The Noble M400 lives again!
American firm resurrect Noble’s finest as 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’.
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.”
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.
http://www.nobleforums.com/showthread.php?t=2526
Some interesting evolutionary features.
Joel
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.
However, they may have changed most of the bodywork panels:
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.
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!
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....
Gassing Station | Noble | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff