Noble M400

Noble M400

Manufacturer	Noble Automotive Ltd
Production	2004–2007
Predecessor	Noble M12
Successor	Noble M14
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	RMR layout
Engine	Twin-turbo 3.0L V6, a re-built Ford Duratec 30
Transmission	Getrag 6-speed manual with Quaife automatic torque-biasing differential
Wheelbase	2,438 mm (96.0 in)
Length	4,090 mm (161.0 in)
Width	1,880 mm (74.0 in)
Height	1,143 mm (45.0 in)
Curb weight	1,060 kg (2,337 lb)
Related	Rossion Q1

The Noble M400 is a fibreglass sports car from the British car maker Noble. Manufacturing was outsourced to Hi-Tech Automotive,^[1][2] based in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The M400 was noted by the automotive press for excellent handling and power.^[3][4][5]

Engine

Rear view of M400

The Noble M400 features a mid-mounted transverse engine design. The power plant began life as a 2,968 cc DOHC Ford Duratec V6 with four valves per cylinder, as used in the Ford Mondeo ST220. With this engine as a base, Noble fits high-lift camshafts, revised fuel injection, and two turbochargers. For durability, Noble has also added forged pistons, an oil cooler, a larger baffled oil sump, and extra cooling ducts. This engine has a max power of 425 bhp (317 kW) at 6,500 rpm, with a torque figure of 390 ft·lbf (530 N·m) at 5,000 rpm.^[6] This power and a light weight allow the M400 to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of just over 400 bhp/ton, the figure for which it was named, a 0 - 60 mph (97 km/h) of 3.2 seconds and a 1/4-mile time of 11.4 @ 119.8 mph (192.8 km/h).^[7] Top speed is 187 mph (301 km/h). The UK auto TV show Vroom Vroom said that the M400 gave Ferrari Enzo performance at a Porsche 911 price.

Rossion Q1

Main article: Rossion Q1

Noble is no longer manufacturing the M400. The exclusive dealer for Noble in the US, 1G Racing from Ohio (also known as Rossion), has obtained the production rights to the M400 from Noble Automotive, and has released an updated version named Rossion Q1. 1G's version of the M400 includes a redesigned aerodynamic shell, a new interior and an upgraded engine management system (uprating it to 450 bhp).^[8] 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h) has dropped from 3.3 seconds to 3.1.^[9]

References

1. ^ "Ford Noble M400". Cartorque.co.za. http://www.cartorque.co.za/0207.htm. Retrieved 2010-10-15. 
2. ^ DB1395_Coega News Vol 15.indd^{[dead link]}
3. ^ Times Online Noble M400 review, 2004-11-14. Retrieved 2008-06-14.
4. ^ Popular Mechanics Noble M400 review, 2007. Retrieved 2008-06-14.
5. ^ MPH Online Noble M400 review, 2006. Retrieved 2008-06-14.
6. ^ Carfolio.com technical specifications, added 2004-05-20, last modified 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2008-06-14.
7. ^ InsideLine.com Track Test Results, added 2010-06-20, last modified 2010-06-20. Retrieved 2010-06-20.
8. ^ "Rossion Q1: New U.S. Supercar Comes From Noble Stock". Edmunds.com. http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=121670. Retrieved 2010-10-15. 
9. ^ Hide Comments (2009-11-16). "2009 Rossion Q1 - Car News". RoadandTrack.com. http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/car/2009-rossion-q1. Retrieved 2010-07-08.