Can-Am
In the early 1990s a UK based race series was launched catering for evocations of 1960s mid engined sports racing cars. Autotune therefore decided to make use of the experience gained from many years or restoring and racing original Can-Am cars to produce a new model inspired by the McLaren M1 series of cars.
The Autotune Can-Am subsequently proved itself on the circuits with strong showings in both the BRSCC Historic Replicar series and the 750 Motor Club Supersports Series.
Specification
The Autotune designed chassis is a square section steel spaceframe, and when skinned in NS4 Aluminium makes an extremely rigid, lightweight structure. The square tubing used also helps to clearly differentiate it from original cars.
The front suspension features a fully rose jointed, double wishbone configuration using strong Jaguar uprights. At the rear twin radius arms, reversed lower wishbone and top link locate a purpose made cast alloy upright. Although designed by Autotune, the suspension geometry was checked and verified by former Chevron and Reynard designer Paul Brown, whose successful designs include F1, Indy, and Le Mans Cars.
Engine & Transaxle Options
The chassis was designed to accept the small block Chevrolet V8, but other V8s from Ford and the Oldsmobile/Buick/Rover have been used. Transaxle options range from the expensive race spec Hewland and ZF DS25, to the Porsche G50 and Renault UN1 road car units.
Bodyshell Options
Two types of bodywork configuration are available, the narrow ‘B’ spec tail or winged ‘C’ spec tail.