Autoblog

Noble hints at possible Roadster version of M600 supercar

Noah Joseph — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, UK, MISC

Performance purists should be familiar with the name Lee Noble. The chassis guru has worked his magic on a whole slew of small-batch supercars, including the Ultima GTR, Ascari Ecosse, Salica GT, the Fenix and, of course, those bearing his own name.

At the top of the Noble totem pole sits the M600, a mid-engined supercar powered by a twin-turbo version of Yamaha's 4.4-liter V8 found in the Volvo XC90, but with as much as 650 horsepower on tap. A 3.5-second sprint to 60 and a top speed of 225 mph can be had for roughly £200,000 - or about $320k if it were available here.

Now Noble has released a solitary image of an M600 roadster which it says is purely a concept car for the time being. The British niche automaker will, however, undoubtedly be watching for reactions to the idea of putting it into production. That decision, according to reports, could come down specifically to the Chinese market in which - like most automakers - Noble is eager to make its mark.

Noble hints at possible Roadster version of M600 supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Arrinera links up with Lee Noble's Fenix

Aaron Richardson — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Specialty

Whenever cottage industry supercars come up, Lee Noble's name at least gets a mention. Noble is the man behind the unbelievable Noble M12 and M400; part supercars, part kit cars that Noble designed, built and marketed from a garage in England.

Now, Noble has teamed up with Polish firm Arrinera to bring its supercar to life. Featuring acres of carbon fiber and a Chevrolet Corvette ZR1-sourced mill, the car is should hit 60 in just 3.2 seconds, and can reportedly do the 0-124-0 sprint in 14.3 seconds. That's fast by anyone's measure.

No word on what kind of pricing you can expect yet, but the car should be available as a 2013 model. Though Lee Noble only owns five percent of the company, his expertise in getting boutique rockets to market certainly can't hurt Arrinera's chances.

Arrinera links up with Lee Noble's Fenix originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVO drags the 911 Turbo S, McLaren MP4-12C, Ferrari 458, Noble M600

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Porsche, Ferrari, UK, MISC

EVO lines up the exotics - Click above to watch the video after the break

Americans seem to be uniquely obsessed with drag racing in a straight line as a means of measuring automotive performance, but when British magazine EVO decided to line up the latest set of ultra-fast exotic machinery, not a single piece of American iron was present.

Not that we have any complaints about EVO's chosen group of supercars. Representing Italy is the Ferrari 458, and from Germany hails the Porsche 911 Turbo S. These two traditional power players are matched up against the best Britain has to offer; namely the McLaren MP4-12C and Noble M600.

Now that the players have been established, naturally we all want to know which was the quickest. Not surprisingly, the results were dependent on the distance measured just as much as they were by the vehicles themselves. We won't spoil the ending for you, but we will say that it was close and that you should never count out the underdog. Check out the action in the video after the break.

Continue reading EVO drags the 911 Turbo S, McLaren MP4-12C, Ferrari 458, Noble M600

EVO drags the 911 Turbo S, McLaren MP4-12C, Ferrari 458, Noble M600 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Noble M600 supercar finally enters production

John Neff — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, UK

Noble M600 - Click above for high-res image gallery

We've been talking about the Noble M600 since roughly 2008. It was officially unveiled in 2009 and the crew at Top Gear UK even got to test one before the clock ticked 2010. So where'd it go? We don't know, but Noble has finally popped its head up again with the very first M600 off the factory production line.

Considering its absence, a quick refresher course on the M600's credentials is in order. This British-built supercar sports a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter Yamaha V8 with three power levels: Road, Track and Race. An Adaptable Performance Control switch will vary the V8's output between each level, letting the engine produce 450 brake horsepower, 550 bhp or an absolutely silly 650 bhp. Couple that with a curb weight of just 2,775 pounds, and you've a great recipe for 0-60 times around three seconds or less and an estimated top speed of 225 miles per hour. Only one's been built so far, but Noble claims it has orders for a full 50. At £200,000 a pop, the M600 should make the company a pretty penny assuming it doesn't take them a decade to deliver.

