Regional Tour of Noble M12 Factory in South africa

[far2000]

BEHIND THE SCENES:





WING

SEATS:




















FINISHED PR0DUCT:


The Noble M12 is a two-door, two-seater model that has evolved through three coupe versions (GTO, GTO-3, and the current GTO-3R). A convertible variant (The M12 GTC) has been shown at motorshows but is yet to make production. All M12s have been powered by modified turbocharged Ford Duratec V6 engines. The M12 GTO used a 2.5-litre version of the engine, while the GTO-3 and GTO-3R were upgraded to the 3.0-litre Duratec. Power has progressed from 310 bhp (231 kW) to 352 bhp.
The M12 has a full steel roll cage, steel frame, and G.R.P. (fibre glass) composite clam shell body parts. These cars are extremely lightweight and stiff. Although looking to be track derived, the M12 performs very well on both road and track, with surprisingly good ride quality, but a rigid feel. This is achieved by having no anti-roll bars on the car. This allows suspension to be made hard without making a back breaking ride.

The GTO3R weighs 2380 lb (1080 kg), has 352 bhp (262 kW) and does 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 3.8 seconds. In their initial review of the M12 GTO3R, Road and Track indicated a 0-60 mph performance of 3.3 seconds, but subsequently listed it as 3.7 seconds. Its top speed is listed as 170 mph (274 km/h). Lateral Gs are reported in excess of 1.22.

 

[far2000]

The noble M15:


Production of the M15 began in early 2006. The Noble M15 is intended to appeal to a far broader market and compete directly with the Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari F430. As a result the Noble M15 will have a number of features not previously found on Nobles such as Sat nav, traction control, electric windows and ABS.
Despite increased comfort and usability compared to previous Noble cars Lee Noble has stated that he expects the M15 to be significantly quicker than the M400 around a race track. It is able to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 185 mph (297 km/h).[1]
The car is based on a brand new platform with a longitudinally mounted engine connected to a bespoke gearbox created by Graziano. The double wishbone suspension is a development of the system mounted on the M400. Mounting the engine longitudinally allowed the designer to increasing cooling flow to the engine which allows the 3.0l twin turbo V6 to produce 455bhp. The engine has been designed to meet emissions regulations and the new steel/aluminium space frame has been designed with a view to passing crash test regulations around the world. The M15 is planned to be the first Noble which gains European and US type approval.
The car appeared in Top Gear and presenter Richard Hammond was very impressed. It was a lot quicker around the Top Gear-track than the old Noble. According to Richard this has to do with the new, stronger gearbox which enables Noble to allow more boost and let the same engine produce more horsepower.
The designer's opinion:
“The M12 is a great car, but it’s very focused and I wanted to produce a supercar people could use everyday,” said founder Lee Noble. “It was time for Noble to take a big step up in terms of refinement, practicality and style.”

 

[ateekt]

Awesome "super-car" performance, under USD 100,000 $ ...!