Discussion
...I've got a sales pack !
(having a colleague with a press day pass helps a bit)
some key details:
0-60 - 4.5s
max 160mph
6 speed
10 spoke alloys 8.5j x18in front 10jx18in rear
leather wheel
leather interior
CD/tuner
alarm/immobiliser
map pockets (!)
(only) inertia reel safety belts
options:
air con - 1995 inc
track day sump - £533 inc
metallic paint - 425 inc
1 yr 12,000 mile warranty
(having a colleague with a press day pass helps a bit)
some key details:
0-60 - 4.5s
max 160mph
6 speed
10 spoke alloys 8.5j x18in front 10jx18in rear
leather wheel
leather interior
CD/tuner
alarm/immobiliser
map pockets (!)
(only) inertia reel safety belts
options:
air con - 1995 inc
track day sump - £533 inc
metallic paint - 425 inc
1 yr 12,000 mile warranty
ok...the full press pack word document (apologies for length..but its got all you need to know...
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
Gearbox
Type 6-speed manual
Ratios/mph per
1000rpm 1st 3.15/6.2mph
2nd 1.95/10.0mph
3rd 1.52/12.8mph
4th 1.19/16.35mph
5th 1.31/20.8mph
6th 1.03/26.5mph
Final drive 3.87 (ratios 1,2,3 & 4)
2.76 (ratios 5 & 6)
Maximum speeds 1st 44.6mph
2nd 72.0mph
3rd 92.2mph
4th 117.7mph
5th 149.8mph
6th 160.0mph
Performance 0-60mph: 4.5 seconds (est)
Max speed: 160mph (est)
Dimensions
Length 4089mm
Width (inc mirrors) 1885mm
Wheelbase 2438mm
Max/min legroom 1120/980mm
Headroom 930mm
Interior width 1360mm
Kerbweight 1080kgs
Insurance group tba
PRICES & EQUIPMENT
NET VAT GROSS
List price 38,255.32 6,694.68 44,950.00
Delivery package 297.87 52.13 350.00
Road fund licence 165.00 - 165.00
First registration fee 35.00 - 35.00
EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
Removable front section and roof panels
Noble designed 10-spoke alloy wheels with polished rims
INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
Leather steering wheel
Full leather interior
Fore and aft adjustment on seats
Reach-adjustable steering column
Turbo boost gauge
Courtesy lights
Internally adjustable door mirrors
CD/tuner
Alarm/immobiliser
Fitted map pockets
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Inertia-reel safety belts
Chassis-mounted roll-over hoops
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.
PRESS CONTACT
For all press enquiries, please call Simon Hucknall on 00 44 (0)1455 844 052 or 00 44 (0)7971 568 289
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
Gearbox
Type 6-speed manual
Ratios/mph per
1000rpm 1st 3.15/6.2mph
2nd 1.95/10.0mph
3rd 1.52/12.8mph
4th 1.19/16.35mph
5th 1.31/20.8mph
6th 1.03/26.5mph
Final drive 3.87 (ratios 1,2,3 & 4)
2.76 (ratios 5 & 6)
Maximum speeds 1st 44.6mph
2nd 72.0mph
3rd 92.2mph
4th 117.7mph
5th 149.8mph
6th 160.0mph
Performance 0-60mph: 4.5 seconds (est)
Max speed: 160mph (est)
Dimensions
Length 4089mm
Width (inc mirrors) 1885mm
Wheelbase 2438mm
Max/min legroom 1120/980mm
Headroom 930mm
Interior width 1360mm
Kerbweight 1080kgs
Insurance group tba
PRICES & EQUIPMENT
NET VAT GROSS
List price 38,255.32 6,694.68 44,950.00
Delivery package 297.87 52.13 350.00
Road fund licence 165.00 - 165.00
First registration fee 35.00 - 35.00
EXTERIOR EQUIPMENT
Removable front section and roof panels
Noble designed 10-spoke alloy wheels with polished rims
INTERIOR EQUIPMENT
Leather steering wheel
Full leather interior
Fore and aft adjustment on seats
Reach-adjustable steering column
Turbo boost gauge
Courtesy lights
Internally adjustable door mirrors
CD/tuner
Alarm/immobiliser
Fitted map pockets
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Inertia-reel safety belts
Chassis-mounted roll-over hoops
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.
PRESS CONTACT
For all press enquiries, please call Simon Hucknall on 00 44 (0)1455 844 052 or 00 44 (0)7971 568 289
Thanks to our inside man's (Morten) , inside man!
Some commments and musings (just IMHO, as they say!)
- A superb job and no wing, eh?!
- Some luggage space at last!
- I though I read previously that the roof was to be fabric - its GRP?!
