Noble Automotive M12-2
Discussion
I notice that Lee's race car in britcar this year has been entered as an M12-2, anything the factory want to tell us? 
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=170688&f=147&h=0
www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=170688&f=147&h=0
Longditudal engine install gives several advantages over transverse.
The mass of the engine can be posistioned in front of the rear wheels which makes for better balance and packaging, the exhaust from each bank can follow a much straighter/shorter path making it lighter, intercoolers for both turbos can be mounted in the sidepods easily due to the increase in space each side of the engine, this would equal a shorter induction system length. The option of several different transaxles are available (including the Porsche 6 sp... if you turn it upside down) etc. etc. etc.
Basicaly there are lots of reasons to do it but it would require massive re-engineering of the engine/transmission package and ancillaries. As it stands the M12 is a very handy bit of kit so the benefit to the owner would be somewhat limited i.e. only usable/noticeable on a race track in a race enviroment and doing it, I would imagine, would add quite an amount to the price of the car.
Best Regards
Matt
The mass of the engine can be posistioned in front of the rear wheels which makes for better balance and packaging, the exhaust from each bank can follow a much straighter/shorter path making it lighter, intercoolers for both turbos can be mounted in the sidepods easily due to the increase in space each side of the engine, this would equal a shorter induction system length. The option of several different transaxles are available (including the Porsche 6 sp... if you turn it upside down) etc. etc. etc.
Basicaly there are lots of reasons to do it but it would require massive re-engineering of the engine/transmission package and ancillaries. As it stands the M12 is a very handy bit of kit so the benefit to the owner would be somewhat limited i.e. only usable/noticeable on a race track in a race enviroment and doing it, I would imagine, would add quite an amount to the price of the car.
Best Regards
Matt
"...only usable/noticeable on a race track in a race enviroment..."
Not quite true, Matt. If you check back on the reason for this car's existance (as an M14 test-bed) then you'd realise that this configuration has many more advantages for us in a road car context. I can't be too specific at this stage, but improved serviceability and packagaing are two key features the M14 will be born with, as well as the points you've already mentioned.
However - as you suggest - it's far from being a straightforward conversion.
Simon Hucknall
Press Officer
Noble Automotive Ltd.
Not quite true, Matt. If you check back on the reason for this car's existance (as an M14 test-bed) then you'd realise that this configuration has many more advantages for us in a road car context. I can't be too specific at this stage, but improved serviceability and packagaing are two key features the M14 will be born with, as well as the points you've already mentioned.
However - as you suggest - it's far from being a straightforward conversion.
Simon Hucknall
Press Officer
Noble Automotive Ltd.
joust said:
Can't sleep Simon - or have you been ragging that Aston all night 
J
Has Simon been up all night working on the Mark 2 beast.
Where is the order pad.
Put my name down if there will be a targa top version!!
Please make one Lee, Please!!
Lordy, I can see myself never owning any other sports car but Nobles!!
Ferrari who??
GN
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