Discussion
Noble has been advertised as a "component vehicle" in USA for some time. Road & Track magazine (Feb 2006) has a review under the heading No-Bull Noble. I think R&T is only available on subscription in UK so with a quick plug for them at www.roadandtrack.com here are the key points.
Classified as a kit car in USA which carries all sorts of negative connotations.
Body and chassis built in South Africa by Hi-tech and imported by 1g racing in Hamilton, Ohio. www.1gracing.com
Buyer purchases a rolling chassis and gets it shipped to an installation shop of his choosing where a Rousch-engineered twin-turbo Ford V6 (3 litre 425 bhp) and 6-speed Getrag transmission are installed.
Whilst on the surface this might seem a mess of gigantic proportions the end result is impressive.
We couldn't believe how crazy fast the car was. 0-60 in 3.6 and quarter mile in 12.2 despite scorching hot temperatures.
Demands respect from its driver.
Front feels light, producing a trace of understeer in low-speed corners, especially with power on. Trail braking works best through corners, thankfully without the snap oversteer tendencies of some mid-engined cars.
Light and nimble.
Highly competent road machine, soaks up bumps better than Elise.
No ABS but firm brake pedal offers great modulation. [I'm amazed USA allows cars without ABS. Lotus fitted it for Elise. Maybe it's part of the kit car thing. 5USA]
Simple interior; alcantara coated; production car feel despite unfinished plastic dash and Ford Mondeo switchgear.
Super-tight pedal box is off-set, with possibly the smallest dead footrest ever.
1g racing gets an allotment of 6 rolling chassis a month at $66,900. Engine/transmission adds another $19,000 or so and installation brings the total to about $95,000. [Compare c.$70,000 for a fully loaded 500 bhp/500 ft lb Corvette Z06. 5USA]
Seems like a lot of money; but drive it and you will believe.
The Noble is one of the best sports cars in the world.
Classified as a kit car in USA which carries all sorts of negative connotations.
Body and chassis built in South Africa by Hi-tech and imported by 1g racing in Hamilton, Ohio. www.1gracing.com
Buyer purchases a rolling chassis and gets it shipped to an installation shop of his choosing where a Rousch-engineered twin-turbo Ford V6 (3 litre 425 bhp) and 6-speed Getrag transmission are installed.
Whilst on the surface this might seem a mess of gigantic proportions the end result is impressive.
We couldn't believe how crazy fast the car was. 0-60 in 3.6 and quarter mile in 12.2 despite scorching hot temperatures.
Demands respect from its driver.
Front feels light, producing a trace of understeer in low-speed corners, especially with power on. Trail braking works best through corners, thankfully without the snap oversteer tendencies of some mid-engined cars.
Light and nimble.
Highly competent road machine, soaks up bumps better than Elise.
No ABS but firm brake pedal offers great modulation. [I'm amazed USA allows cars without ABS. Lotus fitted it for Elise. Maybe it's part of the kit car thing. 5USA]
Simple interior; alcantara coated; production car feel despite unfinished plastic dash and Ford Mondeo switchgear.
Super-tight pedal box is off-set, with possibly the smallest dead footrest ever.
1g racing gets an allotment of 6 rolling chassis a month at $66,900. Engine/transmission adds another $19,000 or so and installation brings the total to about $95,000. [Compare c.$70,000 for a fully loaded 500 bhp/500 ft lb Corvette Z06. 5USA]
Seems like a lot of money; but drive it and you will believe.
The Noble is one of the best sports cars in the world.
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