Building Cars is HARD w/ Oil Stain Lab
About this episode
Nikita and Ilya Burdan from Oil Stain Lab return to discuss their journey from conceptualizing a fictional race car to building a real one. They share insights on the challenges of car production, including the complexities of designing a carbon tub and the evolution of their project from a design consultancy to a full-fledged car manufacturer. The episode dives into their innovative approach to powertrains, including options for both combustion and electric, and the unique features of their upcoming model. Their passion for automotive design and engineering shines through as they navigate the hurdles of bringing their vision to life.
Nikita and Iliya Bridan are car designers behind the incredible and interesting Half-11 hypercar. They both spent years designing for various OEMs and have now struck off on their own. On this show we talk about the incredibly difficult development phase; making two powertrains work in one car; why an EV swap interests them; the hardest part about building cars; expensive windshields; what inspired them; and so much more.
Recorded July 17, 2025
https://www.oilstainlab.com/
Liquid IV
Squeeze the most out of your Summer with Liquid I.V. Tear. Pour. Live More. Go to https://www.liquidiv.com and get 20% off your first order with code TIRE at checkout.
DeleteMe
Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://www.joindeleteme.com/TIRE and use promo code TIRE at checkout.
Car Gurus
Buy or sell your next car today with Car Gurus at https://www.cargurus.com.
Upside
Download the FREE Upside App and use promo code TIRE to get an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas. That’s an extra 25 cents back for every gallon on your first tank of gas, using promo code, TIRE.
New merch! Grab a shirt or hoodie and support us! https://thesmokingtireshop.com/
Want your question answered? To listen to the episode the day it's recorded? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast
Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! For a 10% discount on your first case go to https://www.offtherecord.com/TST
#cars #comedy #podcast
Instagram:
https://www.Instagram.com/thesmokingtire
https://www.Instagram.com/therealzackklapman
Click here for the most honest car reviews out there: https://www.youtube.com/thesmokingtire
Want your question answered? Want to watch the live stream, get ad-free podcasts, or exclusive podcasts? Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thesmokingtirepodcast
Use Off The Record! and ALWAYS fight your tickets! Enter code TST10 for a 10% discount on your first case on the Off The Record app, or go to http://www.offtherecord.com/TST.
Watch our car reviews: https://www.youtube.com/thesmokingtire
Tweet at us!
https://www.Twitter.com/thesmokingtire
https://www.Twitter.com/zackklapman
Instagram:
https://www.Instagram.com/thesmokingtire
https://www.Instagram.com/therealzackklapman
LS motor
"...you had this Speedster thing you built with the LS motor and you were sort of like..."
An LS motor is a type of V8 engine made by General Motors. It's popular for its power and is often used in different cars, especially when people want to upgrade their engines.
The LS motor refers to a series of V8 engines produced by General Motors, known for their performance and versatility in various applications, including swaps into other vehicles.
Porsche 911 GT3
"...'s like a roll over angle. And instead of meeting GT3 spec, they went all the way to F1 spec, which is ..."
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a super-fast sports car that is built for racing and driving enthusiasts. It's known for being very powerful and handling really well on the road or track, making it a favorite among car lovers.
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high-performance variant of the iconic 911 sports car, designed for track enthusiasts and featuring a naturally aspirated engine, precise handling, and advanced aerodynamics. Its significance lies in its racing pedigree and the balance it strikes between everyday usability and extreme performance. Discussions often revolve around its engineering excellence and competitive capabilities.
F1 spec
"...they went all the way to F1 spec, which is an extra 25 millimeters on top of the line for clearance..."
F1 spec is a set of rules for Formula 1 race cars that defines how they should be built to be super fast and safe. It's the highest level of racing technology.
F1 spec refers to the regulations governing Formula 1 cars, which are among the most advanced and high-performance vehicles in motorsport. These specifications cover everything from aerodynamics to engine performance and safety features.
GT3 spec
"...instead of meeting GT3 spec, they went all the way to F1 spec,..."
GT3 spec is a set of rules for race cars that tells manufacturers how to build them for racing. It ensures that the cars are safe and perform well on the track.
GT3 spec refers to the technical regulations for GT3 racing cars, which are designed for competition in series like the FIA GT World Cup. These specifications dictate various aspects of the car's design, performance, and safety features.
Alpine A110
"...we drove a modern Alpine A110 recently, which is a lovely, lovely thing. And I just went into a car show that had one of the original Alpine A110s..."