For more fun, follow the jump to rewatch Jeremy Clarkson's review of the M600 prototype from 2009 and check out new high-res images of the car in our gallery below

Gallery: Noble M600

[Source: Noble, Top Gear]

Continue reading Noble M600 supercar finally enters production

Noble M600 supercar finally enters production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First images of Fenix supercar released

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Chevrolet

Fenix Automotive supercar - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lee Noble has risen from the ashes of his former company, the eponymous Noble Automotive, and launched a new supercar under the Fenix Automotive banner. The company's first new product is a clean sheet design that owes little to the old M12 and M400 cars that were sold in the States as component vehicles. While it shares similar specs and general shape with the new Noble M600, it has nothing else in common with the latest vision-warping supercar to bear his name.

Where the M12 and M400 were stripped-down flyers powered by various versions of the European Ford 3.0-liter V6, the Fenix will be powered by a choice of Chevrolet V8 powerplants. Customers can specifiy either the 480 horsepower LS3, or the 638 horsepower LS9 from the Corvette ZR1. With a projected curb weight of just 2,645 pounds, the supercharged Fenix should be able to sprint from 0-100 mph in under seven seconds and reach a top speed of around 200 mph.

The first prototype will be undergoing development around the company's manufacturing facility in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The Fenix supercar will go on sale in the UK in the second half of 2010 and U.S. sales are a possibility. The Fenix is expected to offer a level of performance and sophistication that would rival $240,000 thoroughbred sportscars while costing about half as much. No official pricing has been announced yet, but the company did issue a press release, which you'll find after the jump, and a pair of photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Fenix supercar

[Source: Fenix Automotive]

Continue reading First images of Fenix supercar released

First images of Fenix supercar released originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: Noble M600 attempts to kill Clarkson, embarasses Enzo

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos

Noble M600 - Click above for an updated high-res image gallery

No climate control. No sat-nav. No ABS. No ESP. What the Noble M600 lacks in luxury and safety amenities it makes up for in raw, mechanical brutality. And you know what? That's okay.

With curb weight of 2,810 pounds, a row-your-own six-speed manual and 650 horsepower and 618 pound-feet of torque on tap from its Volvo-sourced, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, the M600 is a purist breath of fresh air in an era of tech-laden, heavyweight supercars. But stats (0-60 in three seconds, top speed of 225 mph) only tells half the tale.

Clarkson and the crew take the all-new, £200,000 Noble around the Top Gear test track and the results are predictably deranged. Not only does the traction control only have two settings - on and off - but keeping the mid-engine beastie in check proves too much for TG's ham-fisted frontman. That means it's a job for the Stig. And you can check out the results and its supercar-crushing lap time after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Noble M600

Continue reading VIDEO: Noble M600 attempts to kill Clarkson, embarasses Enzo

VIDEO: Noble M600 attempts to kill Clarkson, embarasses Enzo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Noble Endeavor: Fenix Automotive Limited takes shape

Noah Joseph — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, UK, MISC

Few visionaries have bred as many supercar brands as Lee Noble. The British sportscar guru is responsible for the Noble M12 and M400, the Ascari Ecosse, the Ultima GTR, Rossion Q1 and Salica GT, to name just a few. And now he's looking to add one more to the list with the announcement of his latest project: Fenix Automotive.

Just last month we brought you initial news of Lee Noble's new project, but the picture is now coming into focus under the Fenix name. UK publication Car Magazine says that the formula calls for a lightweight, mid-engined V8 supercar blending track-worthy performance with grand touring drivability in a package priced below £75,000 ($125k), even lower than initially expected. Noble will be turning once again to Hi-Tech Automotive in Port Elizabeth, South Africa - which also built the M12 as well as Superformance Replicars - to assemble the as-yet unnamed first product from Fenix Automotive Limited, with initial photos set to surface early next year in advance of initial deliveries by the end of 2010.

