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