The Alpine A110 is a sporty car that is fun to drive and looks great. The new version is inspired by an older model but has modern features.
The Alpine A110 is a lightweight sports car known for its agile handling and performance. The modern version pays homage to the original design while incorporating contemporary technology and comfort.
Mclaren P1
"It's like what? What? Yeah, no, this is this, I mean, this is now the size of like a McLaren P1, maybe. Smaller."
The McLaren P1 is a very fast and expensive car that uses both a gasoline engine and an electric motor to go super fast. It's known for its advanced technology and limited availability.
The McLaren P1 is a limited-production hybrid supercar that was produced by McLaren Automotive. It features a powerful twin-turbo V8 engine combined with an electric motor, allowing for exceptional performance and efficiency.
Porsche 718
"So overall length, it's the same as a 718. Okay."
The Porsche 718 is a sporty car that comes in two main types: a convertible and a coupe. It's designed to be fun to drive and is known for its great handling.
The Porsche 718 is a line of sports cars that includes the Boxster and Cayman models. It is known for its mid-engine layout, agile handling, and performance-oriented design.
flat six architecture
"So what makes it go? You know, I think we've stuck with sort of a flat six architecture for this one. The original car, obviously, had the LS the custom bill."
A flat six engine has six cylinders that lie flat instead of standing up. This helps the car handle better because it keeps the weight low and balanced.
Flat six architecture refers to an engine configuration where six cylinders are arranged horizontally, allowing for a lower center of gravity and better weight distribution. This design is commonly associated with brands like Porsche, providing a unique driving experience.
LS engine
"The original car, obviously, had the LS the custom bill. For this one, yeah."
The LS engine is a type of V8 engine made by General Motors. It's known for being powerful and is often used in many different kinds of vehicles, especially in racing and custom builds.
The LS engine is a series of V8 engines produced by General Motors, known for their performance and versatility. They are commonly used in various applications, from sports cars to trucks, and are popular in the aftermarket tuning community.
Porsche 911S
"And we love Porsches. We've got a couple straight pipe, 9.11s and stuff."
The Porsche 911 is a famous sports car known for its unique shape and powerful performance. It's been around for many years and is loved by car enthusiasts.
The Porsche 911 is a high-performance sports car that has become an icon in the automotive world since its introduction in 1964. Known for its distinctive design and rear-engine layout, the 911 is celebrated for its driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
inverters
"So, we run silicone I know pouches basically, ultra lightweight, obviously lightweight, inverters, and the motors, you know, nowadays, you can get, you know, 800 horsepower."
Inverters help electric cars use their batteries to power the motors. They change the type of electricity so the motors can run smoothly.
Inverters are electronic devices that convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). In electric vehicles, they play a crucial role in controlling the electric motor's speed and torque by adjusting the frequency of the AC power supplied to the motor.
horsepower
"...nowadays, you can get, you know, 800 horsepower. It's 40 kilo."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The more horsepower, the faster and stronger the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to quantify the power output of engines. In the automotive context, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time, affecting vehicle acceleration and top speed.
DC fast charge
"...unless you're at a track that has DC fast charge. Exactly. You know, for it."
DC fast charge is a way to quickly charge electric cars. It uses a special type of electricity that can fill up the car's battery much faster than regular charging methods, which is helpful for drivers who need to recharge quickly, like at a race track.
DC fast charging is a method of charging electric vehicles (EVs) that allows for much quicker charging times compared to standard AC charging. It delivers direct current (DC) to the vehicle's battery, enabling a significant amount of charge in a short period, making it ideal for long-distance travel and track use.
General Motors Ev1
"...n of like, whether it's fun or not or whether the EV1 drives well or not or whether you can build an EV..."
The General Motors EV1 was one of the first electric cars made in the late 90s. It was special because it showed what electric cars could be, even though it didn't last long.
The General Motors EV1 was an electric car produced in the late 1990s, notable for being one of the first modern electric vehicles offered to the public. Its significance lies in its role in the early development of electric vehicle technology, despite being discontinued and recalled. Discussions often focus on its innovative features and the controversy surrounding its production.
EV hypercars
"But like four years ago, if you went to the quail, you saw a whole bunch of EV hypercars. And if you went to the quail last year, they're all gone."
EV hypercars are super-fast electric cars that are designed to be very powerful and high-tech. They are like the fastest sports cars but run on electricity instead of gasoline.
