Legendary race car engineer Steve Nichols has returned from retirement and is set to launch his own supercar, the Nichols N1A. Weighing less than 2,000 pounds and boasting a powerful V-8 engine, the N1A is sure to make waves in the automotive industry.
Steve Nichols is a name that racing enthusiasts will be familiar with, particularly those who grew up watching Formula 1 in the 1980s and ’90s. As an American engineer, Nichols played a key role in designing F1 cars for multiple teams. However, his greatest achievement is undoubtedly the McLaren MP4/4, which was driven to victory by Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna in 1988. With 15 wins out of 16 races that season, the MP4/4 is considered one of the greatest F1 cars of all time. Although Nichols is the chief designer of the MP4/4, Gordon Murray, McLaren’s technical director at the time, often receives more credit.
For his latest venture, Nichols drew inspiration from another McLaren car, the M1A. The M1A was a successful race car in the 1960s, particularly in the Canadian Sports Car Grand Prix, a precursor to the Canadian-American (Can-Am) Challenge Cup. McLaren itself used the M1A as a starting point for the creation of the Elva speedster, which was launched in 2019.
The Nichols N1A pays homage to the M1A in terms of its design and philosophy. Nichols chose the M1A because it represented a turning point in race car development, where future cars would become less suitable for road use. The M1A was one of the last race cars that could be driven to and from the racetrack in a single day.
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The N1A features a chassis made from a combination of carbon fiber and aluminum, providing a balance of strength and lightness. The car is equipped with independent suspension, double wishbones, and anti-roll bars. While power steering is not included as standard to maximize road feel, buyers have the option to include it if desired. The front wheels are 19 inches in diameter, while the rear wheels are 20 inches. These are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires as standard.
In terms of the body, the N1A utilizes graphene-infused carbon fiber, a material commonly found in modern F1 cars due to its strength and lightness. Under the hood, the N1A is powered by a naturally aspirated V-8 engine. While only the range-topping option has been confirmed, it is a 7.0-liter V-8 based on General Motors’ LS3 small block, heavily modified by Langford Performance Engineering, a company specializing in maintaining and restoring retired F1 engines. The estimated peak output of the engine is 650 hp. A 6-speed manual transmission comes as standard, with additional options promised by Nichols.
Inside the N1A, the focus is on simplicity and functionality. The controls are designed to minimize distraction, allowing the driver to fully concentrate on the road ahead. One unique feature is the reclined seating position, which is the same as that found in the iconic MP4/4. This provides drivers with the opportunity to experience the same perspective enjoyed by Prost and Senna during their races.
Production of the N1A will be limited to a maximum of 100 units, with the first 15 being a special launch model equipped with the 7.0-liter V-8. The number 15 was chosen to commemorate the 15 wins achieved by the MP4/4. Pricing details have yet to be announced.
In a statement, Nichols expressed his excitement about the N1A, stating that he has finally been able to incorporate the unique qualities of racing cars into a road-going vehicle. He believes that the success of the N1A serves as a reminder to the entire automotive industry that combining elements from the past, present, and future is the way forward for the community.
With the return of Steve Nichols and the launch of the Nichols N1A, the world of supercars is about to get even more competitive. Car enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing the thrilling performance and iconic design that Nichols has become famous for throughout his career.
