2002 Noble M12 GTO-3
After launching the M12 GTO to much acclaim, Noble has upgraded their car for 2002. The new GTO-3, features a three-liter engine producing thirty more horsepower over the 2000 model. Apart from the engine, much of the mechanics remain the same as previous versions.
Lee Noble is the founder of Noble Moy Automotive. He has gained experince in projects which include the McLaren F1, Ultima Can Am and Ascari Ecosse, making him widely respected in the automotive community.
Using proven motor sport designs, the M12 is a race car built for the road. At it’s base, the GTO has a transversely mounted Ford Duratec power plant housed within a space frame chassis. The engine is mildly turbocharged to effectively increase power with minimal lag.
The body of the M12 GTC-3 is entirely made of composite materials. It features a large rear wing and front splitter to increase down force for and aft. This down force restricts the car to it’s 165 mph top speed, but aids greatly in high speed handling.
Where the M12 GTO wins is it’s power to weight ratio. Weighting almost 700lbs lighter than our Enzo Ferrari, the M12 GTO makes greater use to its horsepower than almost any other car. Missing from the car is anything associated with luxury. It does not come with power windows, traction control or ABS. The costs associated with such non-refinement keep the car at a modest price. Hardly any other car on the market today can complete with the 48 000 pound price tag.
In the upcoming year, Noble plan to release a race-ready model called the GTO-3T. It will be a no compromise track car including an FIA roll cage combined with a 400 horsepower engine. With this announcement, Noble are well on their way to prove the M12 GTO on the track.
In Detail
| engine | Ford Duratec Alloy V6 |
| position | Mid Transverse |
| aspiration | Twin Garret Turbochargers |
| valvetrain | 4 Valves per Cyl |
| displacement | 3000 cc / 183.1 in³ |
| power | 253.5 kw / 340 bhp |
| specific output | 113.33 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 323.81 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 460.98 nm / 340 ft lbs |
| body / frame | GRP Composite w/Steel & Alloy Panel Space Frame |
| driven wheels | RWD w/LSD |
| front tires | 225/40ZR18 |
| rear tires | 265/35ZR18 |
| front brakes | AP Racing Vented & Crossdrilled Discs w/4-Pot Calipers |
| f brake size | x 330 mm / x 13.0 in |
| rear brakes | AP Racing Vented & Crossdrilled Discs w/4-Pot Calipers |
| r brake size | x 330 mm / x 13.0 in |
| front wheels | F 21.6 x 45.7 cm / 8.5 x 18 in |
| rear wheels | R 25.4 x 45.7 cm / 10 x 18 in |
| f suspension | Double Wishbones |
| r suspension | Double Wishbones |
| curb weight | 1050 kg / 2315 lbs |
| transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| gear ratios | :1 |
