Thursday 12th July 2007

The Noble M400 lives again!

American firm resurrect Noble’s finest as the Rossion Q1

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The Rossion Q1

This is the Rossion Q1, the result of a deal back in February of this year between 1G racing – who had been the Noble importers in the USA – and Lee Noble that saw the American firm acquire both the intellectual and design rights to the M400 and M12 cars.

The Noble chassis is unchanged for the Q1, but the bodywork is new, with a nose that bears a strong resemblance to the delayed Noble M15; 30% larger side intakes and a new rear diffuser that Rossion claim is ‘more efficient’.

A sketch of the new interior

The twin turbo Ford V6 is retained, but a new ecu and freer-flowing exhaust allow the firm to claim 450hp and over 400lb ft of torque. 0-60mph is quoted as being dispatched in a blistering 3.3 seconds.

“We are extremely proud to launch the Rossion brand with the introduction of the new Q1,” says Rossion Automotive Vice President Dean Rosen. “The Q1 is about achieving the very highest possible levels of performance and blending them with luxurious touches traditionally absent from cars of this calibre.” The Rossion Q1 is for the enthusiast looking for a refined road car that pushes the limits of performance in every way.”

Rear wing is optional

The car will cost $69,000 (£34K) in base form minus drivetrain and $90,700 (£44.6K) as an owner completed car. Apparently, under the terms of the deal the firm is forbidden from selling the Q1 in the UK but can market it in Europe.

Orders for the Q1 are being taken now with deliveries expected to begin early next year. In the meantime, check out Rossion’s excellent website below for further details.

www.rossioncars.com

 

[JLSELAN]

Just announced by 1G / with discussion here:
http://www.nobleforums.com/showthread.php?t=2526

Some interesting evolutionary features.


Joel

[obes]

£44,600 at todays rate
kinda like it.

[jeremyc]

[CRB1]

Very Nice. Are they exporting ???

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

Now, if it's the same chassis under the skin, and we can find out who's making the clams....

[jeremyc]

ThatPhilBrettGuy said:

Now, if it's the same chassis under the skin, and we can find out who's making the clams....

Rossion Website said:

The Rossion Q1 is produced in the same state of the art manufacturing facility in South Africa where the Q1’s predecessor, the Noble M12 and M400 were built.

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

jeremyc said:

ThatPhilBrettGuy said:

Now, if it's the same chassis under the skin, and we can find out who's making the clams....

Rossion Website said:

The Rossion Q1 is produced in the same state of the art manufacturing facility in South Africa where the Q1’s predecessor, the Noble M12 and M400 were built.

Yup, I can see where you're coming from Jeremy but they could have got the SA guys to move a few bits around just enough to make things painful.

[R4MON]

Looks great, but what a name?!

[joolski]

CRB1 said:

Very Nice. Are they exporting ???

Yes, they are.........

It's a really nice looking car isn't it ?

--Jools

[jeremyc]

ThatPhilBrettGuy said:

jeremyc said:

ThatPhilBrettGuy said:

Now, if it's the same chassis under the skin, and we can find out who's making the clams....

Rossion Website said:

The Rossion Q1 is produced in the same state of the art manufacturing facility in South Africa where the Q1’s predecessor, the Noble M12 and M400 were built.

Yup, I can see where you're coming from Jeremy but they could have got the SA guys to move a few bits around just enough to make things painful.

Rossion Website Also said:

Beneath the voluptuous new coachwork remains the pure, unalloyed heart and soul of Lee Noble’s incredible chassis.

The Rossion Q1 retains the same rigid tubular space frame, integrated roll cage and suspension components that give the Rossion its legendary feel, road-holding grip and performance.

The premium dampers and springs remain, as do the massive AP racing brakes.

Sounds like they haven't changed the chassis.

However, they may have changed most of the bodywork panels:

Rossion said:

At the front, the reshaped nose directs high energy air down the sides of the body into the newly contoured side intakes. These new ducts are 30% larger than previous air scoops, ensuring adequate airflow for critical engine components. Turbulence around the side windows is also reduced for a more comfortable cockpit with the new, fully retractable side glass.

New charge air cooler intakes have been integrated into the body shape, with cool ram air gathered through new side window (B pillar) ducts. Again, aerodynamics is improved, while benefits are reaped in the form of increased power and efficiency.

In the rear, a more efficient diffuser enhances down force on the chassis, improving high speed grip and stability.

Further enhancements include new, longer power side windows that fully retract into the doors while the side view mirrors feature remote electric adjustment.

[jeremyc]

And they'll do it in orange: could give Martin a run for his money.

[AMG Merc]

And in Blue...


This is a superb effort - an M12 Mark II at last! But that looks like an M14/M15 nose, I wonder how they got away with that - does this mean that the new Noble MXX going to have a completely different nose now for differentiation purposes?!

Note they have opted for the same wheels and see the enlarged side pods for, I guess, improved air-flow!

It is interesting (embarrasing) to note that they have turned this around in 8 months and not a mention of a minted investor or a lovely new marble reception floor either!

[ThatPhilBrettGuy]

jeremyc said:

And they'll do it in orange: could give Martin a run for his money.

. Nice. See they still use the 'made-of-cheese' wheels though .

Yup, every body panel changed. Hhmmm, only worth doing if you've got a seriously mashed M12 sitting around then, unless you sell the original parts on....

[AMG Merc]

Edited to say, ah, that's its rear-end!

Hmmm, one neat third brake light please!

Aye, aye, what's this puppy then...

Edited by AMG Merc on Wednesday 11th July 18:07

[Ash M400]

Where's me cheque book and what is their number?

[AMG Merc]

Ash M400 said:

Where's me cheque book and what is their number?

[joolski]

Oh, but I forgot to mention.....

They are under contract to NOT sell this car in the UK.

But they are allowed to sell into Europe..... last time I check southern ireland was in the EU...... :-)

--Jools

[mgbond]

Have I read it wrong or does it have a charge cooler?

Bondy

[Adrian W]

Usually when you buy the design rights to a product you own the ipr, i wonder who is in charg of the M12 parts supply.

It does look very nice.

[AMG Merc]

Top view - more venting than "ours"...


Door mirrors - not sure I like where they've been anchored - too much stress on the door panel. Look nice though.


More - nice!...

Edited by AMG Merc on Wednesday 11th July 18:51