Oilstainlab HF-11: A Hypercar Built for True Enthusiasts

Crazy Concept - The desire to create something truly extraordinary often stems from unconventional thinking. In the world of high-performance cars, innovation is driven by ideas that might seem wild or impossible to the average person. But for those with a passion for pushing the boundaries of engineering and design, these "crazy" concepts can lead to remarkable creations. Such is the case with the Bridan brothers, Nikita and Iliya, who have taken a bold step in the world of hypercars with their company, Oilstainlab.

The Oilstainlab HF-11 will be a lightweight, high-horsepower, manual-transmission sports car with a classic racer design. . (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

The story of Nikita and Iliya Bridan, twin brothers from Canada, is a testament to how creativity and ambition can merge into a dream project. Both brothers have impressive backgrounds in the automotive industry, having worked with renowned companies like Acura, Cadillac, Genesis, Honda, and Toyota. They’ve built a solid reputation as designers with a flair for innovation, which laid the foundation for their next big venture. In 2019, they made a decisive move and launched Oilstainlab, with the ambitious goal of creating supercars that stand out in a market saturated with competitors claiming to be disruptors.

Although the automaker love the idea of an aluminum-bodied car, the Oilstainlab HF-11 will have a carbon tub and composite bodywork. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

Oilstainlab made waves with their first model, the Half-11, which was showcased at Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024. The car’s design drew attention due to its unique aesthetic, described as a fusion of a classic Can-Am race car and a childhood fantasy. This caught the eyes of many, sparking inquiries from potential buyers. Encouraged by this response, the Bridan brothers decided to take things to the next level by developing a production car—the Oilstainlab HF-11.

Oilstainlab's first model, the Half-11, showcased at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, captivated attention with its unique design, blending a classic Can-Am race car with elements of a childhood fantasy. (Picture from: CarPorn)

The HF-11 represents the brothers' leap into the world of production hypercars, although calling it a "production car" in the traditional sense is a stretch. Their vision is centered on crafting something rare and exclusive, with only 25 units planned for production. This car isn’t just about performance; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience for its owners. At a hefty price of $2,350,000, the HF-11 is tailored for those who seek something beyond the typical hypercar offerings. And for those interested only in the internal combustion version, there’s an opportunity to save $500,000.

Planned as a very limited edition, only 25 Oilstainlab HF-11 cars will be built. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

At the core of the HF-11 is its innovative powertrain setup, offering both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, catering to enthusiasts of both worlds. The 4.5-liter flat-six engine, capable of 650 horsepower and revving up to 12,000 rpm, is paired with a manual transmission for those who crave the traditional driving experience. 

The first running Oilstainlab HF-11 prototype is set to debut in the spring of 2025. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

But for those leaning towards the future, the HF-11 also comes with an 850-horsepower electric motor and battery pack, which can rev to 13,000 rpm. What makes this even more extraordinary is the fact that the powertrains are interchangeable, allowing the driver to switch between the two setups depending on their mood or driving preference. This is more than just a powertrain swap; it’s an entire subframe swap, inspired by Audi’s rear subframe swaps at Le Mans in 2000. 

In addition to luxury and comfort, the Oilstainlab HF-11 cabin offers superior visibility and easier ingress and egress compared to its competitors. (Picture from: Oilstainlab)

The HF-11’s design is as bold as its mechanical setup. With a carbon-fiber tub built by the same factory responsible for the Ford GT and body panels made of lightweight composite materials, the car is expected to weigh around 2,000 pounds. Nikita Bridan dreams of a handmade aluminum body, although he admits the practicality of finding someone to craft 25 sets might be a challenge. The HF-11 is designed to be striking, with a front end reminiscent of a smoothed-down Porsche 911 and a rear that evokes the aggressive stance of a Jaguar F-Type.

Good news for tall collectors: The Oilstainlab HF-11 was designed to fit drivers up to 6'3" with a helmet. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

While the HF-11’s design and powertrain are groundbreaking, the brothers’ approach to customer involvement is just as unconventional. Instead of simply selling cars, Oilstainlab invites a select group of customers—dubbed "Maniacs"—to participate in the development process. These individuals, many of whom already own competitive hypercars, will have a hand in fine-tuning the final product. Nikita and Iliya are looking to create not just a car, but a community of like-minded enthusiasts who share their passion for pushing automotive boundaries.

The designers say the Oilstainlab HF-11 is meant to be an engaging car to drive, not just a high-tech or quick one. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

Despite the audacious nature of the HF-11, the Bridan brothers maintain that their goal is not to become a large-scale manufacturer. They are not interested in competing with the major players in the hypercar market. Instead, their focus is on preserving a specific driving experience—one that is lightweight, engaging, and increasingly rare in a world where regulations and restrictions dominate the automotive landscape. Their mission is simple: to create the cars that no one else is making, for the enthusiasts who crave something different.

An ambitious goal of the HF-11 is to offer a swappable rear subframe with both ICE and EV powerplants. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

As the HF-11 moves closer to its projected prototype release in 2025, the automotive world watches with anticipation. The Bridan brothers are proving that there’s still room for wild ideas and bold innovations in a market that often plays it safe. Their commitment to blending the best of both worlds—traditional internal combustion and cutting-edge electric propulsion—offers a glimpse into the future of hypercars, where versatility and performance coexist in harmony.

In the end, Oilstainlab’s HF-11 is more than just a car; it’s a statement. A statement that innovation thrives where creativity meets passion, and that even in a world dominated by regulations and mainstream designs, there’s still space for the dreamers and the maniacs who dare to build something truly unique. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OILSTAINLAB | TOPGEAR | CARANDDRIVER | CARSCOOPS | GOODWOOD | CARPORN ]

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