A new hypercar startup is drawing rare attention after Jay Leno featured its prototype, a V12-powered machine called the Nilu, on his platform. The vehicle comes from a company led by Sasha Selipanov, a designer whose background spans some of the most respected names in high-performance engineering. The project aims to prove that ultra-exclusive cars can still rely on mechanical purity rather than hybrid systems or forced induction. Positioned near the top tier of the performance world, the prototype targets roughly 1,070 horsepower, placing it among the most powerful road-bound machines in development. Production is planned to begin as early as next summer, with pricing expected to start around $2.8 million.
The car’s name comes from Selipanov’s daughters, and the philosophy behind it reflects both personal inspiration and professional heritage. Selipanov’s résumé includes shaping vehicles such as the Lamborghini Huracán and Bugatti Chiron, along with a period leading design at Koenigsegg. That experience is apparent in the Nilu’s exterior, which blends cues reminiscent of Italian and British performance brands. The overall form leans toward the sculpted look associated with modern Ferraris, while the nose shows influence from aerodynamic concepts once explored for Bugatti.
Beyond its styling, the Nilu focuses heavily on traditional engineering. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 built by Hartley Engines, designed to rev to about 11,000 rpm. The setup avoids turbochargers entirely and pairs with a seven-speed gated manual from Cima, a supplier known for working with elite hypercar manufacturers. The structure incorporates carbon-fiber bodywork, carbon-ceramic Brembo brakes, and gold-foil heat shielding near the exhaust.
As development continues, details may evolve before the model reaches customers, but the prototype suggests a clear direction: a return to mechanical engagement in a segment that is rapidly moving toward hybridization. Whether the Nilu’s approach signals a broader shift remains to be seen, but the early spotlight indicates strong enthusiasm for an analog-minded future in the hypercar world.