Oilstainlabs unleashes the HF-11, a hypercar challenging the status quo

Oilstainlabs unleashes the HF-11, a hypercar challenging the status quo

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A handful of brands continue to hold onto their wild optimism despite the increasing complexity of engineering and the growing use of computers and electric motors. A brand called Oilstainlab might not be a familiar name in the automotive world, but it has produced what can only be characterised as 'chaos on wheels' in the form of the new HF-11.

The formula for an engaging and quick car is simple: make it light and loud and bonkers to the point that it makes sense. In the case of the HF-11, it produces 485kW through its flat-six engine capable of revving to 12,000r/min. To accomplish its 0-100km/h time of 3.3 seconds, the HF-11 prioritises a lightweight design, weighing a minuscule 885kg, which is the equivalent of placing two large men in a Caterham Lotus Seven.

Every item in the HF-11 has been crafted with particular purpose and precision, so much so that Oilstainlabs claims that until it can design the very atoms that make up the materials in the car, it won't stop the pursuit of mechanical singularity.

The rear-mounted engine is exposed, which may seem counterintuitive given that exposed parts cause drag, which slows you down, but at least the HF-11 is designed to stay on the road. It'll likely grip the road like it's on rails thanks to the ground effect, low centre of gravity, and downforce from the hidden rear wing, but its lightweight design leads me to believe it's also wild out of corners.

With such a light car, it's only expected that it will lack some modern creature comforts, but that doesn't mean that it's not visually stunning with a generous amount of exposed carbon fiber. And if it isn’t carbon fibre, then it's coloured leather or fabric materials, which wraps around the bucket seats, dash, and steering wheel. The Le Mans-inspired design is heavily emphasised, from the way the doors open to the driver's instrument cluster, and there is no infotainment screen to detract from the driving experience.

A perfect car is arguably a simple one, where the design and engineering are focused on driving pleasure and speed. It seems that Oilstainlabs agrees, and the product of such unorthodox and childlike aspirations is truly impressive. It's original, unorthodox, and not designed for tight streets, but I like it more because of that.

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