[Source: Car Magazine]

A Noble Endeavor: Fenix Automotive Limited takes shape originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Noble founder working on new 650-horsepower supercar?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, UK, MISC

Noble M15 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lee Noble may be known best for his eponymous sportscar firm, but the British designer has experience that extends beyond the small company that bears his name. Before forming Noble Automotive, he penned such greats as the Ascari Ecosse and the record-setting Ultima GTR, to say nothing of the Rossion Q1 and Salica GT spawned from his design. Now he's sold his company and is going it alone once again with a new initiative, details of which have just begun to emerge.

The guru of small-batch supercars has yet to give his new project a name, but you can expect the format to follow the same formula as his previous works. That means a lightweight, mid-engine frame with a minimum of electronic nannies.

Like the Noble M12, it will be built in South Africa, and like the newer Noble M600, it will incorporate a Graziano six-speed manual. But Lee says he wants to learn from what he calls previous mistakes and keep production numbers low, amounting to a maximum of 100 units each year. Beyond that, Lee says his new project will offer between 400 and 650 horsepower, weigh less than 1200 kg (2,645 pounds) and cost no more than £100,000 (~$160k) even in top spec. That's one hell of a compelling package, and we can't wait to see what it can do.

Gallery: Noble M15

[Source: Autocar]

Noble founder working on new 650-horsepower supercar? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: Rossion Q1 is a supercar for the slightly rich

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, First Drives

Rossion Q1 - Click above for high-res image gallery

"How fast can you take it?" I ask Craig Spuhler, Rossion's technical engineer and my passenger at this particular moment in time. "About 75 mph with an 85 mph exit speed." I was behind the wheel of a Rossion Q1 winding my way up a 270-degree decreasing radius on-ramp that shoots straight onto Florida's I-95. As Spuhler has put more miles on Rossions than anyone else alive, and I'd been in the car all of 15 minutes, I decided that 65 mph was a nice, sane, journalist-safe speed. Even in fourth gear there was enough twin-turbo'd torque to get me to 80 mph by the end of the ramp. Truth is, I could've done the deed at 75 mph in third, if not much, much faster.

Gallery: First Drive: Rossion Q1

Continue reading First Drive: Rossion Q1 is a supercar for the slightly rich

First Drive: Rossion Q1 is a supercar for the slightly rich originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Noble unleashes 225 mph M600 supercar

Drew Phillips — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:22:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance

2010 Noble M600 - Click above for image gallery

We've seen spy shots, spy shots, and more spy shots of Noble's new M600 supercar. Now the British car builder has finally released official images and details of its latest model, complete with a Volvo-based twin-turbo V8 producing 650 horsepower. Pricing is expected to be around £200,000 (roughly $328k USD), more than twice that of previous models, and customers waiting on the now-extinct M14 and M15 can request for their deposits to be returned if they don't wish to purchase the new car.

As the high price tag suggests, the M600 brings much more to the table than past Noble models. The car is constructed from a stainless steel tub, tube skeleton and chassis, clad with carbon fiber body panels for a curb weight of just 2810 pounds. The 4.4-liter V8 (a first for Noble) has been fitted with twin Garrett turbochargers, and the driver can change between three output settings - 450, 550, or 650 horsepower - with max torque output of 618 lb-ft. Performance will be more than up to supercar standards, with 60 mph reachable in 3.0 seconds flat, 100 mph in 6.5 seconds, and a top speed of 225 mph.

As with past models, Noble aimed to make the M600 a purist driver's car. The traction control system can be completely deactivated, and there is no ESP system or anti-lock brakes. Shifting will be done old school with a six-speed manual gearbox and no paddle shifters will be offered. The M600 will make its public debut at the Goodwood Revival on September 19-21, but in the meantime, you browse the photo gallery below. We'll try and scrounge around to see if we can get some high-res versions.

Gallery: 2010 Noble M600

[Source: Noble via Autocar]

BREAKING: Noble unleashes 225 mph M600 supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Noble-based Salica GT comes good. Sort of.

