Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[A Noble Endeavor: Fenix Automotive Limited takes shape]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/a-noble-endeavor-fenix-automotive-limited-takes-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/a-noble-endeavor-fenix-automotive-limited-takes-shape/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/a-noble-endeavor-fenix-automotive-limited-takes-shape/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fenixfenix automotivefenix automotive limitedFenixAutomotiveFenixAutomotiveLimitedlee nobleLeeNoblenobleThu, 19 Nov 2009 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Noble founder working on new 650-horsepower supercar?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/noble-founder-working-on-new-650-horsepower-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/noble-founder-working-on-new-650-horsepower-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/noble-founder-working-on-new-650-horsepower-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lee nobleLeeNoblenobleThu, 15 Oct 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[First Drive: Rossion Q1 is a supercar for the slightly rich]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/first-drive-rossion-q1-is-a-supercar-for-the-slightly-rich/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/first-drive-rossion-q1-is-a-supercar-for-the-slightly-rich/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/27/first-drive-rossion-q1-is-a-supercar-for-the-slightly-rich/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

rossionq1fd_02rossionq1fd_03rossionq1fd_01rossionq1fd_04rossionq1fd_05

Photos copyright (C)2009 Drew Phillips / Weblogs, Inc.

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>American Speed FactoryAmericanSpeedFactoryDean RosenDeanRosenfeaturedfirst driveFirstDriveNobleNoble M12Noble M400NobleM12NobleM400Q1RossionRossion Q1RossionQ1SupercarThu, 27 Aug 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[BREAKING: Noble unleashes 225 mph M600 supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/breaking-noble-unleashes-225-mph-m600-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/breaking-noble-unleashes-225-mph-m600-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/19/breaking-noble-unleashes-225-mph-m600-supercar/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Noble M6002010NobleM600breakingM600NobleNoble M600NobleM600Wed, 19 Aug 2009 02:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Noble-based Salica GT comes good. Sort of.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/noble-based-salica-gt-comes-good-sort-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/noble-based-salica-gt-comes-good-sort-of/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/23/noble-based-salica-gt-comes-good-sort-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>custom nobleCustomNoblenoblenoble m12noble m400noble modNobleM12NobleM400NobleModroissionsalicasalica gtSalicaGtMon, 23 Feb 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[More Spy Shots: Noble M600 caught in full view]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/04/more-spy-shots-noble-m600-caught-in-full-view/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/04/more-spy-shots-noble-m600-caught-in-full-view/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/04/more-spy-shots-noble-m600-caught-in-full-view/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>m600noblenoble m600NobleM600spy photosspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotosSpyPicsSpyShotsThu, 04 Dec 2008 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 650 hp Noble M600]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/spy-shots-650-hp-noble-m600/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/spy-shots-650-hp-noble-m600/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/02/spy-shots-650-hp-noble-m600/#commentsFiled under: ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new nobleNewNoblenoblenoble carnoble carsnoble m600noble v8NobleCarNobleCarsNobleM600NobleV8Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Noble teases twin-turbo V8-powered M600]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/noble-teases-twin-turbo-v8-powered-m600/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/noble-teases-twin-turbo-v8-powered-m600/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/15/noble-teases-twin-turbo-v8-powered-m600/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>M600NobleNoble M600NobleM600Thu, 15 May 2008 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy VIDEO: <i>Car</i> catches Noble's new M15 track testing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/spy-video-i-car-i-catches-nobles-new-m15-track-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/spy-video-i-car-i-catches-nobles-new-m15-track-testing/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/21/spy-video-i-car-i-catches-nobles-new-m15-track-testing/#commentsFiled under: ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>m15noblenoble m15NobleM15Fri, 21 Dec 2007 17:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Daimler blocks debut of Chinese smart clone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/01/daimler-blocks-debut-of-chinese-smart-clone/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/01/daimler-blocks-debut-of-chinese-smart-clone/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/01/daimler-blocks-debut-of-chinese-smart-clone/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto showAutoShowbolognabubblechinacopycourtfortwofrankfurtinjunctionlegalmartinmartin motorsMartinMotorsminicarnobleordershuanghuansmartunveilingSat, 01 Dec 2007 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Noble M15 may get twin-turbo Volvo V8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/05/noble-m15-may-get-twin-turbo-volvo-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/05/noble-m15-may-get-twin-turbo-volvo-v8/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/05/noble-m15-may-get-twin-turbo-volvo-v8/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>noblenoble m15noble m15 v8noble m15 volvonoble m15 volvo v8NobleM15NobleM15V8NobleM15VolvoNobleM15VolvoV8Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Noble reborn as Rossion Q1 in the U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/noble-reborn-as-rossion-q1-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/noble-reborn-as-rossion-q1-in-the-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/11/noble-reborn-as-rossion-q1-in-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under:


