Well-heeled car enthusiasts are spoiled for choice these days, ranging from ultra-special editions of existing cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C to completely bespoke hypercars like the limited-production Nilu27 NILU. That model is one step closer to limited production now that the automaker has fired up its V12 engine for the first time, discovering that it actually made more power than expected while screaming through its equal-length exhaust header and individual throttle bodies.
Intercontinental Collaboration
NILU and Hartley Engines 6.5-Liter V12 On Engine DynoNilu27
The 6.5-liter V12 destined for the NILU comes from the New Zealand–based company Hartley Engines, and it was intended to produce 1,070 horsepower. However, the first dyno test of the powertrain exceeded that number, which was good news to the entire team. Surprisingly, the engine makes that much grunt while breathing completely free of any forced induction. Instead, the Hartley V12 revs to a stratospheric 11,000 rpm to make power, which in the NILU will go to the rear wheels via a seven-speed traditional manual transmission.
We knew we had something special on paper, but seeing it outperform expectations on the dyno right out of the gate is phenomenal.
–Nelson Hartley, Hartley Engines
In order to help with thermal efficiency and improve cooling, the engine places its exhaust manifolds in a hot-vee layout, where they can slough heat from the car’s open engine bay. Furthermore, the equal-length headers ensure each individual cylinder can exhale freely, using a much more straightforward design than the wacky De Tomaso P900’s V12. Combined with a duodectet of throttle bodies, the most powerful naturally aspirated V12 in the world should have no trouble reaching its sky-high redline in a hurry.
Steady Progress Toward Production
Once the engine finishes development in Palmerston North, New Zealand, it will move to Nilu27’s research and manufacturing facility in Germany. There, the low-volume automaker will finish developing and fine-tuning its planned supercar with the first roadgoing NILU prototype. Production was intended to begin in 2025, but now, it seems as though Nilu27 will likely begin sales in 2027 instead.
Nilu27 and Hartley Engines 6.5-liter V12Nilu27
Pricing is still in question, but early estimates suggest the launch edition will demand $3.5 million. Although the prototype is built in Germany, the first batch of customer cars will actually be manufactured by the 3D printing experts at Aria Group, located in Irvine, California. Only 54 NILU supercars are planned for production.
The 6.5-liter V12 is the product of a joint venture between Nilu27 and Hartley Engines, and it may not be the companies’ last collaboration. They are currently finalizing a joint venture to build more high-performance engines for low-volume automakers. Hartley currently manufactures a small-displacement V8 platform that uses a flat-plane crank and ranges between 2.5 and 3.3 liters, maxing out at 520 hp and 10,000 rpm. The engine builder also produces a high-strung, 1.4-liter four-cylinder that weighs less than 200 pounds, but thanks to turbocharging and high-flow motorcycle intake technology, it makes a healthy 400 horsepower.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
As we’ve seen by myriad other supercar companies, including the California-native Czinger 21C, 3D printing is enabling ever more advanced roadgoing technology. The Nilu27 NILU is proof of that, with its advanced Inconel exhaust manifold and composite body materials improving performance. Once it actually hits production, it’ll make its precious few customers very happy.
2025 Czinger 21C
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Transmission
7- Speed Semi-Sequential Automatic
Horsepower
1250 hp
Top Speed
219 mph
Source: Nilu27