Dan Roth — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Supercars, UK, Specialty

click the picture above for a high-resolution gallery of the Salica GTC Prototype

It's been a year since Salica popped up with its chopped-roof Noble M12 and promises to make a more evil variant. We thought the Bristol, England based company had been maintaining radio silence for a rather long time, so we decided to check in on their progress, and this is what we've found. Still based on the Noble M12, the Salica Cars GT is a highly customizeable version of one of the cottage industry's favorite trackday cars. Looking mean enough to knife you were you to turn your back on it, the GT carries a twin-turbocharged V6 of unknown origin (Nobles have been using Ford Duratec 30s (this is possibly a version of that engine that's been enlarged) spitting out 500 horsepower. The dry-sump V6 (nestled amidships), can also be purchased without the turbochargers, and the GTR and GTC versions of the car carry further engine variants. The GTR ups the wick to 550 horsepower, and the GTC gets a wet-sump 3.0-liter good for 460 horsepower. A further difference between the GTC and other versions is that its turbo V6 is mounted transversely, while the GT and GTR have logitudinal layouts.

All that power and evil looking targa bodywork sum up to an automobile capable of an estimated 3.2 second run to 60 miles-per-hour, on its way to a top speed of 190 mph (again, estimated). Being a small shop, Salica is offering what it calls "bespoke motoring" to its customers. There's a high level of customization available, so that your car doesn't come out looking like the GTC prototype in the pictures. There are no driver aids other than optional traction control and ABS available, making the Salica a pure and possibly terrifying experience. If the deadly-looking GT isn't your style, Salica also offers a variety of modifications for Noble owners, like a fastback conversion and other tweaks. With performance options bound to shrink soon, small shops like Salica may soon be the only way to get exactly what you're looking for.

Gallery: Salica GT

Gallery: Salica Noble Fastback

[Source: Salica]

Noble-based Salica GT comes good. Sort of. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More Spy Shots: Noble M600 caught in full view

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars

Click above for a gallery of the Noble M600

Last month, shooters caught the new Noble M600 undergoing testing at the Firebird Raceway in Arizona. According to reports, the M600 was joined on the track by Noble's benchmark vehicle, a Porsche Carrera GT. The crew at RacersWeb.com found themselves at the same track at the same time as the M600, and unlike the previous pics shot from the grandstands, these newest images get us up close and personal with Noble's new 600+ hp, twin-turbo'd V8 supercar.

The exterior hasn't changed much since we brought you the first round of "official" and unofficial shots earlier this year, but the front bumpers vents and ducting are in clear view, as is a new Noble badge that drops the oblong yellow logo for a simple crown design. The engine bay reveals the M600's Volvo-sourced powerplant, but all the interesting tidbits are hidden deep inside. Compared to past models, Noble spent some serious coin on making the interior a nice place to toil away the hours around town and on the track, with acres of Alcantara, contrast stitching and beautifully crafted knobs, stalks and switchgear.

We're hoping to see the Noble M600 officially revealed early next year, but in the meantime, get an eyeful in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Noble M600

[Source: Racersweb.com]

More Spy Shots: Noble M600 caught in full view originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 650 hp Noble M600

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:49:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars

Noble is hard at work testing its first car since company founder Lee Noble retired, and considering the high esteem past models have enjoyed, the new boss, Peter Boutwood, has some big shoes to fill. So how does Boutwood and Noble plan to deliver the fun? More power, naturally.

While past Nobles made do with a 3.0-liter Ford Duratec V6 engine, albeit turbocharged within an inch of its life, Noble's upcoming M600 visits another member of the Ford parts bin: Volvo. In fact, Volvo's V8 engine, which powers up market versions of the XC90 SUV and the S80 sedan, was originally used in the last Ford Taurus SHO, though it's been revised and enlarged for its latest duty.

The Yamaha-designed mill is again turbocharged by Noble and produces a stunning 650 horsepower in its new guise. Spy photographers have caught the new sportscar out testing its prodigious limits of an expected 200 mph top speed and genuine supercar acceleration of naught to sixty in around three seconds.