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dean RosenDeanRosenNobleNoble AutomotiveNobleAutomotiveRossionRossion Q1RossionQ1Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[500 HP Noble M15 on its way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/500-hp-noble-m15-on-its-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/500-hp-noble-m15-on-its-way/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/30/500-hp-noble-m15-on-its-way/#commentsFiled under:


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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>500 HP500Hpm15nobleWed, 30 May 2007 09:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Alcantara covering more domestics next year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/alcantara-covering-more-domestics-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/alcantara-covering-more-domestics-next-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/10/17/alcantara-covering-more-domestics-next-year/#commentsFiled under:



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcantaraCadillac V seriesCadillacVSeriesChrysler SRTChryslerSrtFerrariLamborghinileatherNobleTue, 17 Oct 2006 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Noble saved from the brink]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/noble-saved-from-the-brink/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/noble-saved-from-the-brink/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/19/noble-saved-from-the-brink/#commentsFiled under: , ,




Having recently driven a Noble M400 along California's breathtaking Palms to Pines Highway, we know what a fantastic sports car it is. With performance rivaling any Ferrari, Porsche or Lotus we've driven, the car is more than capable of competing head-to-head with the world's finest. If customers are able to get them, that is. The one strike against Noble is that the company doesn't have the heritage of these other marks and perhaps doesn't instill the same confidence of the more established makes in the hearts of potential buyers. Recent rumors of its financial instability haven't helped.

Well, now word has reached us from the UK that some of that financial uncertainty may be a thing of the past, thanks to new backing from 'a dedicated owner who shares my commitment, passion and vision for the future of Noble cars,' said company boss Lee Noble. He vows that with this new cash investment the M15 will go on sale in early 2007.

The anonymous investor replaces David Jones, chairman of high street fashion chain Next. Hinting that this may be a very good thing indeed, Noble added that he had now cleared the firm's debts, allowing final development work on the 455-hp, 180-mph M15 to continue. He expects his newest supercar to be available by next spring at the latest.

[Source: CAR]

Noble saved from the brink originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Sep 2006 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>M15NobleTue, 19 Sep 2006 13:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Noble M15 official pics and details]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/noble-m15-official-pics-and-deets/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/noble-m15-official-pics-and-deets/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/05/noble-m15-official-pics-and-deets/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Noble's new, more mature supercar, the M15, has officially debuted in Europe and WorldCarFans has all the official pics and press release up. Turns out the super coupe looks a little different than the pic we lifted from Top Gear yesterday. It looks to be one mean mama-jama that improves on its predecessor in every way, particularly in luxury and livability. T

he M15 is still a Noble, and as such will generate time-shifting amounts of thrust by combining its 455-bhp, 3.0L twin-turbo six with a curb weight of around 2,645 lbs. Sixty will be hit in less than 3.3 seconds and Noble geared down the car for acceleration so its top speed will be about 185 mph, though with different ratios Noble claims it would easily crack a pair of Franklins.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Noble M15 official pics and details originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Apr 2006 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>British supercarBritishSupercarNobleNoble M12Noble M15NobleM12NobleM15Wed, 05 Apr 2006 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Noble announced new M15 supercar]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/04/noble-announced-new-m15-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/04/noble-announced-new-m15-supercar/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/04/noble-announced-new-m15-supercar/#commentsFiled under: , ,



As one who has ridden shotgun in a Noble M12 around Mid-Ohio Raceway, I can tell you this brand knows how to bake white-knuckle, on-the-edge driving dynamics into every car it produces. According to Top Gear, the new Noble M15 that just debuted across the pond will take Noble's recipe for fun to a new level. Featuring the same twin-turbo, 3.0L V6 producing 455 bhp that debuted in the M14 concept last year, the M15 might be crowned Britain's baddest supercar. The engine is now mounted longitudinally and hooked up to a brand new gearbox packing six speeds for lunch.

Pricing of the new M15 is set at £75,000 ($130,000 USD). Will we see the M15 in the States? There's no official word either way, but the current Noble M12 GTO-3R and M400 are imported into the U.S. less an engine and transaxle by 1G Racing, so there's hope we'll see the M15 here, as well.

[Source: Top Gear]

Noble announced new M15 supercar originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Apr 2006 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NobleNoble M12Noble M15NobleM12NobleM15Tue, 04 Apr 2006 07:01:00 EST