Yahoo Autos Oilstainlab HF-11: The $2.35 Million Hypercar Offering EV and ICE Swappable Powertrains
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The Oilstainlab HF-11, the brainchild of twin brothers Nikita and Iliya Bridan, is making waves in the hypercar world. Priced at $2.35 million, this radical machine promises a groundbreaking approach by offering customers the ability to switch between a 650-horsepower internal-combustion engine (ICE) and an 850-horsepower electric powertrain—all within the same vehicle.
Oilstainlab, founded in 2019 by the Bridans, emerged from their passion for automotive design honed at major manufacturers like Acura, Genesis, and Toyota. Their ambition was simple: to create a supercar that breaks conventions and redefines the driving experience. The HF-11 marks the company’s first venture into production cars, with only 25 units planned. Customers choosing the ICE-only version will save $500,000 off the full price.
The HF-11 aims to achieve a target weight of just 2,000 pounds. Its design centers on a rear-wheel-drive, mid-engine setup housed in a custom carbon-fiber tub produced by the same Canadian factory that builds the Ford GT. Composite body panels will keep the hypercar light, while adjustable Ohlins dampers and Docol R8 high-strength steel subframes provide advanced handling dynamics. The race version will feature 18-inch wheels, while street models will use 19- and 20-inch variants.
The design is as bold as its engineering, combining elements of classic race cars with a modern twist. The front end is reminiscent of a streamlined Porsche 911, while the rear carries hints of the Jaguar F-Type, complete with an exposed underside. According to Nikita Bridan, the design prioritizes unique proportions, aiming to stand out in a market where car aesthetics have become predictable.
What sets the HF-11 apart is its dual powertrain setup. Customers can switch between a high-revving 650-horsepower 4.5-liter flat-six engine and an 860-horsepower electric motor, both designed to fit within the same subframe configuration. The engine, revving to an impressive 12,000 rpm, promises a thrilling manual transmission experience. The electric unit, on the other hand, revs to 13,000 rpm and offers a torque-rich alternative.
The concept of swappable subframes was inspired by Nikita’s childhood memory of Audi’s rapid subframe swaps at Le Mans. “It seems like a terrible idea on the face of it, which is kind of what we always do,” Nikita admits. But with battery technology advancements, the EV setup can match the ICE layout’s size and weight, allowing for a seamless swap in a customer’s garage. The package includes both powertrains at the full price, offering buyers the ultimate flexibility.
Oilstainlab is taking an unconventional approach by involving customers directly in the development and tuning process of the HF-11. The brothers are seeking a select group of clients, dubbed “Maniacs,” who are passionate about hypercars and eager to influence the car’s final iteration. These individuals will be part of an exclusive community as the company refines the HF-11, and the selection process ensures only the most dedicated enthusiasts join.
“Our goal right now is to find 11 maniacs that’ll be part of our development program,” Nikita explains. “We’ve got six that we’re pretty sure want to be part of it. We’re hopeful that once the car is shown, we’ll find the other five.” For Oilstainlab, it’s not about scaling up production or becoming a major automaker but about keeping an engaging driving experience alive for true enthusiasts.
The Bridans emphasize that their aim isn’t to become a major manufacturer but rather to fill a niche left by larger automakers, constrained by regulations and legislation. The HF-11 represents a commitment to producing lightweight, engaging vehicles that prioritize the pure thrill of driving.
By offering both ICE and EV powertrains in a single hypercar, Oilstainlab hopes to satisfy enthusiasts who love the sound and feel of a combustion engine while embracing the innovation and performance capabilities of electric technology. With only 25 units planned, the HF-11 is poised to become a rare and highly sought-after collector’s item for those passionate about driving.
