New Nilu27 Hypercar: A Return to the Roots
Two years ago, the young hypercar manufacturer Nilu27 presented its answer to models such as the Pagani Utopia and GMA T.50. The car, simply named Nilu, is a lightweight hypercar built on a “back to basics” principle by designer Sasha Selipanov, a former employee of Lamborghini, Bugatti, and Koenigsegg. Instead of following the usual rules of the industry, he built a car around solutions that most manufacturers have abandoned over the last decade.
A Unique Engine from New Zealand
This unconventional approach also manifested itself in the powertrain. To develop the engine, Selipanov did not turn to world-renowned companies like Cosworth but chose a twelve-cylinder unit from the New Zealand firm Hartley Engines. This engine was recently started for the first time, and calling the result simply impressive would be an understatement.
It is a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 that revs to 11,000 rpm and has already exceeded the stated 1,070 hp during early dynamometer testing. Unlike some other exotic twelve-cylinder engines, such as the Cosworth unit for the T.50, the Hartley engine uses a Hot V configuration, where the exhaust manifolds are positioned between the cylinder heads, improving performance and packaging. It also has an 80-degree bank angle, and the fully exposed engine bay of the Nilu allows for more efficient heat dissipation.
A Hypercar for True Drivers
“This is the moment when theory became reality,” Selipanov noted. “By firing up this stunning V12, we didn’t just prove our engineering capabilities; we gave a soul to the NILU. While most of the automotive world embraces digital and electric sterility, we doubled down on the raw, visceral sensations of a high-revving naturally aspirated internal combustion engine. Our V12 from Nilu27/Hartley will make our hypercar truly timeless.”
What makes the Nilu even more desirable is that it will be paired exclusively with a seven-speed manual gearbox driving the rear wheels. After completing the first stage of testing, the engine will soon leave New Zealand and head to the Nilu27 production facility in Germany, where it will be installed in the company’s first running prototype. It has also been confirmed that the two companies will finalize a joint venture to develop other high-performance certified engines for road cars.
Production Plans
Initial plans call for the production of only 15 track-only versions of the Nilu, after which the company will focus on a road-legal version limited to 54 units.
Nilu27 Photos
This approach to building a hypercar appears to be a conscious step away from the general trend of electrification and automation. By betting on a high-revving naturally aspirated engine, a manual gearbox, and minimalist design, Nilu27 is trying to carve a niche for enthusiasts who value pure driving sensations. Collaborating with a small but experienced company like Hartley Engines instead of industry giants could be both a risk and an advantage, as it allows for the creation of a unique product with an individual character. The limited production run of 15 track and 54 road cars only underscores the exclusivity of a model that will undoubtedly become a collector’s item.