Some car companies seek to refine the wheel. Oilstainlab, founded by Nikita Bridan and his twin brother, Iliya Bridan, aims to reinvent it altogether. Based in Los Angeles, this automotive design and engineering firm isn’t interested in simply pushing performance forward, it’s determined to rewrite the rules of what high-performance vehicles can be.
At the heart of Oilstainlab’s ambition is the HLF 11, a hypercar that defies convention. With a starting price of $1.8 million, the vehicle is a testament to what’s possible when tradition meets unrelenting innovation.
The foundation of the HLF 11 is a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, a motorsport-derived safety cell that ensures the car is both incredibly lightweight and extremely rigid. But what truly sets it apart is its powertrain flexibility. Buyers can choose between a high-revving combustion engine or an advanced electric system, with the added ability to swap between the two. Unlike industry-standard EV designs that rely on skateboard-style battery packs, Oilstainlab’s system consolidates all key EV components into the same space a traditional engine would occupy, eliminating limitations on future upgrades.
While many modern performance cars chase ever-increasing speed and power figures, Oilstainlab takes a different approach. The HLF 11 isn’t about raw numbers but all about chasing the ultimate experience. Weighing in at approximately 2,000 pounds, the car is designed for agility and driver engagement. Even the electric version, targeting 1,000 horsepower, is built around a six-speed manual transmission — a feature practically unheard of in the EV world. This manual gearbox slows acceleration slightly compared to the instant torque of a typical electric motor, but that’s the point. Rather than chasing 0-60 times, Oilstainlab prioritizes the tactile joy of driving.
The company’s vision extends far beyond its first hypercar. Bridan spent over a decade working with major manufacturers before breaking away to pursue something truly unique. His background spans work at Toyota, Lyft, and Cruise, giving him firsthand insight into the limitations of mass-market automotive production. Disillusioned by an industry often focused more on short-term profits than meaningful innovation, he launched Oilstainlab in 2019 as a consultancy before evolving it into a full-fledged manufacturer.
But starting an independent car company is no small feat. The auto industry is notoriously difficult for newcomers, with capital-intensive barriers and cautious investors. Many who attempt it end up following conservative strategies. Oilstainlab, by contrast, embraces a moonshot mentality, aiming to break as many rules as possible to create something no one else is attempting. From building a brand rooted in community and storytelling to developing a truly modular vehicle platform, every decision is made with the long game in mind.
Oilstainlab also acknowledges the industry’s current energy debate. While EVs are often positioned as the singular future of transportation, Bridan sees a more diversified approach. The HLF 11’s ability to switch powertrains reflects this belief — an acknowledgment that different energy sources, from electric to biofuels to hydrogen, should coexist rather than compete. Additionally, the company champions lightweight design, countering the modern trend of oversized EVs that, despite their efficiency claims, carry significant environmental costs due to their sheer mass.
With only 25 units of the HLF 11 planned for production, Oilstainlab isn’t stopping there. The company’s modular platform is designed for expansion, with a track-only variant in the works and plans for a more accessible vehicle at a fraction of the hypercar’s price. While still a boutique manufacturer, Oilstainlab is intent on offering a car that, while rare, isn’t out of reach for all enthusiasts.
At its core, Oilstainlab isn’t just about building cars, it’s about changing the narrative around automotive performance. By combining engineering ingenuity with a deep understanding of enthusiast culture, Bridan and his team are proving that the future of driving is about passion as much as it is about technology.
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