2006 Noble M15
Welcome to a new dawn for Noble Automotive, the launch of the all new M15.
This machine represents a whole new philosophy and takes the core values of dynamic excellence, lightweight engineering, value-for-money and blistering performance to a whole new level of comfort, refinement and everyday usability. There's even room for luggage!
At a cost of Ј74,950 the M15 sits well above the other cars in the Noble range. With 455 bhp and 455lb ft of torque, it's also the most powerful production car to leave the Leicestershire factory, capable of hitting 60 mph from standstill in less than 3.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 185 mph. It is, therefore, a credible and more exclusive alternative to other supercars costing well in excess of Ј100,000.
Despite its destructive power, the M15 remains one of the least intimidating supercars on the markets thanks to prodigious levels of grip and a forgiving chassis. After all, it's still a Noble, but it's the most spectacular machine to emerge from Barwell and may prove the definitive British supercar.
Welcome to M15, the ultimate expression of British intelligence.
Exterior Design
The M15 boasts immense road presence, yet is only 181 mm longer and 31mm wider than the M12 at 4270mm and 1905mm respectively. It remains a lithe machine at slightly more than 1200kg, lightweight engineering is a part of Noble's DNA .
Yet despite the M15's compact dimensions, the M15 is a spacious, luxurious car with room for luggage, astonishing crash protection and a chassis which is significantly stiffer than any Noble before it. This is a luxurious sportscar with dragon-slaying performance as standard.
It's stylish too, from any angle there's a feature to hold your gaze. The aggressive curve of the wings at the front, coupled with the Boomerang-style headlight fairings will announce it's arrival in dramatic style.
That low-slung stance, muscular haunches, and huge air intakes define the seductive side profile and the fastback rear proves you don't need ugly drag-inducing to achieve downforce
Noble never puts form before aerodynamic function and a more efficient shape helps the M15 to its estimated top speed of 185 mph. More importantly, this and the huge diffuser which has proven itself in battle on the company race car, help plant the rear to the ground at speed.
This is the most refined, the most complete Noble to date, and with production strictly limited, the stunning shape will retain its impact for a long time to come.
Drivetrain and Performance
The mid-mounted twin-turbocharged V6 used in the M15 is the most powerful engine ever fitted to a road going Noble and and has been developed over 7 years and millions of testing miles.
A sublime combination of low-end driveability and top end power, the latest version of Noble's engine delivers 455lb ft of torque at 4850 rpm and 455bhp at 6800rpm. 96 per cent of this power is available from 5200rpm, making the M15 an effortlessly quick car.
On road performance is everything you would expect from a company that already produces one of the fastest accelerating production cars in the world. The leap from 0-60 mph arrives in an incredible 3.3 seconds , from standstill to 100 mph takes less than 8 and this car will keep going all the way to 185mph.
The M15 scores big over other models with its effortless acceleration beyond 130mph, improved significantly due to a cleaner body shape and more efficient intercooler and turbocharger performance.
The drivetrain is installed longitudinally for the first time in a Noble, increasing cooling and turbo performance dramatically Weight distribution has also improved over the existing model to 42:58 per cent, front:rear, due to the engine and gearbox assembly being moved forward by 300mm.
Since the M15 is the most versatile Noble ever produced, it had been designed to take higher mileages with less maintenance than the M12. Here, the in-line drivetrain configuration comes into its own again, with excellent accessibility around the engine and ancillaries, reducing servicing and maintenance downtime.
© Source: original article on seriouswheels.com