Pure power

A true talent is always confined within a framework, even when it comes to the greatest hypercar manufacturers. That is why Sasha Selipanov, ex-designer of Koeniggsegg and Bugatti, founded his own car brand Nilu 27. The name Nilu is formed from the first letters of the names of the daughters of the company's founders — Nika and Lucia. And the number 27 refers to Sasha's childhood, when he saw a magazine with a picture of Gilles Villeneuve driving a Formula 1 car with the number 27. This summer the company launched its first model, the 1000hp NILU hypercar.



We at Yachting like to draw parallels between yachts and cars, and this time we can't resist from doing so too. NILU seems to be the automotive epitome of a racing boat, whether an off-shore powerboat or the ultra-modern sailing yachts of the America's Cup and Vendee Globe.


This sports car is the epitome of purity and tradition: no electric or hybrid technology, just a classic twelve-cylinder normally aspirated engine and a manual gearbox with an open mechanism. And, of course, gull-wing doors for spectacular entry and exit.



Nothing superfluous or distracting — just what you need for speed. Just like racing boats or sailing yachts.


However, the NILU should not be considered outdated at all. Beneath its striking muscular bodywork there is a carbon fibre monocoque structure with aluminium subframes front and rear. The hypercar's front and rear suspension is double wishbone type. The car is fitted with 20-inch and 21-inch centre lock wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tyres. Through the sleek wheel rims the Brembo carbo-ceramic brakes can be seen.



At the heart of the car, behind the cockpit, is a V12 racing engine developed by Hartley Engines of New Zealand. With a displacement of 6.5 litres and a cylinder block angle of 80 degrees, this engine promises torque comparable to electric motors. Unlike most similar engines, the NILU has the intake manifolds on the outside and the exhaust system on the inside, forming a unique 'hot V' configuration. The exhaust system, 3D-printed in a 12-to-1 form, has a complex geometry and exits through the rear anti-wings, culminating in three spigots reminiscent of space shuttle nozzles. Exact performance figures are still undisclosed, but Nilu27 assures that the V12 will produce over 1,000bhp.



Together, the engine, exhaust and gearbox are a work of visual and technical art in themselves. Nilu 27 emphasises that the hypercar is designed to maximise driving feedback — hence the 7-speed manual gearbox as the only option.


NILU also adheres to a philosophy of simplification in the design of controls. You won't find a single button on the steering wheel or driving mode switches. The only screen is integrated into the rear-view mirror, providing excellent rearward visibility. The bucket race seats are fixed — the steering column and pedals are adjustable instead.



Nilu 27 plans to produce a limited edition of 15 cars, but has not yet specified whether they are going to be road legal or track-only. At the same time, the company has mentioned plans to produce 54 cars that will definitely be road-legal, suggesting that the first 15 cars will be track-only versions.


The NILU will officially premiere on 15 August at Monterey Car Week in Pebble Beach. The first prototypes and customer cars will be assembled in Irvine, California.