Overview
Noble. Always putting the driver first
At its launch, the British-designed Noble M12 GTO threatened to vanquish its supercar rivals with a heady mix of blistering performance, secure handling and precision built-quality. It was, the world's motoring press agreed, a landmark car that could be bought for a fraction of the cost of other supercars, yet retained an exclusiveness its competition found hard to match.
But no one should have been too surprised. The M12 was designed and engineered by Lee Noble, a legend among specialist sports car manufacturers. Before the M12 took to the streets, Noble had achieved notable success designing cars like the Ultima, Ascari and Prosport 3000. "So after twenty years in business," said Lee "I finally felt confident enough to lend a car my own name."
And that car has just evolved. Now with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing more power and torque than before, the M12 GTO-3 is not only faster than its predecessor, but also easier to drive. The 3R model adds even more refinement, re-styled exterior features and a brand new, six speed gearbox as standard.
"I always wanted to design a car that was civilised and spacious, rode well, and that anyone could drive without feeling intimidated," said Lee. "The M12 GTO-3 and 3R models represent the pinnacle of that ideal."
Crushing performance on the road...
Both cars in the M12 range seem to manage the impossible: they are as adept at stringing together the most taxing of open road bends with a flourish as they are crawling along the broken and gnarled streets you'll find in most major cities. The Noble's seering is sensitive enough to inspire driver confidence at speed, but is able to filter out much of the kickback on poorer surfaces while doing so. The M12 also has an exceptionally rigid structure, meaning that creaks, rattles and flex from the body are kept to a minimum. On the motorway, few cars are as stable and surefooted in the wet or dry.
And the Noble's 2.0-litre V6 twin-turbocharged engine is as placid and user-friendly as a super-mini's - that is until you put your foot down to release the huge reserves of low to mid-range power which make overtaking and driving on twisty, country roads an effortless affair.
Effortless and comfortable, too. With adjustable seats and a reach-adjustable steering column, the cabin is spacious enough for all shapes and sizes, with excellent ventilation and ergonomics. Who says supercar ownership should be a compromise?
... and on the track
When the lure of all that power becomes too much, a race circuit is the only place to safely test a car to its limits. With a steel spaceframe, double wishbone suspension front and rear, a full rollcage and large, ventilated and cross-drilled brake discs all round, there's no mistaking the Noble M12's racing pedigree.
A fine chassis is nothing without power though. The 3.0-litre engine's 352bhp at 6200rpm will take your breath away, accelerating from standstill to 60mph in just 3.7 seconds, if fitted with the six-speed gearbox. And a hefty 350lb ft of maximum torque from 3500rpm means that you don't need to use all the available revs to get the best performance.
Much of the design expertise which has gone into the M12's chassis stems from Lee Noble's own experience as a successful racing driver, High-speed body control is exemplary, the M12 resisting excessive 'roll' under cornering and de-stabilising movements under acceleration and breaking. The crisp and communicative steering is combined with huge grip from the front and rear tyres which help to keep the car pointing in the righ direction, even with standing water on the track.
In an age of mass-produced anonymity, the Noble M12's detailing and hand-made craftsmanship are something to behold.
Every Noble that leaves the factory has been hand-built by our small team of dedicated enginees and craftsmen. They start by aligning each car's body and spaceframe chassisto ensure a perfect match. The body is then removed and sent for painting. When it returns, the car is assembled once again and its cabin trimmed in either top quality leather or Alcantara, followed by fitment of the M12's windows, doors, suspension and brakes.
At every stage, the car is thoroughly checked to ensure the tightest panel gaps and precision fit and finish of all components.
All 3.0-litre V6 engines are built to our own exacting standards, using many bespoke parts to liberate the standard 352bhp. The units come with a five or six-speed gearbox (depending upon specification) and are then installed into the M12's engine bay. The addition of two Garrett turbochargers completes the powertrain assembly and the car is then ready for final inspection and testing.
After each body has been water tested for leaks, it is driven over our 39.2 mile test route by one man - Noble's Chief Test Engineer - before being finally signed off and valeted, ready for delivery to the customer.
