Sasha Selipanov is the founder of NILU27 (https://nilu27.com/), a new hypercar company focused on delivering an engaging manual V12 experience. Sasha shares his incredible journey, from designing icons like the Bugatti Chiron, Lamborghini Huracán, and Genesis Essentia, to his latest venture with NILU27, where he aims to reshape the hypercar landscape.

We explore Sasha’s design philosophy as he talks about balancing the artistry of classical beauty with modern engineering, his hands-on approach to design, and his vision for analog, emotionally-driven sports cars. Hear stories from his remarkable journey through car design, including major stops at Bugatti, Lamborghini, Genesis, and Koenigsegg. Sasha shares insights into the creation of the Gemera and CC850 at Koenigsegg, and how those experiences inspired him to pursue his lifelong dream of crafting a hypercar that prioritizes emotion over sheer numbers. Discover the passion behind NILU’s vision for redefining the modern hypercar and the car Sasha has always wanted to create.

https://www.instagram.com/nilu27_official/

https://nilu27.com/

Enjoy,

Sam

Show Notes:

00:00 The Allure of Classic Sports Cars

02:47 Sasha Selipanov: A Journey in Car Design

06:06 The Competitive Nature of Exterior Design

08:57 The Chiron Project: A Designer's Perspective

12:14 Reflections on Design Choices

15:08 Heritage vs. Innovation in Car Design

17:57 The Koenigsegg Experience: A Dream Realised

20:53 Designing the Gemera: Challenges and Triumphs

24:13 Creating a New Hypercar: The Vision Behind Nilu27

27:04 The Shift from Numbers to Emotion in Car Design

39:47 The Shift in Automotive Values

42:06 Beauty and Experience in Car Design

45:55 The Joy of Manual Driving

49:49 Craftsmanship vs. Industrial Production

54:34 Market Dynamics and Customer Interest

01:00:21 The Future of Manual Cars

01:02:21 Innovative Designs and the Cybertruck

01:10:27 Personal Favorites and Dream Cars

Tom Ford, Associate Editor for Top Gear Magazine, has carved out a unique space within the motoring world. With his career spanning from TV shows like Fifth Gear and Top Gear America to his current role at Top Gear Magazine, Tom has always pursued the unconventional. Known for his adventures with everyday vehicles on extraordinary journeys, he combines his passion for storytelling with a love for car culture, from supercars to small hatchbacks.

In this episode of Car Chat, Tom shares his transition from supercar fanatic to someone more enamored with the people and stories in car culture. He talks about taking a humble Kia Picanto down some of France’s narrowest roads and navigating icy Swedish landscapes in sports cars ill-suited for the conditions. Tom's approach to road trips, whether in rugged vehicles or unexpected places, reflects his belief that the best journeys aren’t about the cars themselves but the experiences and stories they create.

https://www.instagram.com/tomwookieford/

https://www.topgear.com/car-news/tom-ford

Show Notes:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tom Ford and His Journey

02:48 The Joy of Car Culture and Adventure

06:02 The Difference Between Driving and Road Tripping

08:55 Memorable Road Trips and Experiences

11:49 Getting Started in Automotive Journalism

15:07 The Evolution of Automotive Journalism

17:59 The Impact of Time on Car Reviews

20:53 Resto Mods and Unique Car Projects