New Zealand-built V12 fires up ahead of hypercar berth
A new hypercar called the NILU is set to be powered by a V12 engine built by New Zealand’s Hartley Engines.
A US-based startup has enlisted a New Zealand firm to build its hypercar’s V12 engine, which has now taken its first breath.
Nilu27 is a brand you’ve likely never heard of, led by Sasha Selipanov, whose previous works include leading the exterior design of the Lamborghini Huracan and Bugatti Chiron, as well as leading the overall design of the Koenigsegg Gemera and CC850.
The brand’s hypercar, called simply the NILU, was revealed in 2024, at least in concept form, with claims of being powered by a V12 engine and a seven-speed manual transmission.
Now that dream is one step closer to reality, with New Zealand’s Hartley Engines – based in Palmerston North – previewing the first running prototype of the V12, while also showcasing its mad exhaust setup.
The company – run by former Formula 1 driver and three-time Le Mans winner Brendon Hartley’s brother, Nelson – claims the V12 can rev out to 11,000rpm, making just as much induction noise as it does from the exhaust thanks to its individual throttle bodies (ITBs).
The Nilu27 NILU concept
Initially expected to produce 786kW, the 6.4-litre V12 reportedly makes even more than that, all without the assistance of hybrid technology or forced induction from turbochargers or a supercharger.
There’s no timeline yet on when the Nilu27 NILU will launch, though the sole running V12 engine is soon to be sent over to Germany where the first prototype of the hypercar is being assembled.
You can hear more from Nelson Hartley about Hartley Engines at last year's World Time Attack Challenge below.
