Noble M12

Noble M12
Overview
ManufacturerHi-Tech Automotive under license from Noble Automotive
Production2000–2008
AssemblyPort Elizabeth, South Africa
DesignerLee Noble
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutTransverse, rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine2.5 L–3.0 L Ford Duratec 25 Twin-Turbocharged V6
Transmission6-speed Getrag manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,438 mm (96.0 in)
Length4,089 mm (161.0 in)
Width1,828 mm (72.0 in)
Height1,143 mm (45.0 in)
Curb weight1,080 kg (2,381 lb) (M12 GTO-3R)
Chronology
PredecessorNoble M10
SuccessorNoble M14

The Noble M12 is a two-door, two-seat sports car designed and engineered by English automobile manufacturer Noble Automotive with production outsourced to Hi-Tech Automotive of South Africa.

Variants

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Rear view

The car evolved through many variations, culminating with the M400. Only 220 Noble GTO-3Rs and M400s were imported to the U.S.; they are the only Nobles to have been officially available in the American market.[1][2] The U.S. production rights to the M12s and M400s were sold in February 2007 to 1G Racing from Ohio. Due to the high demand for these cars, 1G Racing (now Rossion Automotive) released its improved variation based on the M400, Rossion Q1. Salica Cars planned to build variants based on the Noble M12 but they appear to have remained a project.

Like the Noble M10, the Noble M12 is a two-door, two-seat model, originally planned both as a coupé and as a convertible but the production cars were only produced in the coupé bodystyle. All cars have been powered by modified bi-turbocharged Ford Duratec V6 engines. The M12 has a full steel roll cage, steel frame, and G.R.P. (fiberglass) composite clam shell body parts. Although looking to be track derived, the M12 is a street-legal vehicle, ready for both road and track.

Engine specifications
Car Displacement Power Torque
Twin-turbocharged Ford Duratec V6 engine
Noble M12 GTO[3] 2,544 cc (2.5 L; 155.2 cu in) 310 hp (314 PS; 231 kW) at 6,000 rpm 320 lb⋅ft (434 N⋅m) at 3,500 rpm
Noble M12 GTO-3[4] 2,967 cc (3.0 L; 181.1 cu in) 352 hp (357 PS; 262 kW) at 6,200 rpm 350 lb⋅ft (475 N⋅m) at 3,500 - 5,000 rpm
Noble M12 GTO-3R[5]
Noble M400[6] 425 hp (431 PS; 317 kW) at 6,500 rpm 390 lb⋅ft (529 N⋅m) at 5,000 rpm
Rossion Q1[7] 450 bhp (456 PS; 336 kW) at 5,800 rpm 390 lb⋅ft (529 N⋅m) at 4,400 rpm

The Noble M12 GTO-3R is equipped with Garrett T25 twin-turbochargers. Weight is 2,381 lb (1,080 kg). Acceleration from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.7 seconds was published in the official brochure of the M12 GTO-3R,[5] Road & Track indicated a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) performance of 3.3 seconds, but subsequently listed it as 3.5 seconds. Top speed is listed as 185 mph (298 km/h) and lateral Gs are reported in excess of 1.2.

The Noble M400 is equipped with higher-flow, Garrett T28 twin-turbochargers. Weight is 2,337 lb (1,060 kg).[6]

The Rossion Q1 has a weight of 2,300 lb (1,043 kg) and can accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.4 seconds (company spec).[7]

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The M12 was reviewed briefly in the show Top Gear and can be driven in the Forza video game franchise.[8]

References

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  1. ^ Hardiman, Paul (19 January 2017). "2004 Noble M12 GTO 2.5". Sports Car Market. Archived from the original on 19 October 2023.
  2. ^ "Noble Automotive".
  3. ^ "1999 Noble M12 GTO". carfolio.com. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  4. ^ "2002 Noble M12 GTO-3". carfolio.com. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  5. ^ a b "2003 Noble M12 GTO-3R". carfolio.com. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  6. ^ a b "2004 Noble M400". carfolio.com. 28 February 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  7. ^ a b "Technical specifications". rossioncars.com. 20 December 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2018.
  8. ^ Top Gear - Noble M12, retrieved 15 February 2024
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