EV hypercars are high-performance electric vehicles that push the boundaries of technology and speed. They often feature cutting-edge design and engineering, aiming to deliver extreme performance similar to traditional hypercars but without the emissions.
Gunther Werks
"...or, you know, any singer and Gunther and all of these people."
Gunther Werks is a company that takes classic Porsche cars and upgrades them with new technology and better performance, while still keeping the classic look.
Gunther Werks is a company that specializes in customizing and restoring classic Porsche 911s, focusing on performance enhancements and modern technology while maintaining the car's original aesthetic. They are known for their attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Singer
"...or, you know, any singer and Gunther and all of these people."
Singer is a company that takes old Porsche cars and makes them look and drive like new, using modern parts while keeping the classic style.
Singer Vehicle Design is a company known for its high-end restorations of classic Porsche 911s. They focus on blending classic design with modern performance and technology, creating bespoke vehicles that appeal to enthusiasts.
Bugatti
"I mean, even what Bugatti is doing, is this real like sort of shift away from the electric hypercar."
Bugatti is a famous car brand that makes very fast and expensive cars. They are known for their powerful engines and unique designs.
Bugatti is a luxury automobile manufacturer known for producing high-performance hypercars, such as the Chiron and Veyron. The brand is synonymous with speed and exclusivity in the automotive world.
combustion engine
"...we hadn't worked on any sort of production programs that were combustion power since 2012..."
A combustion engine is a type of engine that works by burning fuel to create power. It's what most cars have to make them go.
A combustion engine is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel, typically gasoline or diesel, to create a controlled explosion that drives the engine's pistons.
racing engine
"...you buy a racing engine such as the one I have in my Porsche..."
A racing engine is a powerful engine made for race cars. It's built to go really fast and handle tough conditions on the track.
A racing engine is a high-performance engine specifically designed for competitive motorsport, often featuring enhancements for power, speed, and durability under extreme conditions.
manual transmission
"If you tell any car guy two thousand pounds six hundred horsepower manual transmission. What's wrong with that?"
A manual transmission is a car system where you have to change gears yourself using a stick and a pedal. It gives you more control over how the car drives compared to automatic cars that shift gears for you.
A manual transmission is a type of vehicle transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. It allows for greater control over the vehicle's power and performance compared to automatic transmissions.
RPM
"They wanted some high revving psycho death you know 9-11k revs to 11 kind of thing for the weekend."
RPM means how many times the engine spins around in a minute. When the number is higher, it usually means the engine is going faster and can give more power.
RPM stands for revolutions per minute, a measure of how many times the engine's crankshaft makes a full rotation in one minute. Higher RPMs typically indicate that the engine is working harder and can produce more power.
manual gearbox
"And I assume that the gas one people will want a manual gearbox probably right?"
A manual gearbox is a type of car transmission where you have to change gears yourself using a stick and a pedal. It gives you more control over how the car drives.
A manual gearbox, also known as a manual transmission, requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This type of transmission offers more control over the vehicle's power and speed compared to automatic transmissions.
paddle shift
"...the paddle shift way is pretty cool. Because I mean maybe I don't know maybe if someone else isn't going to do it..."
Paddle shifting lets you change gears in a car using levers behind the steering wheel instead of a gear stick. It makes driving feel more like a race car without needing to use a clutch pedal.
Paddle shifting allows drivers to manually control gear changes using paddles located behind the steering wheel, providing a sportier driving experience without a traditional clutch pedal. This feature is common in many modern performance cars and automatics.
aerodynamics
"It all drives arrow. So it again started with the occupant."
Aerodynamics is about how air flows around a car. A well-designed car can cut through the air better, which helps it go faster and use less fuel.
Aerodynamics refers to the way air moves around objects, particularly vehicles. In automotive design, good aerodynamics can improve fuel efficiency and stability at high speeds.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
"... in the car. It's not tilted seven degrees like a valkyrie and like rotated in this and that twisted in ther..."
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an ultra-fast car that uses the latest technology to be super powerful and efficient. It's designed to be very special and is one of the most advanced cars ever made.
The Aston Martin Valkyrie is a hypercar that combines cutting-edge technology with a striking design, featuring a naturally aspirated V12 engine and advanced aerodynamics. It represents Aston Martin's foray into the hypercar segment, showcasing their commitment to performance and innovation. Discussions often highlight its engineering marvels and exclusivity.
ground effects car
"...It's a ground effects car. But it's been designed to be very neutral progressive."
