Introducing Nichols N1A
Legendary Formula One engineer, Steve Nichols, has triumphed yet again in his latest venture – the production-ready N1A. With its 7.0-litre engine, Nichols Cars’ N1A is a top-of-the-range British supercar. Paying homage to the iconic McLaren M1A, this 900 kg beauty is the perfect amalgamation of cutting-edge automotive technology and historic racing car inspiration.
The Vision
Established in 2017, Nichols Cars is the brainchild of Steve Nichols and John Minett. Their goal was clear: to create a driver’s car that provided an immersive, intoxicating, and emotional experience.
Their dream took flight with the N1A, a sleek, rear-wheel-drive sports car with minimal driver aids and a naturally-aspirated V8 engine. The N1A captures the spirit of driving: being in control.
A Nod to Racing Legacy
Nichols’ racing legacy, most notably in Formula One, is unmatched. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he worked with McLaren, introducing the revolutionary application of carbon fibre in Formula One.
The MP4/4, his iconic creation, led Ayrton Senna to his first Driver’s Championship win and dominated 15 out of 16 races in the 1988 season. Nichols has encapsulated his love for ’60s racing cars and their aesthetic in the N1A.
Design & Body
The exterior of the N1A echoes Nichols’ appreciation for the heritage of the M1A, with a modern twist. Using Formula One-grade graphene-infused carbon fibre, the N1A’s exterior is sculpted in the MIRA wind tunnel to optimise aerodynamics, maintaining its heritage shape while enhancing drag and downforce.
Interior
Inside, the cockpit channels the stripped-back feel of a classic racing car. Its dashboard boasts retro dials and an Ayrton Senna-inspired gear knob. For the purists, power steering and switchable ABS are optional extras, and traction control is standard. The N1A’s driver seat offers a sublime vantage point, a nod to what Senna and Prost saw from the MP4/4.
Powertrain
The top-of-the-range N1A sports a 7.0-litre all-alloy V8, developed by Nichols Cars. Custom pistons and conrods have been added to an LS3 block from General Motors. The extensive engine upgrades result in a total power output of 650 bhp, pushing the N1A’s power-to-weight ratio to nearly 700 bhp per tonne.
Chassis
The N1A’s chassis showcases decades of racing know-how. From the motorsport-derived multi-piston front and rear brakes to the rack-and-pinion steering, the N1A connects the driver to the road like no other. Its stance is aggressive yet elegant, with a wider body and a longer wheelbase than the original McLaren M1A.
The N1A’s Exclusive Release
The initial release will see only 15 vehicles, each commemorating a victory of the MP4/4, and with no more than 100 vehicles in total, the N1A will be an exclusive piece of automotive art.
The N1A’s arrival signifies a new chapter in automotive history – a blend of the past, present, and future of sports car innovation. The Nichols N1A, a masterpiece celebrating the golden era of motorsport, truly represents the next step in the realm of British sports cars.
