Summary
Oilstainlab
- In 2019, brothers Nikita and Iliya Bridan formed Oilstainlab with the goal of creating a unique supercar.
- The HF-11 will be the company’s first foray into production cars.
- A total of 25 cars are planned, each priced at $2,350,000 (although you can save $500K by going internal combustion only).
Nikita and Iliya Bridan are twins. Both are designers and have worked with renowned brands such as Acura, Cadillac, Genesis, Honda, and Toyota. In 2019, they decided it was time to create their own supercar company.
Oilstainlab’s Unique Approach
Many modern car companies claim to be disruptive; however, Oilstainlab stands out by creating vehicles that resemble unfinished Le Mans prototypes from the ’60s. One prominent example is the Half11, which combines elements of vintage Can-Am racers with imaginative design.
Oilstainlab brought the Half11 to Goodwood, attracting significant attention from potential buyers. “People began reaching out, asking ‘Hey, can we buy one?’” shares Nikita Bridan.
Although classifying their next creation as a production car might be a bit of a stretch, the brothers are assembling a skilled team and are moving forward with the design process. They plan to unveil a running prototype of their new HF-11 in spring 2025, followed by the production of 25 customer cars.
Design Features of the HF-11
The HF-11 will showcase a rear-wheel-drive, mid-engine configuration, featuring a custom carbon-fiber tub manufactured in Canada, the same facility that produces the Ford GT. Composite body panels are expected to help achieve a target weight of 2000 pounds. However, Nikita noted he’d consider increased weight if they could find a skilled artisan to create 25 sets of aluminum bodywork. “That’s the dream,” he stated. “A handmade aluminum body.”
Docol R8 high-strength steel subframes will support tubular suspension components and adjustable Ohlins dampers. The race variant will feature 18-inch wheels, while the street model is designed for 19- and 20-inch wheels. Aesthetically, the front of the HF-11 is reminiscent of a smoothed-out Porsche 911, paired with a rear end evoking the Jaguar F-type.
“Cars have become overly intricate and commonplace,” Nikita Bridan stated. “Our aim was to push proportions to something uniquely different.”
Powertrain and Innovations
The HF-11’s powertrain is particularly noteworthy. The Bridan brothers are collaborating with an engine manufacturer to create a 650-hp 4.5-liter flat-six engine (not derived from a Porsche case), designed to rev up to 12,000 rpm and paired with a manual transmission. While this setup is impressive, they are also responding to customer interest in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) powertrains. Thus, the HF-11 will include both a 650-hp six-cylinder engine and an 860-hp electric motor that revs to 13,000 rpm, offering customers the flexibility to swap between them as desired.
“It’s not merely a powertrain swap; it’s a subframe swap. I remember Audi completing an entire rear subframe change at Le Mans in 2000 within four minutes.” – Nikita Bridan
This innovative approach appears daunting, yet Nikita emphasized that advancements in battery technology allow for a comparable packaging envelope to that of a traditional combustion engine with a fuel tank. Both the gas and electric configurations will be included in the base price of $2,350,000, but customers opting for the gas-only version can deduct $500,000.
Client Involvement and Goals
Another groundbreaking strategy from the Bridan brothers involves involving a select group of future clients, referred to as “Maniacs,” in the tuning and finalization of the HF-11. These clients, who typically own competitive hypercars, will help shape the vehicle’s final features.
Nikita clarified that Oilstainlab’s mission isn’t to become a major Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or continuously produce high-end supercars. Instead, their goal is to preserve a specific driving experience. “Having worked in the OEM sector, we found that major manufacturers are often constrained by regulations, limiting their ability to create lightweight, engaging vehicles. Thus, we aim to build the kinds of cars that enthusiasts truly desire.”
Brett Berk, Contributing Editor
Brett Berk is a former educator with a background in research on youth and families. He currently covers automotive topics for various publications, including CNN and the New York Times. His diverse writing portfolio includes contributions to Popular Mechanics, Architectural Digest, and others.
