At the heart of the NILU is a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12 engine, designed by New Zealand-based Hartley Engines. This powerhouse is no ordinary V-12; it’s an 80-degree unit that revs with an eagerness more akin to an electric motor than a traditional combustion engine. Unlike conventional V-12 setups, where the intake sits inside the "V" and the exhaust is routed outboard, the NILU flips the script with a "hot V" configuration. Here, the exhaust exits from the top, through a stunning 12-into-1 Inconel system that culminates in a tri-exit tip—an aesthetic nod to a space shuttle’s exhaust plumes.

While exact power figures remain undisclosed, Nilu27 promises "more than" 1000 horsepower, ensuring that this machine has the muscle to back up its dramatic looks. And unlike most modern hypercars that rely on dual-clutch automatics or hybrid systems to manage their power, the NILU offers a purely mechanical connection between driver and machine with its seven-speed gated manual transmission. Supplied by CIMA, this transmission is topped with a pole-like shifter, featuring a locking mechanism reminiscent of the legendary Lamborghini Countach, ensuring an unintentional shift into reverse doesn’t spoil the driving experience.

The NILU’s design is as much a work of art as it is a feat of engineering. The car's foundation is a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque, complemented by tubular aluminum-alloy subframes. This combination offers both rigidity and lightweight performance, essential for a car of this caliber. The hypercar’s silhouette is punctuated by dramatic gullwing doors—a nod to automotive icons of the past, but executed with a distinctly modern flair.

Inside, the NILU is a study in minimalism, designed to keep the driver’s focus solely on the road. The cabin eschews the usual array of buttons and screens in favor of a more analog approach. The steering wheel is perfectly round, devoid of any buttons, and the only screen in sight is integrated into the rear-view mirror, enhancing rearward visibility. In place of adjustable seats, the NILU opts for fixed seating positions, with the pedal box, headrest, and door mirrors manually adjustable via billet-machined levers and switches. This decision reinforces the car’s mission: to provide an unfiltered, tactile driving experience.

Nilu27 plans to build just 15 of these launch-edition NILU hypercars, though it’s unclear whether they’ll be street-legal. The company also announced plans for 54 "street homologated" units, suggesting that the initial batch may be reserved for the track. The NILU will make its public debut at Pebble Beach during Monterey Car Week on August 15, where it’s sure to capture the attention of enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In a statement, Nilu27’s co-founder and COO Inna Selipanov expressed the company’s delight with the early reactions to the NILU. "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."

The NILU stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of analog driving experiences in a rapidly digitalizing world. With its naturally aspirated V-12, gated manual transmission, and breathtaking design, the NILU isn’t just a car—it’s a purist’s dream come true.