Page 1 of 1 Having conquered the specialist sports car market, Noble Automotive launched an all-new model, which firmly established it at the quality end of the supercar market. The British Noble M14 is set to take on rivals, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari 360 Modena, with a tantalising mix of class-leading dynamics, prodigious performance, a finely crafted and well equipped cabin, and levels of practicality that will appeal to owners who wish to use their car every day.
The 2004 British Motor Show will see the Noble M14 unveiled for the first time. Far from being a mere concept, the show car's styling, interior, drivetrain and chassis represent what will reach production when the car goes on sale in October this year. From the M14's conception, designer Lee Noble has focused on creating a form that eschews current design trends, and majors on a far more emotive shape, led by broad, sweeping curves along the car's flanks, an aggressive front treatment and a graceful - yet imposing - rear end.
While the M14 retains the current M12's wheelbase, its length has grown by 178mm to 4267mm and its width by 50mm to 1935mm. As a result, more space has been liberated in the cabin, compared with the M12, and there are now two luggage compartments, one behind the engine, and one at the front of the car. This increase in size has also helped Noble incorporate significant crash protection in the doors, and deformable sections at the front and rear of the M14, with a view to it achieving full European Type Approval in the future.
Noble has chosen again to adopt a highly-modified version of Ford's 3.0-litre V6, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, for use in the M14. The unit, which in base form also powers certain Jaguar cars, has proved particularly durable in five years of Noble M12 development and production. Like the GTO-3R and M400 models, the engine employs twin Turbochargers, but uses an engine map developed specifically for the M14. In common with the 425bhp M400 model, the M14 will gain forged pistons to ensure durability. Maximum power will be 400bhp at 6100rpm, with a wholesome 385lb ft of torque at 4750rpm. Estimated performance will be 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, 0-100mph in 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 190mph.
Crude benchmark figures tell only half the story. The Noble M14's power delivery has been fine-tuned to exploit much of the engine's potential with minimal effort. In-gear acceleration should be class-leading, with over 90 per cent of the engine's torque available at just 2750rpm. And in typical Noble style, the engine will be placid and tractable from as low as 1000rpm, highlighting the M14's versatility in every day driving conditions. A cultured exhaust note has been engineered to excite the senses under acceleration, but remain civilised at cruising speeds.
Trimmed in the finest Italian leather (Noble uses the same supplier as Ferrari for the M14) there is no mistaking the M14 cabin's aura of quality and luxury. The padded leather extends throughout the cabin, and is complimented by grey Alcantara roof lining and a gear tunnel and centre console formed in a gunmetal-coloured composite material. The floor and some lower sections of the cabin are trimmed in deep, 80 per cent wool carpet. There are even leather sill pads, incorporating the 'Noble' logo, for drivers to lean against while exiting the car. Page 1 of 1
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Having conquered the specialist sports car market, Noble Automotive launched an all-new model, which firmly established it at the quality end of the supercar market. The British Noble M14 is set to take on rivals, such as the Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari 360 Modena, with a tantalising mix of class-leading dynamics, prodigious performance, a finely crafted and well equipped cabin, and levels of practicality that will appeal to owners who wish to use their car every day.