Comparison - 2.5l & 3l models?

[rsherwin]

Nobleheads,

I'm considering the purchase of an M12 for track-play (what else) and have some questions for you experts!:

- What's the difference between the 2.5l and 3l engined models (IE: which one should I fo for)?

- How helpful is the factory (I have had a couple of TVRs so have some experience of British Sports car manufacturers!

- Does the noise from the B-post located waste-gate ports on the early models drive you mad after a while (so should I consider a newer, rear-located, model to reduce this)?

- Is the M12 comfortable in everyday use?

Thanks,
Rob.

[actech]

Hello Rob,

The M12 is a perfectly capable everyday runabout, easy to drive in traffic, very comfortable and great fun.

The turbo noise is louder on the 2.5l M12 but not distracting in anyway. The exhaust note on between the two engines though is quite different, the 3.0l has a deeper burble on tick over which smoothly fades out when you're hooning around. The 2.5l is a rougher at full pelt.

The factory and dealer (Sturgess in my case) have both been exceptional, very helpful and friendly at all times.

If you're thinking of the M12 just for the track though it might be worth you putting your name down for a 3T as this is aimed specifically for track use. Saying that though, the handling and performance you get with the GTO(3) makes it difficult to beat.

Hope this helps.

[rsherwin]

Appreciate your speedy reply Anthony.

I must say though that, I'm now seriously concerned, having read -Nildram's- report (gearbox problems, oil not in the right places, etc. and another about leaking pipes etc. - and all this from a fifty-odd grand motor!!!). I know there can be one-off lemons but I don't like the sound of all those problems in one package. The only time I expect to have (my) Noble towed home if if I, or an (ex!) friend, bends it

- should I be concerned?!

Rob

[F355GTS]

Rob

Don't own one myself but have driven a mates 2.5 and seen it on many many trackdays.

It's a very quick car and when I've driven it havn't noticed any noise issues.

It has suffered a few maladies nothing major like gearbox but Intercooler pipe falling off, broken wiper motor arm, split vacuum hose, the latter just being a case of refitting/ temporary repair. The Wiper motor part broke on the way to Imola last year and Noble arranged for their agent in Milan to repair it, all very efficient!

[actech]

I think Nildram has just been unlucky. The build quality from the various M12's I've seen is always excellent.

We did a Noble trackday last year with around 8 M12's with 3 of them being dealer or Noble demonstrators. The demonstrator cars were on the track for about 3 hours solid and there were no problems.

There is another Noble Autocar track day coming up at Bedford this year, if you want to see what it's like on the track and have a chance to talk to Noble themselves, it could ease your concerns

[rsherwin]

Thanks for the comments guys.

Clearly I need to drive an M12 sometime soon so am intending to visit Mole Valley, Chessingtom this week -they only have a 3l demo model so will need to seek out a 2.5 demo elsewhere - that's unless I go and see the one up north (see my question on the ad in today's ST).

Rob.

[Nildram]

I should point out that the only issue that mine suffered from that could be regarded as serious is the engine, and we all know that Noble are working hard to find a permanent fix to this problem. The other things that affected me on the day were pretty minor and could quite easily happen to any car on a track day.