A ground effects car is designed to stay closer to the ground by using air to push it down, which helps it grip the road better, especially when going fast.
A ground effects car uses aerodynamic features to create downforce, improving grip and stability at high speeds. This design often includes features like underbody tunnels and diffusers to manipulate airflow.
ride height
"So it's a ride height about 105 millimeters. It's designed to be a road car, right?"
Ride height is how high or low a car sits off the ground. It can change how the car drives and handles on the road.
Ride height refers to the distance between the ground and the lowest point of a vehicle's chassis. It affects handling, aerodynamics, and overall vehicle performance.
CD
"...it actually gets pretty good CD numbers and drag numbers and downforce figures. The CD is particularly important for the EV."
CD means coefficient of drag, which tells us how easily a car moves through the air. A lower number is better because it means the car uses less energy to go fast, especially for electric cars.
CD stands for coefficient of drag, a measure of how aerodynamic a vehicle is. A lower CD indicates that the vehicle will experience less air resistance, which is particularly important for electric vehicles (EVs) to maximize efficiency and range.
Morgan Aeros
"They flipped them in the headlights. Google Morgan Aero's 8 and look at the headlights."
The Morgan Aero 8 is a special sports car from Britain that looks different from most cars because of its unique design. It's made by hand, which makes it really special and sought after.
The Morgan Aero 8 is a unique British sports car known for its distinctive design and handcrafted construction. It combines classic styling with modern performance, making it a standout in the automotive world. Discussions often focus on its exclusivity and the traditional craftsmanship associated with the Morgan brand.
Alfa Romeo GTV
"... sounds familiar. They jumped their fucking alpha GTV on the Khun again. That's what we built into."
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a stylish sports car that people love for its good looks and fun driving experience. It's a classic car that many fans admire.
The Alfa Romeo GTV is a sporty coupe that was produced from the 1970s to the early 2000s, known for its stylish design and engaging driving experience. It holds a special place in automotive history for its blend of Italian flair and performance. Discussions often revolve around its classic appeal and the passionate community of enthusiasts.
Cadillac V16
"... like from the 30s or something and has like four V16 Detroit diesel. It's called like Tomahawk or some..."
The Cadillac V16 is a very old luxury car from the 1930s that had a huge engine and was known for being really fancy. It's a rare car that many collectors admire.
The Cadillac V16 is a historic luxury car produced in the 1930s, known for its massive V16 engine and opulent design. It symbolizes the height of American automotive engineering and luxury during its time. Discussions often focus on its rarity, historical significance, and the craftsmanship involved in its production.
Morgan 3
"Um... I don't like it in the Morgan 3 wheeler. Right."
The Morgan 3 Wheeler is a fun and unusual car with only three wheels. It's known for its unique style and is loved by people who enjoy a different kind of driving experience.
The Morgan 3 Wheeler is a quirky three-wheeled vehicle that blends classic design with modern engineering, offering a unique driving experience. It has a cult following due to its distinctive look and the fun it provides on the road. Discussions often highlight its charm and the enjoyment it brings to driving enthusiasts.
McLaren Alva
"I liked it in the McLaren Alva because I felt like I was flying."
The McLaren Alva is a super-fast sports car made by McLaren. It's designed to be very light and aerodynamic, making it feel like you're flying when you drive it.
The McLaren Alva is a high-performance roadster that showcases McLaren's engineering prowess, featuring a lightweight design and advanced aerodynamics. It is known for its exhilarating driving experience and cutting-edge technology.
Porsche 917
"...... It gives me a very modernized sort of Porsche 917 vibe, which with this sort of gauge cluster of fi..."
The Porsche 917 is a famous race car from the late 60s and early 70s that won many races. It's known for being super fast and has a special place in racing history.
The Porsche 917 is a legendary race car that dominated endurance racing in the late 1960s and early 1970s, known for its powerful flat-12 engine and aerodynamic design. It played a crucial role in Porsche's racing success and is celebrated for its engineering excellence and iconic status. Discussions often highlight its impact on motorsport and its cultural significance.
Honda Civic
"Let's go. The air vents, to me, look like Honda Civic. They're not."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people use for everyday driving because it's reliable and gets good gas mileage. It's popular among a lot of different drivers, from families to young people, because it's affordable and easy to maintain.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has gained a reputation for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality over several decades. It is often discussed for its versatility, as it appeals to a wide range of drivers from first-time car buyers to performance enthusiasts with its sporty variants. Its significance in the automotive market is highlighted by its consistent sales and popularity.
