Twins Nikita and Iliya Bridan have carved a niche in the automotive world as innovative designers, previously associated with prominent brands like Acura, Cadillac, and Toyota. In 2019, they took a bold step by founding their own supercar company, Oilstainlab. Their vision diverges from conventional automotive manufacturing, focusing on creating one-off builds that evoke nostalgia and excitement, reminiscent of unfinished Le Mans prototypes from the 1960s.
This design philosophy challenges the typical, often overcomplicated aesthetics of modern vehicles, opting instead for unique proportions and bold designs that stand out.
One of their standout creations is the Half11, which garnered significant attention at the Goodwood Festival. This prototype sparked interest from potential buyers, prompting the Bridan brothers to consider developing a commercially viable model. With inquiries pouring in, they began strategizing a plan for production. Three years later, they are now focused on developing a new model, the HF-11, with plans to showcase a running prototype by spring 2025 and ultimately produce 25 customer cars.
The HF-11 promises to be a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive machine built around a custom carbon-fiber tub, targeting a weight of just 2,000 pounds. Supporting this performance are Docol R8 high-strength steel subframes, tubular suspension components, and adjustable Ohlins dampers.
The car’s aesthetic merges elements reminiscent of the Porsche 911 with the Jaguar F-Type, presenting an aggressive design that signals high performance. Nikita emphasizes their intent to create vehicles that break free from conventional design norms and resonate with automotive enthusiasts.
At the heart of the HF-11 is a particularly innovative powertrain, featuring a 650-hp 4.5-liter flat-six engine capable of revving to 12,000 rpm, paired with a manual transmission. In response to customer preferences, Oilstainlab plans to offer both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) options.
Customers can choose between the 650-hp gas engine and an 860-hp electric motor, with a unique ability to swap between the two powertrains using a subframe swap approach, inspired by a childhood memory of a quick Audi Le Mans pit stop. The vehicle’s pricing reflects this dual offering, set at $2,350,000 for both setups, with a $500,000 deduction for the gas-only version.
Departing from typical manufacturing practices, the Bridan brothers have created a community-driven approach for their HF-11 project. They are actively seeking eleven dedicated clients, affectionately termed “maniacs,” who will participate in the car’s development and tuning process. This select group, comprising individuals who already own hypercars, reflects the brothers’ desire to foster a close-knit community around their brand, ensuring that their customers share a genuine passion for driving.
Ultimately, Nikita Bridan articulates that Oilstainlab’s mission is not to compete with major automotive manufacturers or dominate the high-end supercar market. Instead, they aim to preserve a unique driving experience that resonates with true enthusiasts.
The challenges posed by industry regulations and market pressures have led the Bridan brothers to focus on creating lightweight, engaging cars that embody their vision of what driving should be, distinguishing their brand in an increasingly homogenous automotive sector.