Nilu27 Exceeds 1,055 Horsepower in First Phase of V12 Laboratory Testing
Early technical readouts confirm the high-revving, naturally aspirated powerplant delivers massive performance gains ahead of its driving prototype debut.
Summary
Nilu27's naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine successfully completed its first dyno phase, exceeding its initial 1,055-horsepower target.
Developed with Hartley Engines, the 11,000-rpm powerplant utilizes an 80-degree "Hot V" layout mated to a seven-speed manual transmission.
Following German track evaluations, Nilu27 will build 15 track-only variants before shifting focus to 54 street-legal models.
Founded by former Bugatti and Koenigsegg designer Sasha Selipanov, hypercar startup Nilu27 aims to deliver a purely analog driving experience after two years of its initial reveal. The brand envisions a visceral pushback against modern electrification and digital sterility. Built around the Bauhaus philosophy where form follows function, the vehicle resembles a classic Le Mans endurance racer designed for the modern era. At the heart of this ambition sits a newly developed naturally aspirated engine that firmly rejects the current automotive industry playbook.
Developed alongside New Zealand-based Hartley Engines, the bespoke 6.5-liter twelve-cylinder just roared to life during its very first dyno testing phase. Engineers initially projected an output of 1,055 horsepower for the unit. Early laboratory tests have already exceeded that figure while reaching a screaming 11,000 rpm redline. Power reaches the rear wheels strictly through a seven-speed manual transmission to guarantee maximum driver engagement.
The engineering team opted for an aggressive Hot V layout running an 80-degree bank angle. Sculpture-like exhaust headers sit directly between the cylinder heads to optimize both maximum performance and tight packaging. This setup allows extreme heat to escape efficiently through the car’s fully exposed rear engine bay. Such architectural choices underline the company’s clear focus on raw mechanical drama over quiet efficiency.
Following the successful trial runs, the high-revving V12 will leave New Zealand for the company’s dedicated research and development facility in Germany. Technicians will soon install the powerhouse into the first driving prototype to begin rigorous track evaluations. Initial production plans call for 15 track-only launch models before the manufacturer shifts focus to 54 street-legal examples. Nilu27 and its engine-building partner have also confirmed a joint venture to create additional road-certified powertrains in the near future.