- What do you do if you're fully topless (ie: with the 'rear section' (as they're calling it here) removed), miles from home and it rains (OK, don't bother answering that one!).
- Rear clamshell releases inside and is on gas struts - nice!
- "Noble's slick and durable 6-speed manual gearbox" Durable, well who knows - only time will tell but slick - please!!!
- "All GTC's will benefit from the latest gearchange mecanism" - I already asked whether this is retro-fitment to the 3R's and 3s and the answer was "no"! Why not?! Isn't the existence of a "revised grarchange mechanism" tantamount to amittance that there was clearly room for improvement in this area?!
- Tyres are Avon ZZ3's - any comments?
- The release mentions "turbochargers" (plural) but I guess this is a typo from the 3 and 3R specsheet?!
ENDS!
>> Edited by amg merc on Wednesday 26th May 10:26
Some commments and musings (just IMHO, as they say!)
- A superb job and no wing, eh?!
- Some luggage space at last!
- I though I read previously that the roof was to be fabric - its GRP?!
- What do you do if you're fully topless (ie: with the 'rear section' (as they're calling it here) removed), miles from home and it rains (OK, don't bother answering that one!).
- Rear clamshell releases inside and is on gas struts - nice!
- "Noble's slick and durable 6-speed manual gearbox" Durable, well who knows - only time will tell but slick - please!!!
- "All GTC's will benefit from the latest gearchange mecanism" - I already asked whether this is retro-fitment to the 3R's and 3s and the answer was "no"! Why not?! Isn't the existence of a "revised grarchange mechanism" tantamount to amittance that there was clearly room for improvement in this area?!
- Tyres are Avon ZZ3's - any comments?
- The release mentions "turbochargers" (plural) but I guess this is a typo from the 3 and 3R specsheet?!
ENDS!
>> Edited by amg merc on Wednesday 26th May 10:26
Morten - 3rtt has kindly sent me the sales brochure pdf (thanks, Ian). IMHO it does look great from the photos. I guess there must have been a rethink on the roof, as I'm sure somebody said previously that it was zipped in place. I'm concerned about the thought of leaving off the rear section - even though the Series 1 Elise roof was a pain, as least you could put it on when the typical British weather changes !
I guess 290bhp is still enough. I'm just wondering whether Noble will get into a position like Porsche where the Boxster is considered by some to be a poor man's 911.
Press release mentions 35 GTC orders pre-show...
I guess 290bhp is still enough. I'm just wondering whether Noble will get into a position like Porsche where the Boxster is considered by some to be a poor man's 911.
Press release mentions 35 GTC orders pre-show...
kentviking said:Very Lotus Elise like really, but with a more practical solid roof that stowes away.
correct!...but it doesn't look too bad with the panels removed and the rear support structure still in place...are you on the noble owners club distribution list?...if not let me know and I will post you the pdf of the sales brochure directly
I really like the styling with the hoop in place.
J
amg merc said:From the M400 specs and magazine writeups it's clear that the M400 and GTC share a new "inner" section that moves the gearchange around. Existing M12's therefore have the "wrong" tunnel configuration it seems for this upgrade and unless you seriously wanted to chop around your chassis and tunnel I can't see how they can offer it as an "upgarade" which is a shame for all the people that can't get on with it at the moment
- "All GTC's will benefit from the latest gearchange mecanism" - I already asked whether this is retro-fitment to the 3R's and 3s and the answer was "no"! Why not?! Isn't the existence of a "revised grarchange mechanism" tantamount to amittance that there was clearly room for improvement in this area?!
However, some 3R owners are now saying that after 6000 miles the linkage is "lubricated and adjusted" which some people are saying makes it very nice (i.e. removes the 2nd to 1st move you have to make) - so who knows, over time they'll probably work out ways of making the existing even better?
I think that lot makes sense?
J
I quite like the roof up, but it's a shame that they didn't retain the look behind the seats of the original which was very F50 to me.
It might have helped if the line from the back edge of the roof down went down to the middle of the rear ala the original M12
e.g.
It will probably look more cohesive when painted in the same colour as the body.
However, would I buy one - absolutly - so I've got a dilema on my hands - AARRGGHHH!
M14 it is still for me though.
J
It might have helped if the line from the back edge of the roof down went down to the middle of the rear ala the original M12
e.g.
It will probably look more cohesive when painted in the same colour as the body.
However, would I buy one - absolutly - so I've got a dilema on my hands - AARRGGHHH!
M14 it is still for me though.
J
amg merc said:It'll be the same as it is now - anything "new" won't make it to production that quick, and there aren't any places to launch a new car between now and Paris.
Justin,
Hmmm, M14 - holding off commenting for now but what will the sports car landscape look like in a year or so's time when your M14 arrives - will it still look a rightous purchase, if you see my point?!
Sorry - missing your point?
J
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