Racing Purity - In today’s automotive world, where technology often takes center stage and comfort dominates design, there are still a few creators who chase something purer. Not every driver dreams of silence and automation—some still crave the raw, visceral connection between car and driver. That philosophy is what led Steve Nichols, an engineer with one of Formula 1’s greatest success stories under his belt, to create a supercar that strips things back to their essence: the Nichols N1A ICON 88.
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| The Nichols N1A ICON 88 is a lightweight supercar inspired by F1 engineering, crafted by Steve Nichols, the mastermind behind one of Formula 1’s greatest success stories. (Picture from: Motor1) |
Nichols may not be a household name, but his legacy speaks volumes. He was the mind behind the McLaren MP4/4, the car that redefined dominance during the 1988 F1 season. Decades later, he returns not with a digital showcase or hybrid experiment, but with a machine that feels like it rolled straight out of the racing paddock and onto the open road. |
| The Nichols N1A ICON 88 is a lightweight racing barchetta reimagined for the street, built with a carbon-fiber body reinforced with F1-derived graphene. (Picture from: Motor1) |
The Nichols N1A isn’t just another performance car—it’s a lightweight racing barchetta reimagined for the street. Beneath its carbon-fiber body, reinforced with graphene straight from Formula 1 materials science, lies a naturally aspirated 7.0-liter V8. Starting from a GM LS3 block but reengineered with bespoke pistons, rods, and a dry-sump system, the engine delivers 650 horsepower. Power goes to the rear wheels through a custom six-speed manual gearbox designed in-house, ensuring the driver feels every shift.
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| The Nichols N1A ICON 88 is powered by a reengineered 7.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 from a GM LS3 block producing 650hp, delivered to the rear wheels through a bespoke in-house six-speed manual gearbox for an unfiltered driving experience. (Picture from: Motor1) |
Numbers tell only part of the story. The N1A weighs just 1,984 pounds, making its power-to-weight ratio around 720 horsepower per ton—territory normally reserved for pure race cars. Aerodynamics were shaped in the MIRA wind tunnel for the perfect balance between downforce and drag, while suspension and brakes come directly from racing know-how. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, mounted on staggered 19- and 20-inch wheels, provide grip that matches the car’s uncompromising character.
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| The Nichols N1A ICON 88 weighs just 1,984 pounds with a power-to-weight ratio of 720 horsepower per ton, its aerodynamics honed in the MIRA wind tunnel, suspension and brakes derived from racing expertise. (Picture from: Motor1) |
What makes this car truly special, though, is how little stands between the driver and the road. Modern driver aids are kept to a minimum. Traction control is included, but ABS and even power steering are optional extras. It’s a bold choice in today’s market, but one that ensures the experience is as authentic as it gets.
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| The Nichols N1A ICON 88 features a cockpit focused on purity, with a reclined seating position, analog gauges, and a prominent gear lever in a purposeful space enhanced by machined aluminum controls and premium leather trim that never distract from the act of driving. (Picture from: Motor1) |
Inside, the cockpit continues the focus on purity. A reclined seating position, analog gauges, and a prominent gear lever create a space that feels purposeful and direct. Machined aluminum controls and premium leather trim show attention to detail, but nothing distracts from the job of driving.
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| The Nichols N1A ICON 88 wears Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on staggered 19- and 20-inch wheels, providing the grip to match its uncompromising character. (Picture from: Motor1) |
The N1A is also the first chapter for Nichols Cars, the company Steve Nichols founded in 2017 with CEO John Minett. Their mission was clear from the beginning: build a driver’s car that honors classic racing DNA while using modern engineering precision. That’s where the “ICON 88” designation comes in. The first 15 units of the N1A will be built as a tribute to each of the 15 victories achieved by the McLaren MP4/4 during the 1988 season. Beyond their exclusivity, these cars mark a symbolic bridge between Nichols’ groundbreaking past and his bold step into creating his own brand.
In a landscape where many supercars aim to be faster by being smarter, the Nichols N1A dares to be different. It isn’t about digital speed records or futuristic gimmicks—it’s about bringing back the raw thrill of driving, crafted by someone who understands it at the highest level. For those who still believe the best cars are the ones that speak directly to the driver, Steve Nichols has built a machine that proves simplicity, when done right, can be just as extraordinary as complexity. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NICHOLS-CARS | MOTOR 1 ] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
