The Noble M400 Sports Car

                                                      Noble M400                       Image

                                          from Classic to Modern

THE CAR

     The Noble M400 sports car, introduced in 2004 and priced at $94,000, was designed as the track version of the M12 that was originally launched in 2000.

     Its name was derived from the simple fact that the figure of 400 referred to the cal's power-to-weight ratio.

     Specific changes from the M12 included an anti-roll bar at the front, stronger springs, improved shock absorbers, a racing harness, and adjustments to the seating position so that the driver was now aligned more centrally to allow additional headroom for wearing a crash helmet when racing.

     The front splitter was removed, and side vents were added behind the doors in order to improve air flow.

     It had a kerb weight of 1060 kg, although air conditioning was offered as an optioanal extra even though it would increase overall weight.

     It had a composite fibreglass body and steel space frame chassis, and was fitted with 330 mm drilled and ventilated discs all round.

     The interior was trimmed in Alcantara, and there was an adjustable steering wheel plus Sparco racing seats which could be moved and tilted both forwards and backwards.

     In total, 75 units of the M400 were built, with production ending in 2007.

THE ENGINE

     The M400 was powered by a modified 3 litre, 24-valve, Ford Duratec V6 mid-engine, positioned transversely, that was fitted with two Garrett turbochargers in which the original T25's were replaced by two larger T28's, with a maximum boost of 0.8 bar.

     As a result, it developed 425 bhp at 6500 rpm (redline at 7200), and 390 ft/lbs of torque at 5000 rpm, with most being available around 3000 rpm.

     Fitted with a Getrag six speed manual gearbox, and a compression ratio of 8.0:1, it produced a top speed of 187 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 secs.

     This improved performance was helped by the use of:

  • High lift camshafts
  • Forged pistons for additional strength
  • Modified fuel injection, including larger injectors
  • A smoother gear change mechanism
  • Additional cooling ducts
  • An oil cooler
  • Pirelli P-Zero tyres with improved grip, which replaced the M12's Bridgestones
  • A larger sump                 

Technical Data                          M400             M14       M12 GTO-3R
Production                            2004-2007        2004            2005
Engine, cc                                  2968             2968            2968
Cylinders, bhp                          6, 425           6, 400          6, 360
Torque ft/lbs                              390               385              358
Top Speed mph                          187                190              170
0-60 mph, secs                          3.2                 4.3               3.5
0-100 mph, secs                        8.0                 9.5               8.1
Standing 1/4 Mile, secs             11.4                  -               11.8

                                                      Noble M400                      Image

Rossion Q1

     The US company Rossion, a.k.a 1g Racing, purchased the rights to the M400 in 2007 with the intention of producing a more luxurious version, designated the Rossion Q1 sports car.

     Using an unchanged power plant, the Q1 developed 450 bhp at 5800 rpm, and 390 ft/lbs of torque at 4400 rpm, and produced a top speed of 189 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 secs.

     The body was redesigned with improved aerodynamics, plus the following additional features: upgraded engine control system, a rear diffuser and flat under tray, and electric windows.                                                                 

Technical Data                              M400               Rossion Q1
Production                                2004-2007               2007+
Engine, cc                                     2968                     2968
Cylinders, bhp                             6, 425                   6, 450
Torque ft/lbs                                 390                       390
Top Speed mph                             187                       189
0-60 mph, secs                             3.2                         3.1
0-100 mph, secs                           8. 0                        8.0
Standing 1/4 Mile, secs                11.4                       11.4

                                                       Rossion Q1                       Image

COMPETITION

     Typical competition for the Noble M400 included the following sports cars: Pagani Zonda C12S, Ferrari Enzo, and Porsche 996 GT2. Noble performance:

                                                            Pagani            Porsche          Ferrari
Technical Data                M400       Zonda C12S        996 GT2          Enzo
Production                  2004-2007    2000-2006      2001-2007    2003-2006
Engine, cc                         2967            7016                3606              5991
Cylinders, bhp                 6, 425         12, 555             6, 475           12, 650
Torque ft/lbs                     390              553                  455                485
Top Speed mph                 187              197                  197                219
0-60 mph, secs                 3.2               3.7                   3.9                 3.4
0-100 mph, secs               8.0               7.4                   8.4                 6.7
Standing 1/4 Mile, secs    11.4             11.7                 12.7               11.2

SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

     On the second hand market, a typical Noble M400 in good condition would command in the region of £45,000/$70,000.


                                                  see All My Reviews


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› Noble M400 Sports Car


                                                  Noble M400


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