Sasha Selipanov, a seasoned automotive designer with stints at Bugatti, Genesis, and most recently, Koenigsegg, has finally pulled the wraps off his highly anticipated project – the Nilu.
Fast Facts:
- Power – 794 kW peak power @ 11 000 r/min
- Torque – 860 N.m peak torque @ 7 000 r/min
- Engine – 6.5-litre V12 (hot V)
- Top speed – 400 km/h (limited)
- 0-100 – driver-dependent
- Weight – 1 200 kg
- Gearbox– 7-speed manual CIMA transmission
- Brakes-Brembo carbon ceramic brakes CCM-R Plus
- Rims– 20-inch front, 21-inch rear forged aluminium alloy
- Tyres– Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R, 265/35 R20 front and 325/30 R21 rear
The Nilu isn’t your typical hypercar, boasting the latest hybrid technology or chasing stratospheric top speeds. Instead, it’s a throwback, a raw and unfiltered homage to the golden age of motorsport, where the focus lies squarely on the driver and the unadulterated thrill of the machine.
Selipanov’s vision for the Nilu is clear: an analogue experience devoid of modern conveniences. The flowing body panels belie a bespoke carbon-fibre monocoque at the car’s core, a marvel of engineering rigidity. This lightweight central cell is flanked by aluminium-alloy tubular subframes at both ends. Selipanov explains this seemingly unconventional choice – opting for the exposed, skeletal structure over composite subframes – as a deliberate decision. It grants easier access to the powertrain’s vitals, aiding in both maintenance and heat management.
Speaking of the powertrain, the Nilu boasts a heart-stopping 6.5-litre, naturally-aspirated V12 – a symphony of mechanical might developed by Hartley Engines. Nestled behind the wheel lies a 7-speed manual transmission, a perfect embodiment of Selipanov’s desire for an unfiltered driving experience. Final power figures are yet to be revealed, but whispers suggest the engine will churn out a staggering 794 kW, its song reminiscent of the glorious, high-revving beasts that once dominated Formula 1. This pursuit of unbridled power without the crutch of electrification makes the Nilu a true rarity in today’s hypercar landscape.
Related: The Koenigsegg Chimera is a Bespoke MT Hypercar for the FIA President
But the Nilu isn’t just about raw power. Selipanov has also obsessed over a unique “Hot V” configuration for the engine. In a break from tradition, the exhaust and intake positions are swapped. This innovative layout offers several advantages: improved packaging efficiency, superior heat extraction, and a visual spectacle unlike any other. The consequence? Breathtaking “snakepit” 12-into-1 exhaust headers snake their way across the car’s rear, a bold design statement that merges form and function flawlessly.
Taking inspiration from a diverse range of sources – from the iconic 60s F1 and Le Mans racers to the sleek lines of classic Italian design houses, the Bauhaus philosophy of “form follows function”, and even the raw power of American muscle cars – the Nilu’s design is as eclectic as it is captivating. Selipanov sought to create a car with an “inevitable” aura, a design that feels fresh yet strangely familiar. The resulting exterior is a masterpiece of functionality, its tight cross-sections and sinuous curves carving a path through the air with minimal resistance. The exposed engine bay, intricately detailed and bathed in natural light, stands in stark contrast to the smooth, sculptural surfaces of the car’s body.
The Nilu’s chassis is a bespoke carbon-fibre monocoque paired with lightweight aluminium subframes. The exposed tubular structure not only aids in cooling and allows for easier maintenance, but also creates a visually striking connection between the driver and the mechanical heart of the beast.
The Nilu is more than just a car, it’s the culmination of Selipanov’s vision, meticulously refined since 2006. This passion project will initially be a limited-edition affair, with only 15 units slated for production. These first prototypes and customer cars will be assembled by Aria Group in Irvine, California, while Nilu27 establishes its own overseas production facilities. However, the story doesn’t end there. A street-legal variant of the Nilu is already in development, with plans for a production run of 54 units. Four of these will be truly unique, one-off designs, a testament to the boundless creativity that fuels this remarkable project.
