Meet the HF-11, a limited-edition supercar described by its Californian creators, Oilstainlab, as nothing short of “unhinged.” With a redline of 12,000 rpm in its internal combustion engine (ICE) version, this radical machine backs up the claim. But the HF-11 is much more than just its high-revving engine—it’s the culmination of Oilstainlab’s mission to push the boundaries of automotive design, merging nostalgic motorsport influences with cutting-edge technology.
The Origins of Oilstainlab
The HF-11 follows the footsteps of the Half-11, a half-sized, retro-inspired ode to ’60s and ’70s motorsport technology that Top Gear’s Rob Dahm drove last year. The Half-11 was a proof of concept, showcasing Oilstainlab’s daring, rule-breaking ethos. Now, with the HF-11, brothers Nikita and Iliya Bridan—designers with experience at automotive heavyweights like Acura, Cadillac, Genesis, Honda, and Toyota—are ready to turn their vision into a reality.
Two Years and 3,500 Hours in the Making
The HF-11 is built around a bespoke carbon monocoque, which took the Oilstainlab team and their partners over two years and 3,500 hours to design. This ultra-lightweight structure offers “exceptional modern safety” while maintaining space for a driver as tall as 6’3″, even when wearing a helmet—something even supercars like the Lamborghini Temerario struggle with. The monocoque also facilitates the fitment of two drivetrain options, a key feature of the HF-11’s design flexibility.
Dual Powertrain Options: ICE and EV
The HF-11 offers two radically different powertrain choices. For those who crave the visceral thrill of high-revving engines, there’s a mid-mounted 4.5-liter flat-six producing 650 horsepower and capable of revving up to a staggering 12,000 rpm. This setup is paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed sequential transmission, ensuring a pure, hands-on driving experience.
On the other hand, for enthusiasts interested in electric propulsion, Oilstainlab offers a full electric version featuring an 80 kWh battery and an 800-horsepower electric motor. Both versions utilize the same lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque, with a clever “quick swapping system” that allows drivers to switch between the two powertrains depending on their preference. The electric version is projected to weigh 953 kg, while the ICE variant tips the scales at just 907 kg (2,000 lbs), making both versions incredibly lightweight and agile.
Aerodynamics and Design
Nikita and Iliya Bridan have made it clear that they’re not interested in building cars that follow traditional design norms. “Cars have become really fussy… proportions have sort of stagnated,” Nikita noted. The HF-11 aims to disrupt this stagnation with a compact, aerodynamically optimized design that includes a ground effect aero package, all while retaining a minimal and clean aesthetic.
With a silhouette honed by wind tunnels and real-world testing, the HF-11 blends sleek curves with aggressive proportions, drawing inspiration from motorsport icons. Its compact footprint and low weight promise a “grin-inducing analogue driving” experience, keeping true driving enthusiasts at the heart of the design.
A Special Edition for the “Maniacs”
Only 25 units of the HF-11 will be built, and 11 of these will be part of a special ‘Maniac’ edition. Oilstainlab has coined the term “Maniacs” to describe the early adopters and enthusiasts who will be part of the car’s tuning and finalization process. “Our goal right now is to find the 11 maniacs that’ll be part of our development program,” Nikita says. This elite group will get exclusive access to the development and refinement of the HF-11, becoming more than just customers—they’ll be part of the family.
With an initial price of $1.85 million for the standard model, the HF-11 sits firmly in the upper echelon of the hypercar market. Customers can opt for the full electric version or save $500,000 by choosing the ICE-only variant, which comes in at $1.85 million.
A Nod to the Past, A Glimpse Into the Future
“Five years ago, we knew to define our future we needed to build our past,” says Iliya Bridan. This sentiment guided the creation of the Half-11 Prototype, a vehicle that “would defy reality” and paved the way for the HF-11. After years of research, development, and a “half-mad” dive into technology and engineering, the Bridan brothers are proud to unveil their masterpiece to the world.
The HF-11 isn’t just a car—it’s a statement. It reflects Oilstainlab’s desire to create something unique, free from the constraints that large manufacturers face. In a world where most cars are governed by stringent regulations, the HF-11 offers something truly special: an exhilarating, analogue driving experience wrapped in a futuristic, dual-powertrain package.
For true enthusiasts and those lucky enough to join the Maniacs, the HF-11 promises to be a car like no other, combining performance, exclusivity, and a design philosophy that refuses to conform. As the spring 2025 release of the prototype draws nearer, one thing is clear: Oilstainlab is ready to reshape the future of supercars.
