Podcast Summary: The Smoking Tire – "Building Cars is HARD w/ Oil Stain Lab"
Episode Information
- Title: Building Cars is HARD
- Guest: Nikita and Ilya Berdan of Oil Stain Lab
- Release Date: July 22, 2025
- Hosts: Zack Klapman, Matt Farah, and Christian James Hand
1. Introduction to Oil Stain Lab’s Evolution
The episode kicks off with hosts Zack Klapman, Matt Farah, and Christian James Hand welcoming Nikita and Ilya Berdan, the Ukrainian twins behind Oil Stain Lab. They reflect on the duo's previous success with their fictional Half 11 race car project on Instagram, which garnered significant attention and led them to pivot towards building a real vehicle.
Notable Quote:
- Zach Klapman [01:48]: “We're live. All right. Hello. I'm on the other side today...”
Acknowledges the guest and sets the stage for their journey from concept to reality.
2. From Concept to Reality: Building the Half 11
Nikita and Ilya discuss how the innovative Half 11 started as a creative marketing tool—a "visual business card"—and evolved into a full-fledged project due to overwhelming interest from fans and potential buyers.
Key Points:
- Initial skepticism about selling a conceptual car.
- Transitioning from design consultancy to automotive manufacturing.
- Securing angel investment to support the shift.
Notable Quote:
- Ilya Berdan [04:40]: “We built that as kind of a little business visual... people started approaching us, and they really told us how much they loved the project.”
3. Design and Engineering Challenges
The discussion delves into the intricate process of designing the car, emphasizing the shift from tubular frames to CNC aluminum subframes to meet performance and aerodynamic requirements.
Key Points:
- Carbon Tub Design: Challenges in creating a carbon tub where every component must be predefined due to the immutability of carbon structures.
- Wide Tires Issue: Struggling with accommodating 275mm front tires without compromising occupant safety and vehicle aesthetics.
Notable Quote:
- Nikita Berdan [66:15]: “There's always a price, right?”
Highlights the balance between customer customization requests and maintaining design integrity.
4. Innovative Powertrain Solutions: Combustion and Electric
A significant portion of the conversation centers on Oil Stain Lab’s dual powertrain approach. They are developing both combustion and electric variants of their car, aiming for swappable powertrains to offer flexibility and cater to diverse customer preferences.
Key Points:
- Combustion Engine: Utilizing a flat-six architecture inspired by Porsches, specifically mentioning the GT4 powertrain.
- Electric Option: Exploring lightweight EV technologies, including silicon anode pouches and lightweight inverters, to create a manageable 2,000-pound electric variant.
- Swappability: Designing the chassis to accommodate both powertrains without extensive modifications, driven by customer demand for flexibility.
Notable Quotes:
- Nikita Berdan [19:38]: “We genuinely hate EVs, right. And so when we started thinking about it...”
- Zach Klapman [21:52]: “If you buy one, you don't have to throw away the whole car if you don't like it.”
5. Aerodynamics and Performance Optimization
The Berdan twins elaborate on their aerodynamic philosophy, focusing on maintaining exposed tires while achieving low drag and adequate downforce. They discuss the innovative use of air curtains and low-speed air zones to manage airflow around the tires without compromising performance.
Key Points:
- Air Curtains: Aggressive side blades above the splitter to manage airflow.
- Low-Speed Zones: Creating bubbles around the rear tires to reduce direct high-speed air impact.
- CD and Downforce: Achieving competitive drag coefficients and downforce figures crucial for both combustion and electric models.
Notable Quote:
- Ilya Berdan [37:53]: “We didn’t want to give up the exposed tires, which is every aerodynamicist’s nightmare...”
6. Interior Design and Custom Features
The interior of the HF11 concept is discussed with admiration for its unique design elements, such as adjustable gauge clusters, slider seats, and customizable storage solutions tailored for helmets and other gear.
Key Points:
- Gauge Cluster: Initially adjustable but later set for optimal ergonomics.
- Storage Innovations: Customizable door pockets and under-dash storage for helmets and duffel bags.
- Comfort and Functionality: Slider-tilt seats and a modernized Porsche 917 vibe with minimal screen reliance.
Notable Quote:
- Nikita Berdan [54:34]: “And the steering wheel on that white one that looks like a...”
7. Collaboration and Industry Interaction
Nikita and Ilya touch upon their interactions with major automotive brands like Porsche, emphasizing respectful design inspiration without infringing on trademarks or proprietary designs. They discuss how Oil Stain Lab maintains a creative balance while navigating industry relationships.
Key Points:
- Porsche Inspiration: Drawing inspiration for design elements without direct copying.
- Legal Considerations: Ensuring no trademarked elements are used, such as avoiding Porsche badges.
- Brand Relations: Positive interactions with higher-ups at Porsche regarding their original concept.
Notable Quote:
- Nikita Berdan [62:08]: “The hazard button. Yeah.”
8. Future Plans and Upcoming Events
Looking ahead, the Berdan twins outline their roadmap, including the completion and testing of prototypes, participation in automotive events like the Quail, and ongoing development of both production and racing variants.
Key Points:
- Prototype Testing: First prototype set to start running in the fall, followed by thorough suspension and safety validations.
- Event Participation: Showcasing the HF11 at Motorlux Quail and Exotics on Broadway.
- Continuous Development: Plans for fully developed interiors and track-ready versions in the following year.
Notable Quote:
- Nikita Berdan [53:32]: “We're gonna develop this the same way we did with the original car...”
9. Audience Q&A: Insights and Future Possibilities
The episode concludes with a lively Q&A session where listeners pose questions about customization limitations, design inspirations, and potential future projects like boat designs. The Berdans share insights into maintaining quality while addressing unique customer requests and discuss the feasibility of expanding their product line.
Key Points:
- Customization Limits: Balancing customer desires with practical engineering constraints.
- Future Projects: Open to exploring boat designs inspired by their automotive expertise.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging fans to visit events and engage with their projects.
Notable Quote:
- Nikita Berdan [66:05]: “There’s always a price, right?”
Conclusion In this episode, Oil Stain Lab’s Nikita and Ilya Berdan offer an in-depth look into the challenges and triumphs of transforming a conceptual car project into a tangible, high-performance vehicle. From innovative powertrain solutions and aerodynamic design to unique interior features and future aspirations, the Berdan twins exemplify entrepreneurial spirit and automotive passion. Their journey underscores the complexities of car manufacturing and the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
Follow Oil Stain Lab:
- Website: oilstainlab.com
- Events: Participate in Motorlux Quail and Exotics on Broadway to see the HF11 concept in action.
This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting the critical discussions and insights shared by the guests, while omitting promotional segments and advertisements as per the instructions.