A 1,055-bhp hypercar from Koenigsegg’s former design boss will make a dramatic debut at the Pebble Beach concours d’elegance.
The Nilu Hypercar was conceived by Sasha Selipanov, who previously designed the Koenigsegg Gemera and CC850, and offers the antithesis of the electrified, digitised driving experience that most car makers are steering towards.
Mounted amidships is a 6.5-litre, naturally-aspirated V12, built by Hartley Engines of New Zealand. Redlining at 12,000 rpm the engine produces its peak power of 1,055 bhp at 11,000 revs and a maximum torque of 634 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm. Apparently this amazing motor can actually hit 15,000 revs but, for the sake of reliability, the more conservative limit was set.
“This is not an OEM engine from another manufacturer; this is a bespoke, large bore, short stroke monster,” explained Nelson Harley, the founder of Hartley Engines. “It’s got aggressive cams, aggressive port flow, lightweight components and exotic materials. We want to get a cold sweat every time the V12 starts and revs.”
A gated manual seven-speed transmission enhances the driving experience, while the chassis comprises a carbon fibre monocoque, with aluminium subframes and double wishbone and pushrod suspension. Brembo carbon ceramic discs are fitted and there are custom AppTech center-lock wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres.
It’s got a fairly typical hypercar silhouette, honed, no doubt, by complex fluid dynamics calculations and wind tunnel time. Gullwing doors are de rigeur in a car like this, of course, while an especially appealing feature is the open rear, exposing the engine and rear suspension.
Inside the snug cockpit the seats are fixed in a low-slung position and, a set of anologue dials greet the driver, with the only screen taking care of rear-view duties.
Talking to Top Gear Selipanov had a pop at one of the Nilu’s main rivals as he explained the car’s ethos. “What is the point of the RB17 unless customers are planning on training their neck muscles every day of the week? The average customer is nowhere near the realm of physical performance to be able to operate that sort of vehicle. We want to make a car that can thrill and use your senses but is ultimately accessible and enjoyable by the above-average level of talent we see among hypercar drivers.”
The new company Nilu27 will first built 15 track-only cars, followed by 54 road-legal versions. The price hasn’t been announced, but with those small numbers they’re all likely to find homes among ICE-loving cognoscenti.
“While the world is moving towards electrification, and for very good reason, we firmly believe the timelessness of these cars will not only keep them relevant but they will continue to find a place in the collections of passionate car lovers,” co-founder Inna Selipanov told Autocar.
