Up close with the Nilu hypercar from Nilu27

A new entry from brand Nilu27, their take on the modern analog hypercar

A new V12 hypercar from Nilu27

Words and pictures by Mitchell Weitzman

On a beautiful summer's day during Monterey Car Week, the 18th hole of Pebble Beach was home to the launch of the Nilu hypercar from Nilu27. Founded by designer Sasha Selipanov, Nilu27 is defying modern convention. Forgoing turbocharged trickery or electric propulsion that is in the favor of established rival brands, the former Koenigsegg designer's new Nilu hypercar is a start throwback, a compilation of greatest hits that cumulatively account for an all-new and unique entry for millionaires to choose from.

If it doesn't have your attention yet, this will do the trick:

Manual transmission.

Naturally aspirated V12 engine.

1,070 horsepower, at 11,000 RPM.

2,646 pounds dry.

Those are some attention-grabbing specifications, let alone ambitious, but what can be said so far is that, for such a fresh company, the product on display at Pebble Beach was exquisitely and expertly crafted and looks much like a finished product, not the typical vaporware from other start-up brands. Now, some of the specs might remind of the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50, and you'd be correct in that. Yet after seeing both in-person, as far as where shear physical appearance and presence are concerned, the Nilu makes the GMA look like a slice of generic white bread thanks to the tasteful drama infused in all extremities.

Plus, Mr. Selipanov is no stranger to hypercars, having a storied history of success for Swedish brand Koenigsegg, while he also is credited with styling the Lamborghini Huracan and Bugatti Chiron. With such heavy hitters on his resume, it's easy to want to believe in his ambition. And while the first released press photos made the Nilu (the car is named the Nilu, the brand is called Nilu27 fyi) appeared a bit too Hot Wheels for my taste, the finished result in the flesh is nothing short of breathtaking, with all the details and emotion that a supercar and hypercar are deserving of. The V12 also features exhaust above the heads and block, earning its recognition as a 'hot vee,' and the exhaust work itself looks like an art installation.

For those wondering what the heck Nilu27 even means, Nilu is an amalgamation of Mr. Selipanov's daughters, Nice and Lucia, and 27 was the number of the late Scuderia Ferrari driver Gilles Villeneuve, considered by many to have been among the most talented and gifted racing drivers ever.

Time will tell if Nilu27 and the Nilu hypercar will be a success, but after early first-hand impressions, it's hard not to outwardly root for and believe in their ambitions.

See more at: Nilu27.com