. That’s about it for frills.

Tubular aluminium-alloy subframes connect the carbon tub to double-wishbones and pushrod suspension. A 20-inch front wheel and 21-inch staggered centre-lock wheels wear Michelin Pilot Sport 2R tyres. Stopping is handled by Brembo carbon ceramic brakes.

Nilu plans to build 15 ‘launch-edition’ track-only hypercars that will set you back $3.7m. A road-going version is envisaged with 54 units planned. It will cost a mere $2.8m.

The Nilu27 will be on display at the 2024 Pebbles Beach Concours d’Elegance this month.