Nilu Hypercar Is A Masterpiece by Sasha Selipanov

This remarkable vehicle marks the debut of Selipanov's brand, Nilu27, co-founded with his wife Inna, alongside his Los Angeles-based design consultancy, Hardline27.

A Journey Through Automotive Excellence

Selipanov's illustrious career began at the Volkswagen Group, where he played a pivotal role in designing the Bugatti Chiron and Lamborghini Huracán. His expertise was further honed at Genesis, contributing to the Essentia and Mint concepts, before leading design at Koenigsegg. There, he was instrumental in the creation of the Gemera and CC850 hypercars. Now, he embarks on a new venture, crafting hypercars under his brand.

The Nilu: A Raw, V-12-Powered Marvel

The Nilu stands out as a raw, V-12-powered track car with plans for a road-legal version. Embracing the Bauhaus principle of form following function, its design echoes the aesthetics of classic Le Mans endurance racers, reimagined for modern times.

Beneath its sleek body panels lies a bespoke carbon-fiber monocoque passenger cell, complemented by aluminum-alloy tubular subframes. This skeletal setup not only enhances access to key powertrain components but also aids in cooling. Selipanov opted for this design over composite subframes to improve functionality and performance.

A Symphony of Power and Precision

The heart of the Nilu is a 6.5-liter V-12 engine, crafted by the renowned New Zealand-based Hartley Engines. This powerhouse, paired with a 7-speed manual transmission, aims to exceed 1,000 horsepower, promising a sound reminiscent of vintage Formula 1 engines. Selipanov's goal is for the Nilu to be the world's most powerful naturally aspirated car, eschewing electrification.

The engine's Hot-V design, with the exhaust system positioned between the cylinder banks, allows for a compact setup featuring 12-into-1 exhaust headers, proudly exposed and dubbed the "Snake Pit."

An Uncompromised Driving Experience

Access to the Nilu's cabin is via gullwing doors, revealing a driver-focused interior. Two low-mounted sports seats and an H-pattern shifter with an exposed mechanism emphasize the car's purist approach. Digital screens are absent, save for a digital rearview mirror. Traditional dials and billet-machined controls dominate, with the steering wheel free of any distracting controls.

Exclusive Unveiling and Future Plans

The Nilu will be previewed privately for potential buyers in Los Angeles, followed by a formal debut at the 2024 Monterey Car Week. The hypercar will be showcased on the ramp at Pebble Beach on August 15 and will grace the concept lawn at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 18.

Nilu27 plans an initial production run of just 15 units, with California's Aria Group, known for its 2017 hypercar design, handling the manufacturing. Plans include establishing a dedicated production facility overseas. A road-going version of the Nilu is also in development, limited to 54 units, with four unique designs evolving the brand's design language.

Awaiting Pricing Details

Pricing for the Nilu hypercar and its future variants remains undisclosed, but anticipation is high for this latest creation from one of the automotive world's most visionary designers.