Gordon T50
"That's his cuddle. But they use much narrower tires on T-50 front and back than we do. And, you know, we're not going to, like, go do compete the same."
The Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 is a super-fast car designed to be very light and fun to drive. It's made by a famous car designer and is known for its unique features and performance.
The Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 is a lightweight supercar designed by renowned automotive engineer Gordon Murray, known for its focus on driving purity and performance. It features a naturally aspirated V12 engine and innovative aerodynamics, making it a highly anticipated model in the supercar market. Discussions often center around its engineering brilliance and driving experience.
Mazda 3
"...Yeah, but I have to choose between my car and the Mazda 3. No, no."
The Mazda 3 is a small car that many people like because it's fun to drive and looks good. It's also good on gas, making it a smart choice for everyday use.
The Mazda 3, also known as the Axela in some markets, is a compact car praised for its sporty handling, stylish design, and fuel efficiency. It has been a popular choice for drivers seeking a fun-to-drive vehicle that is also practical for everyday use. Discussions often center around its value, performance, and features.
BMW M5
"...We also have the M5 touring outside. Oh, that's our..."
The BMW M5 Touring is a fast and powerful car that also has a lot of room inside for carrying things. It's a sporty version of the regular BMW 5 Series.
The BMW M5 Touring is a high-performance version of the BMW 5 Series, designed for both speed and practicality. The 'Touring' designation indicates it is a station wagon variant, offering more cargo space.
Porsche Carrera T
"...e have the flat six motor sports, 715 horsepower, Carrera T manual transmission right there. Oh, all right."
The Porsche Carrera GT is a super-fast car from the early 2000s that many car enthusiasts dream of owning. It's known for its powerful engine and amazing performance.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a high-performance supercar produced in the early 2000s, known for its powerful V10 engine and exceptional driving dynamics. It represents Porsche's engineering prowess and is celebrated for its limited production and exclusivity. Discussions often focus on its performance capabilities and design elements.
Ferrari F80
"...s kind of neat and funky. Christian says with the Ferrari F80 be the first Ferrari halo car flop. I think it's ..."
The Ferrari F8 Tributo is a really fancy sports car that is super fast and powerful. It's known for its beautiful design and high performance, making it a dream car for many people.
The Ferrari F8 Tributo is a mid-engine supercar that showcases Ferrari's latest technology and design, featuring a powerful V8 engine and advanced aerodynamics. It represents the brand's commitment to performance and luxury, making it a significant model in their lineup. Discussions often focus on its stunning looks and impressive driving dynamics.
Porsche 356
"...stralia went in a bug. And they also put one in a 356. Okay."
The Porsche 356 is an old sports car that was one of the first models made by Porsche. It's loved for its classic style and the fun experience of driving it, making it a favorite among car collectors.
The Porsche 356 is a classic sports car that was produced from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, marking Porsche's first production model and establishing its reputation in the automotive world. Its significance lies in its timeless design and the role it played in shaping the brand's identity. Enthusiasts often discuss its vintage appeal and driving experience.
Mclaren F1
"Okay. Bad gardener says, how was the McLaren F1 so fast? Rather, how is it that so few modern car..."
The McLaren F1 is a super-fast car from the 90s that was really ahead of its time. It's famous for being one of the fastest cars ever made and is considered a classic among car enthusiasts.
The McLaren F1 is a legendary supercar that was produced in the 1990s, known for its groundbreaking design, lightweight construction, and a powerful BMW-sourced V12 engine. It set records for speed and performance, making it an icon in automotive history. Discussions often highlight its engineering innovations and status as one of the greatest supercars ever made.
Ferrari 488
"...fficient of .32, which is basically the same as a Ferrari 488. Yeah, but the Ferrari probably has much wider ti..."
The Ferrari 488 Pista is a super-fast sports car that is built for racing and driving enthusiasts. It's known for being very powerful and lightweight, making it a thrilling car to drive.
The Ferrari 488 Pista is a high-performance variant of the 488 GTB, featuring a turbocharged V8 engine and lightweight construction for enhanced speed and agility. It is celebrated for its track-focused design and driving dynamics, making it a favorite among enthusiasts. Discussions often revolve around its performance capabilities and the technology behind it.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.