400 BHP 3T?

[Chromaflair GT]

This weeks Autocar once again pays homage to the 3R and mentions the 400bhp unit that is intended for the 3T supposedly being introduced towards the end of this year.
Can anyone give me an update as I am considering buying a Noble related 400 registration number as I struggle to wait for the engine modification.

[m12_nathan]

Have a look at jousts rockingham review where he passengered in a 420bhp GTO3 mule.

[DanH]

From Joust's post it did sound like it might be expensive to run at that state of tune Are you sure?

>> Edited by DanH on Tuesday 28th October 22:09

[joust]

m12_nathan said:

Have a look at jousts rockingham review where he passengered in a 420bhp GTO3 mule.

I actually drove it

J

[guysh]

joust said:

m12_nathan said: Have a look at jousts rockingham review where he passengered in a 420bhp GTO3 mule. I actually drove it J

It was a GTO3 R !

[micknall]

The 400+ bhp version of the M12 will happen, for sure. And the car that Joust drove, while looking like a standard 3R externally, included many of the developments - tyres, shocks, more bhp - that we are considering for the car. Can't give anyone exact dates yet, but rest assured that we are working hard to launch it asap.

[Marlon]

Micknall,

Will the 'new car' be a new car (!) or will it be a set of upgrades that can be applied to a current 3R?

Also - and I appreciate that the factory is keeping this sensibly close to it's chest - will there be an 'intermediate' version (the 385 BHP version that we've heard mentioned)? Presumably that would be an 'upgrade pack'?

[joust]

micknall said:

And the car that Joust drove, while looking like a standard 3R externally, included many of the developments - tyres, shocks, more bhp - that we are considering for the car.

I hope the "rear clam restyle" isn't standard

[DanH]

joust said:

I hope the "rear clam restyle" isn't standard

Surely owners are managing that mod all by themselves <g>

[micknall]

Marlon,

The 3T (this name may change) will keep the same profile and chassis as the current GTO-3 & 3R, but it will be lighter, more powerful and more track-focused. That's as much as I can say at the moment.

As far as power-upgrading existing cars goes, I'm afraid you'll just have to wait and see. We will keep everyone posted, naturally!

[jeremyc]

micknall said:

The 3T (this name may change) will keep the same profile and chassis as the current GTO-3 & 3R, but it will be lighter, more powerful and more track-focused. That's as much as I can say at the moment.

|From the information provided at the 2002 Motor Show:

Our Very Own PistonHeads said:

The final variant, the M12 GTO-3T is targeted at those seeking a no compromise track car. The M12 is already an incredible competent circuit car but the 3T is for those drivers who are happy to forgo any form of luxury in the pursuit of the perfect track experience. The interior is stripped out and trimmed with the minumum of lightweight materials and fitted with a plumbed in fire extinguisher system and six point harnesses. The bodywork features carbon fibre noes, tail and doors reducing weight still further. The 3 litre 24v V6 fitted to the 3T is uprated still further to produce 400bhp. Enhancements include forged pistons, steel crank and rods, ball bearing turbos and a dry sump. It's coupled to a six speed straight cut sequential box and LSD. Huge 12x18 (r) and 11x18 (f) inch wheels will provide the visual drama. Priced at £65-68,000 the GTO-3T is sure to become a serious contender for GT racing. Available in limited numbers in 2003, we wouldn't be surprised to see the first customers racing their cars alongside TVRs in the British GT Championship.

More details here.

Edited to add: Oh, and unsurprisingly it's the one I've been waiting for....

>> Edited by jeremyc on Thursday 30th October 11:40

[micknall]

Much of this press release from the 2002 Motor Show is still accurate, however, since the '3T' was very much a concept then, inevitably certain features will have changed when the car reaches final production.

The important thing is that the underlying purpose of the car still remains - as a track car which will beat 360CSs, GT3s and anything else that you care to throw at it.