Noble M500

 

Noble M500

This is the long-awaited follow-up to the M600 that launched in 2009 and finished an impressive second overall in our 2010 Britain's Best Driver's Car shootout, one place ahead of the Ferrari 458 Italia. Using much of the older car's architecture, the M500 packs the same twin turbocharged 550bhp 3.5-litre V6 found in the Ford GT. Intended as cheaper and more accessible alternative to the M600 it maintains Noble's commitment to creating as close a connection between driver and car as possible. This means its uses a six-speed manual gearbox, plus there's no anti-lock braking, traction control or airbags - although the steering is hydraulically assisted.

Under the skin, the two-seat mid-engined M500 features a steel structure, while suspension is by double wishbones front and rear. At present, the car is undergoing dynamic testing, but already Noble is targeting a raw and involving dynamics that closely mirror those of the old M600. Performance should be strong too, with a 0-62mph of around 3.0sec on the cards and a top speed nudging 200mph. Prices haven't been revealed, but expect to pay around £150,000 when deliveries start later in 2022.