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Oilstainlab HF-11: Mid-Engine Exotic Incoming

Limited to just 25 examples, this ultra-lightweight mid-engine Hotrod is a '60s throwback to Porsche Motorsport royalty and there's even an EV version

by Khris Bharath on October 8, 2024, 06:00

My Instagram feed rarely disappoints, and today, it seriously delivered. Jonny Lieberman from MotorTrend.com dropped a bombshell on Instagram from what appears to be a private event: The twin mad scientists and automotive designers, Iliya & Nikita Bridan behind California-based Oil Stain Lab are going to build 25 limited-edition examples of an ultra-lightweight mid-engined hypercar and they’re calling it the HF-11.

Now for those of you who aren’t aware, these are the same guys who brought us the insane Half 11 prototype not too long ago. Strange name, I know but the idea was to combine a 1967 911 with a vintage F1-racer from the time. The result was a wide low-slung 911 mash-up with an LS-V8 in the middle and an insane high-pitched soundtrack made possible by a 3D-printed exhaust. Be it the unfinished stainless-steel bodywork, or that visceral soundtrack, this is a car that had character, and I was smitten from the moment I first laid eyes on it.

Devoid of the stickers and with painted body panels, the HF-11 appears to be the production version. We’re talking about a featherweight body with a carbon-fiber tub keeping the whole package under a cool 2,000 pounds. For some context, the lightest Porsche 911 on sale today, the 911 S/T tips the scales at 3,056 pounds.

But that’s just the warm-up because downforce? It’s gonna be a face-melting 1,800 pounds, which by the way is the curb-weight of a Porsche 917k. You really get to appreciate the aero bits from the side and rear profiles that reveal a single exhaust pipe and a super aggressive diffuser. The top view reveals the push-rod suspension and wide- hips. The real party, though, lies under the hood. A 4.5-liter 650 horsepower air-cooled flat-six screamer (can’t confirm which one, just yet) that sings its way all the way to 12,500 rpm. To top it all off, a proper six-speed manual. Now that’s what I’m talking about.

Oilstainlab HF-11: Mid-Engine Exotic Incoming storyboard - image 194368

As for the cabin, this is a stripped-down interior that has some truly unique details as well, like the exposed carbon fiber, traditional five-pod instrument cluster, reminiscent of Porsches, carbon tub seats draped in Alcantara, and a beach-wood gear-knob, a retro-touch that pays homage to Porsche Motorsport. Look closely and you’ll find that there’s even room to store your race helmet in the door.

Now, here’s where things get a tad…confusing to me. Oil Stain Lab is also whipping up an 860-horsepower electric version. They claim it ’weighs the same’ as its gas-powered sibling (really curious to see how they’re doing this), sure, but get this: They’re sticking with that six-speed manual.

Look, I get the commitment to driver engagement, but a manual EV? It’s a head-scratcher. Porsche themselves have abandoned this for their future EVs. Don’t get me wrong, the idea is audacious, but so much will depend on the execution. I really do hope they get it right, but I’m reserving judgment until I see how it all pans out. Regardless of the electric question though, the HF-11 is certainly a car that gets my pulse racing. Pricing for the HF-11 will start at $1.85 million, with customer deliveries set to begin in the spring of 2026.

Khris Bharath

Khris Bharath

Khris is a Mechanical Engineer and a classic car aficionado, who adores his Jags, Alfas, and old-school American muscle cars. He keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid and geeks out on three-row family haulers. Formula One remains very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto. Read full bio