In a bold departure from the industry’s shift toward electrification and digitalization, renowned designer Sasha Selipanov, alongside his wife Inna, has launched Nilu27, a hypercar brand poised to redefine the driving experience. This summer, the couple will unveil their debut creation—the NILU hypercar—at the prestigious Monterey Car Week in Pebble Beach.
The NILU hypercar is a visceral homage to the golden age of automotive design. Eschewing modern trends, the vehicle prioritizes an unfiltered, analog driving experience. Drawing inspiration from classic motorsports, Italian design, Bauhaus principles, and even avant-garde metal music, NILU’s aesthetic is a fusion of raw functionality and artistic expression.
Selipanov’s vision for NILU was to create a car that feels both revolutionary and timeless. The NILU’s exterior features sleek, aerodynamic curves that are juxtaposed with an exposed, intricately detailed engine bay. This design reflects the Bauhaus philosophy of form following function, celebrating the essential beauty of mechanical elements without unnecessary embellishments.
At the heart of the NILU is a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque chassis, coupled with lightweight aluminum-alloy tubular subframes—a deliberate choice to enhance accessibility to drivetrain components while amplifying the car’s mechanical aesthetic. Inside, the cabin is designed with ergonomics and safety in mind, achieving a low roofline and compact dimensions without compromising comfort.
The NILU’s interior is a nod to traditional driving with manual, analog controls. The only digital component is a screen for the rearview camera, addressing the visibility challenges of mid-engined sports cars. The steering wheel, free of buttons or switches, emphasizes pure driving focus, while the seven-speed manual transmission enhances the car’s analog experience.
Production of the NILU hypercar will be highly exclusive, with only 15 units planned for the initial release. Each car will be a testament to Sasha Selipanov’s uncompromising vision, honed over nearly two decades. The hypercar’s powertrain is equally impressive, featuring a 6.5-liter V12 engine developed in partnership with Hartley Engines. This naturally aspirated monster will deliver over 1,000 horsepower, making NILU one of the most powerful non-electrified hypercars in existence.
The NILU hypercar also boasts a unique “Hot V” configuration, which swaps traditional exhaust and intake positions for better packaging and heat extraction, culminating in a visually striking “snakepit” exhaust design. The entire exhaust system is 3D-printed in Inconel, showcasing cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.
In addition to the initial run, Nilu27 is working on a street-homologated version of the NILU, limited to 54 units, four of which will feature unique designs that push the boundaries of automotive aesthetics even further.
Sasha and Inna Selipanov are set to unveil the NILU hypercar to a select group of VIPs and media in Los Angeles on August 8, with a public debut following on August 15 at Pebble Beach. The car will also make its virtual debut in CSR Racing 2, allowing enthusiasts to experience its high-octane performance digitally.
“We believe in the timeless appeal of these cars,” said Inna Selipanov, Co-Founder and COO of Nilu27. “While the world embraces electrification, the NILU hypercar will stand as a testament to the enduring passion for raw, mechanical driving.”