[Source: Autocar]

Spy Shots: 650 hp Noble M600 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Noble teases twin-turbo V8-powered M600

Drew Phillips — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:53:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance

It's been a while since we have heard from Noble, the small British manufacturer that has put out some pretty impressive sports cars over the last decade. The company is currently developing a new car called the M600, and PistonHeads.com recently had the chance to interview Noble's head honcho Peter Boutwood about the upcoming model. Boutwood revealed that the M600 will be powered by a Yamaha-designed twin-turbo Volvo V8 and will have a full carbon fiber body shell. While no specific details were given regarding specifications or performance figures, the M600 promises to keep pace with the world's top supercars. It will also be absent of any driver aids like traction control and have a focus on being a pure driver's car. No word on whether the M600 will be available in the United States, but it may be imported as a rolling chassis sans engine like the current car. Thanks for the tip, pottz!

[Source: PistonHeads.com]

Noble teases twin-turbo V8-powered M600 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 May 2008 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy VIDEO: Car catches Noble's new M15 track testing

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:42:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Supercars

Car magazine's Ben Barry had a close encounter of the Noble kind while spending some time at a circuit in the UK, and was smart enough to hit the record button on his video camera to catch the M15 prototype undergoing testing.

According to one of our favorite Brit buff-books, the new model will be motivated by a twin-turbocharged, Volvo-sourced V8 that's currently making 480 hp with plans to add an additional 150 hp once it comes to market, possibly late next year. The new body is considerably more curvaceous than its predecessor; particularly the sloped back end proving that Noble's designers have more than a straight-rule to work with. The new rump benefits from separate wing, versus the M12's integrated aerofoil, along with LED brake lamps and some additional ducting.

As for technical details, Car was able to confirm that AP will be providing the brakes and clutch, and that 20-inch wheels are likely to be fitted to all four corners. Weight should be around 2,400 pounds and with the additional power, 0-60 times should be deep into the 3s.

Barry was tracking his race-prepped M3 while the Noble M15 was testing, so he was able to play a little bit of "cat and mouse" with the mule. He didn't fare to bad in the corners, but once the road opened up, his inline-six didn't stand much of a chance. Exercise your finger to check the video.

Spy VIDEO: Car catches Noble's new M15 track testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daimler blocks debut of Chinese smart clone

Dan Roth — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:34:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Smart

Daimler's not taking the close resemblance of a Chinese minicar to a smart fortwo lightly. The German automaker has gotten a court order forbidding Martin Motors, the European distributor for China's Shuanghuan Automobile, from displaying the Shuanghuan Noble at the upcoming Bologna Auto Show. This is the second time Daimler has blocked the Noble from being displayed, having taken similar action at the Frankfurt show.

Martin Motors is calling the Noble the Bubble in Europe, since there's already another Noble. Martin contends that the Bubble is not a copy of the fortwo, citing the four seats and front engine configuration among the differentiating details. Martin Motors has also demanded in Italian courts that Daimler prove its exclusive rights to the design of the smart. If a resolution can be reached, the Bubble will go on sale for about $10,000 euros across Europe. The resemblance is striking, but copying the look isn't the same as cribbing the underlying engineering. We haven't had the opportunity to crawl over, under, or through the Bubble, so we can't comment on whether it's better or worse than the smart, but from the looks of things in the video we've posted after the jump, the Bubble is hardly a premium vehicle. Shuanghuan also sells the CEO, a midsize SUV that borrows an awful lot from the BMW X5's looks. The appearance similarities between Shuanghuan's vehicles and those of well respected competitors may not help the Chinese automaker avoid having its European sales bubble burst.

Check the jump to see a video of the Noble/Bubble in action.

More shots from Autoblog China.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Continue reading Daimler blocks debut of Chinese smart clone

Daimler blocks debut of Chinese smart clone originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Noble M15 may get twin-turbo Volvo V8

John Neff — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars, UK

click above image for high-res gallery of Noble M15

I'm one of the few people in this country who have experienced a Noble on the track. While it was a few years ago and I wasn't the one driving, I can still remember the visceral way in which the car attacked Mid-Ohio Race Course, so much so that my insides are still a bit tender. It's truly one of the least expensive ways to experience a supercar in this country, even if some assembly is required. But some people scoff when the Noble is categorized as a supercar, saying that such a vehicle shouldn't be powered by a 3.0L Duratec V6 from Ford, even it is pumped up by a pair of turbos. Well, how about a twin-turbo V8 from Volvo instead? Noble's newest supercar, the M15, will reportedly be powered by a twin-turbo version of Volvo's 4.4L V8 that normally does suburban reconnaissance missions in the XC90 SUV. Jacked up on force-fed oxygen, Volvo's V8 should produce around 650 horsepower, which is more than enough oomph to slingshot Noble's newest featherweight to ludicrous speed (or 60 MPH) in 3 seconds flat.

