The Nilu is the newest high-tech hypercar on the block, but it pays homage to naturally aspirated V12s and rowing your own gears.
As widespread as electrification has become throughout the car industry, some folks yearn for a high-power, high-end monster that makes enormous speed using internal combustion. Enter the Nilu, a new car built by a company called Nilu27, which itself came into existence through Sasha Selipanov, an automotive designer with one hell of a CV. He’s had a hand in iconic supercars at Koenigsegg, Lamborghini and Bugatti, and was involved with their most iconic modern cars including the Gemera, CC850, Huracán and the Chiron. So, naturally, and perhaps in a similar spirit to Gordon Murray, he’s crafted his own vision for a badass hypercar.
To that end, the Nilu — whose name is derived from Selipanov’s children, Nica and Lucia — doesn’t pack a Rimac-style electric drivetrain, some kind of hybrid setup or even an automatic transmission. Instead, you get a low-slung affair with an 80-degree, 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 kicking out 1,070 horsepower and 634 lb-ft of torque. While forced induction isn’t part of the equation, the Nilu does pack 12 individual throttle bodies to deliver heaps of fresh air and, the company says, instantaneous throttle response. “And because Nilu will not rely on electrification,” it goes on, “it aims to be the world’s most powerful, naturally aspirated hypercar.” With a large bore and short stroke, the V12 revs to a stratospheric redline above 10,000 RPM.
And apart from the sheer numbers, just look at the engine (and its 12-to-1 exhaust headers).
And we haven’t even gotten to the best part for old-school performance enthusiasts. Not only does the V12 engine fire all that power to the 21-inch rear wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires, but you also pilot this 2,600-pound (dry) hypercar with a 7-speed manual transmission. Looking forward through the compact steering wheel, you’ll notice an instrument panel almost completely devoid of and screens. Instead, you get a set of gauges, but that’s about it — nothing to distract from the driving experience.
Okay…how much will it cost?
After revealing the new hypercar to the world this week, Nilu27 will stage the public debut on August 15, at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week. So, how much can you expect to pay for this 250 mph top speed, sub-3-second slice of V12-powered insanity?
Well, unfortunately we don’t have a specific number yet. Production will be extremely limited, however, as Nilu27 plans a 15-unit initial production run, with cars built by Aria Group in Irvine, California. From there, the company plans to expand out to a 54-car “street-homologated” run, but pricing has not been announced on that either.
Almost certainly, though, it’s a case of “if you have to ask”…expect at least seven figures, though we’ll have to see how many millions the fortunate few will have to shell out to get their hands on one.
In November, though, you will be able to experience the Nilu hypercar in mobile racing game CSR Racing 2, so there’s that. You can also check out the unveil video (including some simulated sound) below:
