The new Noble M400 photos, specs. http://dotm1.net/t.asp?l=34380&i=12761686 Model: M400 Dimensions: Overall length: 4,089mm, overall width: 1,885mm, height: 1,143mm Kerb weight: 1,060kg Engine type: V6 biturbo Total displacement: 2968cc Maximum power: 425 bhp at 6,500rpm Maximum torque: 390 lb ft at 5,250rpm Power-to-weight ratio: 400bhp/tonne Performance: Maximum speed 185mph, 0-62mph (0-100kph): 3.5secs Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, limited-slip differential Construction: Tubular welded chassis, composite body panels Price: £55,995
I thought the body and drivetrain were imported seperately, then put together when bought, something to do with crashtesting i think.
Federal certification is amazingly complicated and expensive. It only makes sense for really large car companies that intend to sell a lot of cars in the US. Noble avoids the costs by selling them separately and claiming they are kit cars which do not require the crash and emissions testing. I say if it's legal in the UK or Japan it should be legal here. It would definately bring a lot more choices to the marketplace. Won't happen though, US government won't change the restrictions, because of Ralph Nader and the tariff effect that helps to protect the US auto industry. PS: Isn't Noble coming out with an all-new supercar? I saw a picture while skimming one of those $10 car magazines. Looked actually beautiful.
John, The Noble is arleady here: was offered to buy one a year ago. Not sure about the 400 but in the Chicago area I have seen both Fox Valley Motors and I&I Imports carry them. They're actually pretty sharp in person, a cross between LeMans racer and somewhat tolerable rice burner. However, they were sold without a drivetrain. RocketBoy
I have always admired the M12 (Basically getting close to the enzo in performance at about 50,000 pounds.) But it looks like Noble is coming out with the M14. Does anyone know anything more about this vehicle? I don't think it's out yet though. http://www.noblecars.com/new-noble-site/m14.html
The M14 is out in the UK at the end of the year. A friend of mine will have the first customer car (0005, 1-4 are demo cars). I'm seriously tempted myself. The M12 is pretty basic, but not by Stradale standards (it has carpets!). If you like track-orientated cars I suspect you will be impressed. It's fast, and the way this thing corners is amazing. It held station with the Stradale on a drag down to the first corner at Bruntingthorpe and I only got the drop on him into the braking zone. The M12 GTO3R won't go much beyond 160mph (aerodynamics I think), but it hits that early and you get a fantastic soundtrack from the turbos doing their work. I find these cars deeply impressive, and you can pick up low mileage, mint examples for less than £30K.