[Source: PistonHeads]

Gallery: Noble M15

Noble M15 may get twin-turbo Volvo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Noble reborn as Rossion Q1 in the U.S.

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars

click above image for more views of the Rossion Q1

Back in February we told you about Noble Automotive selling the rights to M12 and M400 production outside of the UK to raise some capital for development of the M15. At least in the States, they ended up handing over the rights for M12 and M400 production to their U.S. distributor, 1G Racing, of Cincinnati, Ohio. As part of that agreement, 1G had to rename and rebadge the car. The company got to work, addressing a few problem areas in the process. What you see above is the result, the Rossion Q1. It's still recognizable, but sports a subtle makeover. Slightly less raw looking than the Nobles, the Q1 still looks the business.

Rossion Automotive Vice President Dean Rosen tells us that the Q1 has been refined, both inside and out. Power, which was already more than adequate at 425 hp, has been bumped to 450. Slightly heavier, but still weighing in at just 2,500 lbs, the Q1 will rock to 60 in just 3.2 seconds, capture the quarter in 11.4, and continue on until it reaches a top speed of 185 mph. All the while, it encases the driver in a more comfortable interior that now includes features like satellite navigation, power mirrors, "hand-stitched sumptuous interiors," and a top notch sound system. Prices are about the same as the M400 too, starting at a base around $69,000, or about $90,700 with a complete drivetrain installed. Rossion is already taking orders and hopes to start deliveries later this year.

More pics available in the gallery below. Full press release after the jump.

Thanks for the tip, Brav!

[Source: 1G Racing via Noble Forums]

Gallery: Rossion Q1

Continue reading Noble reborn as Rossion Q1 in the U.S.

Noble reborn as Rossion Q1 in the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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500 HP Noble M15 on its way

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 30 May 2007 09:34:00 EST

Filed under: Supercars

You want images of the Noble M15? We've got 23 for you right here.

When it was originally introduced last year, the Noble M15 sported a highly evolved three-liter, twin-turbo'd V6 that made 455 HP at 6,800 RPM and an equal amount of torque at 4,800 RPM. Mounted amidships and sending power to the rear wheels, the M15 could accelerate to 60 in 3.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 175 MPH. That was good, but Noble's propellerheads are making it better.

According to an article in Autoweek.nl, the next iteration of the M15 will get a 45 HP bump in output to bring power up to the mystical 500 HP level. Whether or not it's going to steal the £100k entry fee from buyers looking into an M6 or 911 is doubtful, but with only between 50 and 60 vehicles set to be built each year, exclusivity will run hand-in-hand with kidney-punishing performance.

[Source: Autoweek.nl via MotorAuthority]

Gallery: Noble M15

500 HP Noble M15 on its way originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2007 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alcantara covering more domestics next year

Frank Filipponio — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:02:00 EST

Filed under: Trends

Apparently swathing the dash of a Ferrari or the headliner of a Noble wasn't enough for the sellers of Alcantara leather around the world. The suede-like leather product that has until now been reserved for exotics and upper end cars is going to be find its way into Chryslers, Cadillacs and even Mercury Mariners. As Dave from Kicking Tires notes, the grippy material probably won't seem out of place in the Chrysler SRT models or Cadillac's V series, but the Mariner seems a stretch.

We've now seen Alcantara in almost every make's catalog. Scion has it in the tC 2.0, Mitsubishi and Subaru in their rally-inspired offerings, too. M-B, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Noble, Audi, Peugeot, Lancia, Mazda, VW, Honda, even SMART. Looks like Alcantara is shapin up to be the fabric of the future.

[Source: Kicking Tires]

Alcantara covering more domestics next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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