The Contemporary Can-Am Nichols N1A Is About To Enter Production

There are rumors that the Nichols N1A, a street version of the Can-Am, may soon be available for purchase. Aerospace engineer Steve Nichols is the brains behind this initiative. He was part of the group that developed McLaren's MP4/1 F1 car and also led the technical team for the MP4/3 and MP4/4 cars.

For the N1A, which is based on the McLaren M1A, there is an aluminum chassis wrapped in a carbon-fiber exterior. For optimal aerodynamics and downforce, the new design was fine-tuned in a wind tunnel.

The wheels are reproductions of the M1A's competition wheels, although they're now 19 inches in the front and 20 inches in the back. An excellent throwback to McLaren's first race car, yet a totally contemporary and powerful vehicle. 

The 460 horsepower of the Chevrolet LT1 V8 crate engine powers the rear wheels. Both a 520 hp V8 with separate throttle body injection and a 7-liter big-block V8 that produces 650 hp are available as options for upgrading. All of the engines are coupled to Nichols' own 6-speed manual gearbox.

Price and availability information for the Nichols N1A is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2022. Even though the car is ideally suited for the racetrack, it will be allowed on UK roads.