NEW OPEN-TOP NOBLE TO LURE PORSCHE AND LOTUS BUYERS
Tuesday, May 25th, 2004
Since Noble showed its stunning GTC convertible concept at the 2002 British Motor Show, interest in the car has been overwhelming, with 35 buyers placing orders to date.
Based on the highly praised M12 coupe, the M12 GTC will be the first, fully-fledged convertible supercar on the British market for under £50,000. Noble is confident that the GTC will not only provide a viable alternative to far more expensive roadsters, such as the Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet and Morgan Aero 8, but will also offer owners of cars like the Lotus Elise a stepping stone into more potent machinery. Crucially, the GTC will broaden Noble’s appeal to include buyers who previously would not have considered an M12 without an open-top.
From the start of its development, Noble has been keen for the GTC to offer maximum value for money, potentially making this model the volume seller of its range. Thanks to clever re-engineering, and a mere 17 per cent drop in power from the mighty GTO-3R model, the GTC enters the Noble line-up, priced at just £44,950. It falls into place below the £49,950 GTO-3R, the £55,995 M400 and the all-new £74,950 M14.
PRACTICALITY & USABILITY
Key to the success of the GTC will be the practicality of its roof design, comprising two removable GRP composite panels and a rear section, which can be detached, or left in place after the roof panels have been removed. Converting the GTC to an open-top car takes a matter of seconds, by simply undoing a central latch, lifting each panel from the car and then stowing them behind the seats. The rear section is just as easy to remove, with four latches securing it to the body of the car (this section cannot be stored in the car, once removed). Exceptional fit and finish of the entire assembly ensures that the GTC’s cabin is as free from wind noise as the M12 coupe, and showerproof.
Adding to the GTC’s everyday usability is a re-designed rear section, which incorporates a luggage compartment behind the engine bay – a first in the M12 range. An engine cover, which is released from inside the cabin, covers both the engine and the boot and rises on hydraulic struts. The easily accessible boot is fully trimmed and has a total volume of 90 litres.
DRIVETRAIN & PERFORMANCE
With a power to weight ratio of 269bhp per tonne (Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, 221bhp per tonne) a maximum speed of 160mph and an estimated 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds, the M12 GTC’s performance still lies firmly in supercar territory. To make space for the luggage compartment, the M12’s intercooler has been moved into the side of the car and a single turbocharger, rather than the twin units used in other M12s, is employed. Maximum power is 290bhp at 6000rpm, but as with all Nobles, the torque-rich delivery summons up a maximum 275lb ft at 4750rpm, with 98 per cent of this figure available from just 3000rpm. A bespoke engine map ensures that the GTC’s power delivery is responsive, linear and accessible.
Noble’s slick and durable six-speed manual gearbox is standard on all GTC models. Ratios are evenly spaced, and in top gear the engine turns at just 26.5mph per 1000rpm, giving the GTC a relaxed cruising gait for motorway driving. All GTCs will benefit from the latest gearchange mechanism, recently previewed in the scorching M400 model.
CHASSIS
Due to the M12 coupe’s immensely rigid steel spaceframe structure, the GTC will require no extra strengthening – and therefore, weight – to remain sufficiently rigid on the road. This will help Noble retain the M12’s unbeatable ride and handling combination that has wowed the press and public since its launch.
Double wishbone suspension all round is carried over from other M12s, as are 330mm diameter ventilated brake discs back and front, and power assisted rack and pinion steering.
INTERIOR & SAFETY
As with other Nobles, the GTC’s cabin is easy to access, thanks to minimal sill intrusion. Once in, there’s generous space for occupants of all sizes, thanks to a reach adjustable steering column and fore and aft adjustment of the seats. Driver and passenger protection is provided by substantial roll-over hoops behind each seat, as well as the inherent strength of the GTC’s steel spaceframe. All GTC cabins are fully trimmed in high-quality leather as standard, and come equipped with a CD-tuner.
SPECIFICATIONS
Body GRP composite with removable roof sections
Chassis Steel spaceframe with bonded and riveted alloy panels Twin, chassis mounted roll-over hoops
Suspension Double wishbones front and rear with coil springs and alloy uprights. Bilstein shock absorbers all round
Brakes
Make Noble/AP Racing
Size 330mm x 30mm discs front
330mm x 26mm discs rear
Type Ventilated and cross drilled front and rear
Steering Rack and pinion, hydraulic power assistance; 1.7 turns lock to lock
Turning circle 6.4m
Wheels
Design Noble designed one piece with polished rims
Size 8.5J x 18in (front), 10J x 18in (rear)
Made of Aluminium alloy
Tyres
Make Avon ZZ3
Size 225/40 x 18 (front), 265/35 x 18 (rear)
Engine
Construction All-alloy block and heads
Layout 6 cyls in a vee, 2968cc, single turbocharger
Max power 290bhp at 6000rpm
Max torque 275lb ft between at 4750rpm
Power to weight 269bhp per tonne
Torque to weight 255lb ft per tonne
Specific output 98bhp per litre
Installation Transverse, mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Bore/stroke 89.0/79.5mm
Valve gear 4 per cyl, dohc per bank
Ignition and fuel Electronic
Turbochargers Water-cooled with air to air intercooler; max boost at 0.6 bar
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Air conditioning 1697.87 297.13 1995.00
Track day oil sump 470.64 82.36 553.00
Metallic paint 361.70 63.30 425.00
COLOUR AND TRIM OPTIONS
Please refer to the official Noble sales brochure for our full range of trims and exterior paint finishes
All prices shown are in pounds sterling.
Noble Automotive Ltd reserve the right to change prices and specifications at any time.
WARRANTY & SERVICING
All Nobles come with a one year, 12,000 mile warranty from the factory. There is a first service at 1000 miles, with no charge for labour, followed by subsequent services at 6000 miles, or one year intervals.
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