Nilu27, a new hypercar brand founded by sports car designer Sasha Selipanov, has unveiled its first vehicle, the Nilu hypercar. After generating interest through social media teasers, the car will make its public debut at Monterey Car Week on August 15.
The hypercar aims to move away from current automotive trends by deliberately avoiding electrification, digitalization and other modern technological aids. Instead, it draws inspiration from sources such as 1960s F1 and Le Mans racers, classic Italian design houses, the Bauhaus philosophy and American muscle cars, with a design that aims to be eclectic yet functional.
Sasha explained, “I was never afraid to follow my intuition or chase my dreams. Breaking conventions is simply a byproduct. The same is true for Nilu – a hypercar that discards current trends and conventions in pursuit of an elevated automotive experience.”
The car’s exterior features an aerodynamic design with tight cross-sections and sinuous curves. It contrasts sculptural surfaces with an exposed, intricately detailed engine bay, reflecting the Bauhaus philosophy of celebrating essential functional beauty.
The chassis is constructed with a carbon fiber monocoque and lightweight aluminum-alloy tubular subframes, chosen for their ability to improve drivetrain access and heat extraction while highlighting the mechanical aesthetic. The cabin is designed for optimal ergonomics and safety, featuring a low roofline, compact dimensions and substantial gullwing doors for easy entry and exit.
The Nilu’s human-machine interface (HMI) emphasizes manual, analog controls with minimal distractions. The steering wheel, devoid of switches and buttons, offers precise control, while the open-gate, seven-speed manual transmission enhances the raw driving experience.
Production of the hypercar will be limited to 15 units, with each car embodying Selipanov’s vision, which he has been refining since 2006. The vehicle will be powered by a 6.5-liter V12 engine developed in collaboration with Hartley Engines in New Zealand. This naturally aspirated engine, capable of producing over 1,000hp, features design elements such as a hot vee configuration and 12-into-1 exhaust headers.
The Nilu hypercar’s dynamics are supported by a double wishbone, pushrod suspension, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. The braking system, sourced from Brembo, includes high-performance carbon-ceramic equipment designed for exceptional performance and fade resistance.
Nilu27 plans to produce a street-homologated version of the Nilu, limited to 54 units, with four unique, one-off designs. The first prototype and customer cars will be assembled by Aria Group in Irvine, California, with production expected to ramp up overseas.
“Unveiling Nilu to the world is a dream come true; a moment so profound it is hard to express in words. The vision was the result of a decades-long search, sleepless nights, years of overthinking and overanalyzing. I was fortunate to learn from and contribute to the industry’s best; now my team and I are thrilled to put all this vision and knowledge into action,” added Sasha.
The hypercar will make its public debut at Pebble Beach in Monterey, California, in mid-August, following a private event in Los Angeles. It will also feature in the mobile racing game CSR Racing 2 later this year.
