Meet the Nilu, a Manual V12 Hypercar from an Ex-Koenigsegg Designer
The list of supercars and hypercars equipped with naturally aspirated V12 engines and traditional manual gearboxes is a storied one; after all, the McLaren F1, Pagani Zonda, Gordon Murray Automotive T.50, Ferrari F50 and Lamborghini Countach, Diablo and Murcielago all count themselves among that group. Now, those ranks are growing by one — and it's a car that's coming from a brand-new automaker. Meet the Nilu, the first car from Nilu27.
After first teasing its wares back in May, Nilu27 — led by Sasha Selipanov, the former Koenigsegg designer — is now diving into specifics about its first hypercar ahead of its public reveal at Monterey Car Week. The Nilu is certainly no slouch, considering its 6.5-liter V-12 makes 1070 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, and is reportedly capable of going 248 miles per hour. But the ethos of Nilu27 isn't just about outright speed, according to the brand; instead, it's about focusing on a raw, unfiltered connection between man and machine.
To that end, the Nilu's sizeable V-12 is naturally aspirated, making the peak of its power at the top end of its 11,000-rpm rev range. The Hartley Engines-developed motor of the Nilu V-12 packs an usual design, with its 12-into-1 exhaust exiting from the top of the engine, improving heat dissipation thanks to the exposed engine bay. A gated seven-speed manual transmission manufactured by Cima connects that motor to the rear wheels and the driver.
The benefits of modern engineering are present in the Nilu's chassis. It's made up of a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque, reinforced by tubular aluminum-alloy subframes. A Double wishbone suspension front and rear supports the 2,645-pound car, with especially long wishbones fitted to the rear axle in the name of handling precision. Carbon-ceramic Brembo braking hardware sits on all four wheels, with white-painted rotors that are touted to be the "highest performance" ones offered by the Italian brake company. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 are the standard tirea, mounted to 20- and 21-inch center lock wheels in a staggered 275mm cross-section up front and a 325mm cross-section in the rear.
Visually, the Nilu makes a bold statement from the outside, with its gullwing doors, an exposed engine bay, and triple exhaust tips. The interior is a mix of raw, high-quality materials, while the instruments and steering wheel are designed in a manner reminiscent of a boat's controls.
"We set out to create a car with an 'inevitable' design: new, fresh and yet strangely familiar; something with a strong sense of déjà vu," the introductory material for the Nilu reads. "Nilu’s chassis, drivetrain, exterior, and interior are guided by the same vision and philosophy: each is naked, minimalist, and functional."
Only 15 of these initial launch edition, seemingly track-only hypercars will be built — though 54 "street homologated" units are allegedly on the way, too. Those hoping to get a look at the first batch of Nilus should head to the central coast of California for Monterey Car Week, where the company will be showing off the model on August 15.
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