Noble M400

The Noble M400 is a rare 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]

Noble M400
Overview
ManufacturerNoble Automotive Ltd
Production2004–2007
Body and chassis
ClassSports car (S)
Body style2-door coupé
LayoutRear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
RelatedRossion Q1, Noble M12
Powertrain
EngineRe-built Twin-turbo 3.0 L Ford Duratec V6 tuned by ROUSH Performance
TransmissionGetrag 6-speed manual with Quaife automatic torque-biasing differential
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

Engine
Rear view of M400
Front 3/4 view in blue at Riverside Museum

The Noble M400 features a transversely-mounted rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The power plant began life as a 2,968 cc (3.0 L; 181.1 cu in) DOHC with 4 valves per cylinder Ford Duratec V6 engine, 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 has no ABS, no stability control, no traction control, and no air bags. Driver safety comes 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 bhp (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 light weight allow the M400 to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of just over 400 bhp (406 PS; 298 kW)/ton, the figure for which it was named, a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) 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] Top speed is 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

The M400 is the track variant of the M12. Its power-to-weight ratio is over 400 bhp (300 kW) per ton, and is the figure from which its model name derives. It has 425 bhp (317 kW; 431 PS) and has been reported to do 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in as little as 2.97 seconds. Car and Driver (March 2007) achieved a 0–60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and a 0–100 mph time of 7.52 seconds. Although often listed as 0–60 mph in 3.5 seconds, the M400 generally comes in at 3.2 seconds according to various publications and generally listed amongst the fastest accelerating cars. Noble indicates only that the car is capable of achieving 0–60 mph in under 4 seconds. Its top speed is listed as 185 mph (300 km/h). A top speed of 202 mph (325 km/h) has been achieved by Noble's former press officer. Lateral Gs are reported in excess of 1.2. It has both a 3-point seatbelt and a 5-point harness.

The most notable differences from the M12 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 enhance air into the system and to create a visual impact. Air conditioning is now an £1,995 option and adds to the weight. The interior has an added oil gauge that resides next to the boost one. Additionally the Sparco Alcantara seats and finishings differ to the other Noble's (Alcantara is one third the weight of leather). The Noble M400 won the car of the year award in 2005 for one publication. The M400 is designed to be an outstanding track car that is also pleasant to drive on the road. With just 75 examples made (UK/Europe) this version is sought after and rare.

Rossion Q1
Main article: Rossion Q1

Noble no longer manufactures the M400. The exclusive dealer for Noble in the US, 1G Racing in Ohio, USA (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, upgrading it to 450 bhp (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. 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. Carfolio.com technical specifications, added 2004-05-20, last modified 2008-04-03. Retrieved 2008-06-14.
  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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