Noble M15

The Noble M15 is a new supercar designed and developed by Noble Automotive, a high-performance sports car manufacturer based in Leicestershire. Production of the M15 is expected to begin early in 2006. The Noble M15 is intended to appeal to a far broader marker than the M12-GTO3R or the M400 and compete directly with the Porsche 911 Turbo/GT-3 and Ferrari F430. As a result the Noble M15 will have a number of features not previously found on Nobles such as satellite navigation, traction control, electric windows and ABS. Noble founder Lee Noble has been quoted in indicating "the M12 is a great car, but it's very focused and [he] wanted to produce a supercar people could use everyday...It was time for Noble to take a big step up in terms of refinement, practicality and style." Despite increased comfort and usability compared to previous Noble cars, Lee Noble has also stated that he expects the M15 to be significantly quicker than the M400 around a race track. The car is based on a brand new platform with a longitudinally mounted engine connected to a bespoke gearbox created by Graziano. The double wishbone suspension is a development of the system mounted on the M400. Mounting the engine longitudinally (rather than transversely as on the M400) allowed the engine designers to increase the cooling flow to the engine, which allows the 3.0l twin turbo V6 to develop 455bhp. The engine has been designed to meet European emission standards and the new steel/aluminium space frame has been designed with a view to passing crash test regulations around the world. The M15 is planned to be the first Noble which gains European and US type approval. Like all the Noble M models, the M15 has a steel spaceframe and roll cage covered with graphite-reinforced plastic body panelling, ventilated disc brakes front and rear and a turbocharged 3-litre V6 engine, but unlike the previous models is designed to be more of a grand tourer/everyday supercar (an example of which would be the now-defunct Honda NSX) rather than an all-out track day car.