mikeyb
09-01-2004, 07:01 AM
Noble M12 GTC The M14 was not the only new Noble to be unveiled in Birmingham. The M12GTC is the production version of a car that was first shown at the 2002 show. In essence, this is a convertible version of the M12 supercar and will sell for #44,950 ($80,488). The conversion from hard to open top is achieved via two GRP composite panels, which can be removed and stored behind the seats. For the first time on an M12, the GTC also offers some luggage capacity. This has been achieved by moving the intercooler and swapping the twin turbos for a single unit. As a result, the power output of the 3.0 V6 has dropped by 17% but the peak of 295 bhp should still be sufficient to whisk the GTC from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 sec. and on to 160 mph. This car will be sold in the U.S. alongside the current M12.
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_18_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_19_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_20_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_21_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_07_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_08_z.jpg
Noble M14
Lee Noble is fast becoming a heroic figure in the British car industry. The man who produced the development chassis for the McLaren F1 launched his own company in 1999 and last year sold 300 cars, including 70 in the U.S. If all goes to plan, this could increase to around 850 over the next couple of years. Crucial to this expansion plan is the new M14 supercar, which was launched at the British Motor Show. Priced at #74,950 ($134,206), it takes Noble into new territory and targets the 911 Turbo and 360 Modena. Styled by Lee Noble himself, it's subtler and more sophisticated than the extrovert M12. It still has plenty of impact, but the front end has more than a hint of 360 about it and Noble watchers might worry that the overall effect is a little too supercar-generic. The simply styled interior uses high-grade materials, and there are some nice details, such as a tacho needle that changes from blue to pink to red as the revs rise. It's also pleasingly versatile, with two 150-liter trunks, mounted at the front and rear. The only major criticism concerns the switchgear, which is too obviously sourced from a parts bin. The steering wheel, for example, is pinched from a Ford Focus. The engine is mid-mounted and its plenum chamber is visible beneath the rear screen. A heavily modified version of Ford's 2968cc V6, it boasts 400 bhp and 385 lb-ft of torque. The Noble only weighs 1,150kg, so claims of 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 sec. and 190 mph sound realistic. The M14 goes on sale in the UK in October but it will probably be a year or two before it reaches the U.S. It represents a bold step for such a small company but Lee Noble is used to proving the doubters wrong.
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_24_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_23_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_22_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_18_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_19_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_20_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_21_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_07_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_08_z.jpg
Noble M14
Lee Noble is fast becoming a heroic figure in the British car industry. The man who produced the development chassis for the McLaren F1 launched his own company in 1999 and last year sold 300 cars, including 70 in the U.S. If all goes to plan, this could increase to around 850 over the next couple of years. Crucial to this expansion plan is the new M14 supercar, which was launched at the British Motor Show. Priced at #74,950 ($134,206), it takes Noble into new territory and targets the 911 Turbo and 360 Modena. Styled by Lee Noble himself, it's subtler and more sophisticated than the extrovert M12. It still has plenty of impact, but the front end has more than a hint of 360 about it and Noble watchers might worry that the overall effect is a little too supercar-generic. The simply styled interior uses high-grade materials, and there are some nice details, such as a tacho needle that changes from blue to pink to red as the revs rise. It's also pleasingly versatile, with two 150-liter trunks, mounted at the front and rear. The only major criticism concerns the switchgear, which is too obviously sourced from a parts bin. The steering wheel, for example, is pinched from a Ford Focus. The engine is mid-mounted and its plenum chamber is visible beneath the rear screen. A heavily modified version of Ford's 2968cc V6, it boasts 400 bhp and 385 lb-ft of torque. The Noble only weighs 1,150kg, so claims of 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 sec. and 190 mph sound realistic. The M14 goes on sale in the UK in October but it will probably be a year or two before it reaches the U.S. It represents a bold step for such a small company but Lee Noble is used to proving the doubters wrong.
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_24_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_23_z.jpg
http://europeancarweb.com/events/0410ec_britishshow04_22_z.jpg