Noble M400
Overview
ManufacturerHi-Tech Automotive under license from Noble Automotive Ltd
Production2006–2007
75 produced
AssemblyPort Elizabeth, South Africa
DesignerLee Noble
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutRear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related
Powertrain
Engine3.0 L Twin-turbocharged Ford Duratec V6
Transmission6-speed Getrag manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,438 mm (96.0 in)
Length4,090 mm (161.0 in)
Width1,880 mm (74.0 in)
Height1,143 mm (45.0 in)
Curb weight1,060 kg (2,337 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorNoble M600

The Noble M400 is a 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 its excellent handling and power.[3][4][5]

Engine

Engine

The Noble M400 features a transverse rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The power plant is a 2,968 cc (3.0 L; 181.1 cu in) DOHC Ford Duratec V6 engine with 4 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 Garrett AiResearch T28 twin-turbochargers. The M400 lacks driver safety aids such as ABS, stability control, traction control, and air bags. Instead, driver safety comes only from a factory racing harness and built-in roll cage.

For durability, Noble also added forged pistons, an oil cooler, a larger baffled oil sump, and extra cooling ducts. Its engine has a maximum power of 425 hp (431 PS; 317 kW) at 6,500 rpm, with a torque figure of 390 lb⋅ft (529 N⋅m) at 5,000 rpm.[6] This power and a weight of 1,134 kg (2,500 lb) allow the M400 to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of just over 400 hp (406 PS; 298 kW)/ton (the figure for which it was named) a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time of 3.2 seconds and a 1⁄4 mile (402 m) time of 11.4 at 119.8 mph (192.8 km/h).[7][3] The M400 can achieve a top speed of 187 mph (301 km/h). The UK automotive TV show Vroom Vroom suggested that the M400 gave Ferrari Enzo performance at a Porsche 911 price.

About

Rear view

The most notable differences from the M12 (a car which the M400 is largely based on) are the use of forged pistons, T28 turbos, a front anti-roll bar, stiffer springs, different shocks, Pirelli P Zero tyres, a smoother gear shifter, and a slightly narrower central tunnel as the driver now sits a bit more central than previous models. Exterior differences remain subtle. The colour scheme tends to incorporate anthracite (Gris) wheels, rear wing supports and wing ends but some examples maintain silver wheels and supports. The front splitter is now removed (Although many owners opt to have this put on). The main change is the addition of side pods to channel air into the engine and to create a visual impact. Air conditioning was an £1,995 option and adds to the weight. The interior has an added oil gauge that resides next to the boost gauge. Additionally, the Sparco Alcantara seats and trimmings differ from the other Nobles' (Alcantara is one third the weight of leather). The Noble M400 was awarded the car of the year award in 2005 by one publication. With just 75 examples made, this version is sought after and rare.

Rossion Q1

Although, the M400 is no longer in production, the exclusive dealer for Noble in the US, 1G Racing in Ohio, USA (also known as Rossion), had obtained the production rights to the M400 from Noble Automotive, and has released an updated version named Rossion Q1. The Rossion Q1 uses an updated M400 platform, 1G's version of the M400 includes a redesigned aerodynamic shell, a new interior and an upgraded engine management system, upgrading the power output to 450 hp (336 kW).[8] 0-60 mph (97 km/h) has dropped from 3.3 seconds to 3.1.[9] Its top speed changed to 189 mph (304 km/h).

References

  1. ↑ "Ford Noble M400". Cartorque.co.za. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
  2. ↑ DB1395_Coega News Vol 15.indd Archived 23 September 2006 at the Wayback Machine
  3. 1 2 Frankel, Andrew. Noble M400: Catch me if you can..., The Sunday Times, 14 November 2004. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  4. ↑ Stewart, Ben. "Noble M400: Road Rocket" Archived 12 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine, Popular Mechanics, Hearst Communications, 2007. Retrieved 2008-06-14.
  5. ↑ Noble M400 review, MPH Online, 2006. Retrieved 2008-06-14.
  6. ↑ Quiroga, Tony (March 2007). "Tested: 2006 Noble M400". Car and Driver. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  7. ↑ Jacquot, Josh (8 May 2007). "Full Test: 2007 Noble M400". InsideLine.com. Edmunds Inc. Archived from the original on 13 January 2011. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  8. ↑ "Rossion Q1: New U.S. Supercar Comes From Noble Stock". Edmunds.com. Archived from the original on 6 June 2008. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
  9. ↑ "2009 Rossion Q1 – Car News". RoadandTrack.com. 16 November 2009. Archived from the original on 14 December 2009. Retrieved 8 July 2010.
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