British sportscar maker Noble has revealed first official pictures of the production-ready M600, the 225mph supercar that will replace the M12.
At an estimated price of around £200k, the new Noble marks a big leap into the unknown for the company which has been holding deposits from a number of customers for a more affordable updated model of the M12 - the M14 project begun by founding company boss Lee Noble.
The new Noble M600 replaces this project, as the company believes the market for cheaper British sportscars has disappeared. "Pitching the M600 at a £200k price point gives the car its own niche. It's uncharted territory, but we're confident the M600 is worthy," says company managing director Peter Boutwood.
The M600 gets its power from a mid-mounted twin Garrett turbocharged 4.4-litre Volvo V8, which has a selectable ECU with three settings allowing drivers to choose from 450, 550 or 650bhp at 6,800rpm.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels by a six-speed manual box and the spec includes a traction control system that is de-activated by the missile launch switch from a Tornado fighter plane. There's no ESP or anti-lock, because Noble says it intends the car to have the feel of a pure driving machine in the vein of a Ferrari F40 rather than a 'civilised supercar'.
The car is built around a steel tube chassis and stainless steel tub, all clothed in carbonfibre body panels. All-up weight is quoted at 1275kgs, with a 40/60 percent front/rear bias. Wheels are 19ins at the front, with 20ins at the rear running Michelin Sport Pilot rubber.
With around 520bhp per tonne, performance will be massive - Noble claims 0-62mph in 3secs, 0-100mph in 6.5secs and a 225mph maximum. Production is due to start this Autumn, and you'll be able to see the car in action for the first time at the Goodwood Revival on Sept 18-20. The first customer car is scheduled for November delivery.