Noble M400
With a power to weight ratio of 400bhp per tonne, the Noble M400 is by far the most powerful car in the M12 range, hitting 60mph from standstill in 3.5 seconds and 100 mph in just 8.0 seconds. At the heart of the M400 is the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine found in the standard M12, but thanks to high-lift camshafts, larger turbochargers and revised fuel injection, power has been increased by 21 percent to 425bhp, while torque is up by 11 percent to 390lb ft.
A unique engine map developed with leading engineers, Roush Technologies, makes full use of the mid – to top-end of the rev-range, allowing the Noble's engine to pull strongly up to its 7200rmp limiter. And since the M400 is as capable on the track as it is on the road, Noble has used forged pistons, an oil cooler, a larger baffled oil slump and extra cooling ducts to main its durability. An all-new gearshift, which moves through a quicker and more precise gait, makes committed driving on circuit or road a pleasure.
Power requires control, though, and the Noble had incorporated even greater levels of precision into the existing M12's chassis. Highly sophisticated Dynamics race dampers and uprated springs have been developed for the M400 after extensive trials on a 4-post test rig, followed by evaluation on Germany's demanding Nurburging race circuit. The units retain Noble's supple ride on the road, while offering improved composure and adjustability on the track. Complementing this set-up, the M400 wears grippier Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres and – for the first time on a Noble – a front anti-roll bar, bringing tighter control at high speeds.
Poise and agility have always been Noble trademarks, but the M400 raises the bar even higher. The standard Noble M12's kerbweight has been reduced 20kgs to 1060kgs by removing the air conditioning, which is standard in a majority of M12s sold. And to give drivers greater control in extreme track conditions, we've added another 0.8 turns of steering lock. As with all current Nobles, brakes are by ventilated 330mm diameter disc all round.
From the outside, there's no mistaking the M400 for a standard Noble. Anthracite-coloured wheels, rear wing supports and tips, door mirror-backs and side scoops are all standard, while 'M400' badging is applied to the wheel centres and rear body panel. M400 models come in Monza Red (solid), Portifino Blue, Diamond Black, Larch Silver, Azure Blue and Titanium colours.
In keeping with the M400's 'race-car meets road-car' theme, all models will be lined throughout in black Alcantara and fitted with all new Sparco race seats and a four-point race harness. The seats are trimmed in black jacquard fabric and have an anti-slip cushion, as well as a removable backrest and under-thigh pads. Both seats have fore and aft adjustment and can be tilted forwards and backwards for maximum comfort. Since the M400 will be the choice of circuit drivers, Noble has moved both seats 15mm in towards the centre-line of the car for better weight distribution and to allow more headroom for drivers wearing helmets.
Noble M400 Standard Specifications
| Engine | |
| Layout | 6 cycles in V-twin turbocharged |
| Body | GRP composite with removable front and rear sections. |
| Chassis | Steel spaceframe with bonded and riveted alloy panels. Full safety rollcage. |
| Suspension | Double wishbones front and rear with coil springs and alloy uprights. Dynamics Suspensions dampers all round. Front anti-roll bar |
| Brakes | |
| - Make | Noble/AP Racing |
| - Size | 330mm x 30mm discs front 330mm x 26mm discs rear. |
| - Type | Ventilated and cross drilled front and rear. |
| Steering | Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assistance; 2.5 turns lock to lock. |
| Wheels | |
| - Design | Noble designed one piece 10-spoke |
| - Size | 8.5J x 18in (front), 10J x 18in (rear) |
| - Made of | Aluminium alloy |
| Tyres | |
| - Make | Pirelli P-Zero Corsa |
| - Size | 225/40 x 18 (front), 265/35 x 18 (rear) |
| Engine | |
| - Construction | All-alloy block and heads |
| - Layout | 6 cycls in vee, 2968cc. twin turbochargers |
| - Max Power | 425bhp at 6500 rpm |
| - Max torque | 390lb ft at 5000rpm |
| - Power to weight | 401bhp per tonne |
| - Tourque to weight | 368lb ft per tonne |
| - Specific output | 143 bhp per litre |
| - Installation | Transverse, mid-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| - Bore/stroke | 89.0/79.5mm |
| - Valve gear | 4 per cyl, dohc per bank |
| - Ignition and fuel | Electronic |
| - Turbochargers | Water-cooled with air to air intercooler; max boost at 0.85 bar |
| Gearbox | |
| - Type | Getrag 6-speed manual with Quaife automatic torque-biasing differential |
| - Ratios/mph per 1000rpm | 1st 3.15/6.2mph 2nd 1.95/10.0mph 3rd 1.52/12.8mph 4th 1.19/16.35mph 5th 1.31/20.8mph 6th 1.03/26.5mph |
| - Final Drive | 3.87 (ratios 1,2,3 & 4) 2.76 (ratios 5 & 6) |
| Maximum Speeds | 1st 44.6mph 2nd 72.0mph 3rd 92.2mph 4th 117.7mph 5th 149.8mph 6th 185.0mph |
| Dimensions | |
| - Length | 4089mm |
| - Width (inc.mirrors) | 1885mm |
| - Height | 1143mm |
| - Wheelbase | 2438mm |
| - Max/min legroom | 1120/980mm |
| - Headroom | 990mm |
| - Interior width | 11360mm |
| - Kerbweight | 1060kgs |
| Performance | |
| - 0-60mph | 3.5 seconds (est) |
| - 0-100mph | 8.0 seconds (est) |
| - Max speed | 185mph (est) |
| Insurance Group | 20 |
| Warranty | 1 year or 12,000 miles |
| Servicing | First at 1,000 miles (free labour), then every 6,000 miles or 12 months |
