In the very early days of Double Apex we stumbled across a crazy creation called the Oilstainlab Half11 (original article here). That car was a fictional reimagination of Porsche motorsport history had the 911 been reworked for endurance racing, without the existence of the 917 and subsequent cars. The company has now turned that idea into a reality with the Oilstainlab HF-11.

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Five years ago, we knew to define our future we needed to build our past, the Half-11 Prototype—a vehicle that would defy reality. It became a myth, our time machine,” confessed Iliya Bridan, co-founder, Oilstainlab. “In the years since, we have distilled that vision of nostalgia, driven ourselves half-mad in technology and engineering. And finally, today we are proud to reveal our maniacal HF-11 to the world – Oilstainlab

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Double Trouble

Twin brothers Nikita and Iliya Bridan founded Oilstainlab after both serving at various automakers in the US. They are the self-proclaimed mischief makers of the automotive world. The California-based firm has been dabbling in prototype and racecar production and now unveils its first production car. Oilstainlab HF-11 will be produced in a limited run of 25 units. The company says the HF-11 is being honed to be the ultimate street legal vehicle and that it features engineering excellence, timeless beauty, and grin-inducing analog driving joy that only maniacs would understand. 

High-Tech Base

The Oilstainlab HF-11 is based on a bespoke carbon-fibre monocoque. The passenger cell has been designed to accommodate even tall drivers wearing a helmet. Incidentally, occupants’ helmets can be stored in the door pockets, just like the legendary Lancia Stratos and the modern-day interpretation we drove here. As a result of lightweight material the HF-11 is said to tip the scales at 909 kg. In addition, the body has been aero tuned to deliver 589 kg of downforce at 240 km/h.

“At the very core of the car, every single component was considered, everything is super lightweight. We use Formula 1 suppliers for the switches, and everything is utterly minimalist,” Nikita Briden

Modular design means that owners can choose between powertrain options. There is an all-electric setup or  a mid-mounted flat-six. The latter is said to rev to 12 000 r/min. Interestingly, owners can opt for both and do a quick-change from one to the other at home. A six-speed manual or seven-speed sequential transmission can be mated with either powerplant. Power is rated between 450 and 900 kW.  Racecar-like suspension is double-wishbone at each corner with in-board mounted springs and dampers. 

“Over the last four years, we have been secretly building our company. A team scouted globally. Maniacs chosen for their unwavering passion, prior industry achievements and bold vision,” said Nikita Bridan. “They have been drawn to Oilstainlab, and we to them. Now with the project public, we are excited to recruit our family of maniacs globally, and can’t wait to start testing with our dedicated team and clients.”