The NILU hypercar from Nilu27 is a defiant outlier in the world of modern supercars, defined more by what it deliberately excludes than by what it includes. In an era where turbochargers, hybrid systems, and all-wheel-drive setups dominate, the NILU stands out by eschewing all of these features.
There are no driving aids, no multiple driving modes, and almost no screens—save for one display acting as a rearview mirror. The only transmission option? A seven-speed gated manual that puts the full responsibility of its 1,070 horsepower V-12 engine squarely in the driver’s hands. This 6.5-liter, 80-degree V-12, developed by Hartley Engines in New Zealand, is a marvel, drawing inspiration from the naturally aspirated Formula 1 engines of the ’80s and ’90s. Capable of revving to 11,000 rpm, it produces 561 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm, delivering raw, unfiltered power to the rear wheels only.
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Unlike the tech-laden hypercars of today, the NILU is a celebration of analog driving, where every shift and steering input is directly communicated to the car. The engine, with its wide vee-angle, manages its unusual dimensions by flipping the intake and exhaust positions. This creates a stunning, 3-D printed Inconel exhaust manifold, nestled within the V of the engine, and designed to evoke the iconic Space Shuttle engines with its triple-exit design.
The NILU’s chassis is a mix of a carbon-fiber monocoque and tubular aluminum subframes, with the engine situated just behind the passenger compartment. The suspension is equally bespoke, featuring double A-arms at each corner and push-rod dampers with adjustable settings for compression and rebound. Brembo carbon ceramic brakes handle stopping duties, while the lightweight forged wheels, made by APP Tech, are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires for maximum grip.
Visually, the NILU is a striking blend of influences. The design, which founder Sasha Selipnakov has refined over 20 years, draws on elements from 1960s and 1970s Italian race cars, the Bauhaus movement, and even progressive heavy metal. There are nods to the Ferrari P330 and the Lamborghini Countach, yet the car remains distinctly its own, with a jetfighter-like canopy and a design ethos that emphasizes driving experience over track records or lap times.
Sasha’s philosophy for the NILU is refreshingly simple: the car is about pure driving pleasure, not chasing performance metrics. The design prioritizes the driver’s experience, evident in thoughtful details like the seating position, which allows for easier ingress and egress, and the small, button-free steering wheel that enhances the tactile connection to the car. This focus on simplicity extends to the driving dynamics, where the car’s capabilities are unlocked by the skill of the person behind the wheel rather than by electronic aids.
The NILU is not just a car but a statement—a throwback to an era when driving was an art form. Only 15 of these hypercars will be built initially, with a price tag expected to exceed seven figures.
While not fully street-legal in the U.S., there are plans for a subsequent run of 54 street versions that will meet regulatory requirements. The first units will be hand-assembled by Aria Group in Irvine, California, a company known for creating some of the most exquisite custom builds in the industry. Future production may move to a dedicated European factory as Nilu27 continues to evolve.
For those fortunate enough to secure one, the NILU promises to deliver an experience unlike any other—a blend of old-school driving purity with cutting-edge engineering. The NILU will make its public debut at Pebble Beach Car Week, offering a glimpse into the future of analog driving in a world increasingly dominated by digital technology.
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