If you want to get approved on the best possible terms when buying a car, it is important that you know the credit guidelines of an auto lender before applying for credit … especially if you are bankrupt.

It will save you time and frustration, but more importantly, it will help you avoid credit inquiries that can lower your FICO credit scores by up to 12 points per inquiry.

Step 1 in making a leasing or buying decision is determining the lender’s credit standards.

Start by asking if they lend to bankrupt people. If so, on what terms?

That’s how it is. You have to be sincere in the sense that you filed for bankruptcy. Don’t hide it. We have to face the fact that some distributors just won’t work with people who have filed for bankruptcy. So our job is to find the ones that do.

Some lenders will only lease to bankrupt people. Others will only offer purchase financing. However, others will only make loans using a hybrid of the two; this is especially common in Texas.

Ask the CFO of the dealership to tell you which structure the manufacturer prefers.

And here’s a quick tip for you: If your bankruptcy doesn’t show up on the credit report your lender gets, then, in the lender’s eyes, you’re not bankrupt.

The only lenders you would consider using are:

– First option: captive lenders (automakers)

– Second option: Banks (non-financial)

– Third option: savings and credit cooperatives

Ninety-nine percent of the cars I have rented over the years have been with captive lenders. Only one was leased by a bank.

That particular deal grew out of a conversation I had with Amy, the finance manager for the local Land Rover dealership here in Indianapolis. I told him that I was open to his financing recommendations, but that I preferred financing through the automaker.

I told him my current FICO scores. He immediately said that with my scores he could do better through a local bank. I signed a credit application and told him to do it.

The next day I signed a lease with that local bank. Being open to his advice saved me literally hundreds of dollars a month on that car.

So be flexible … but be careful. It seems that most car dealers call all of their funding sources banks. When in reality some are banks, some are credit unions, and most are high-risk finance companies.

Here is a list of some of the most widely used subprime auto finance companies:

1. HSBC Automotive

2. Capital One

3. AmeriCredit

4. WFS Financial

You want to divest into the high-risk finance companies, unless you’ve exhausted all other options. Sub-prime lenders should be your last resort.

And only use credit unions if they report to all three national credit reporting agencies. How can you tell if a credit union reports to all three credit reporting agencies?

Simple, questions. Ask the credit union branch manager if they report. And after you get the loan, check all three credit reports and make sure your business line shows up on each one.

The three worst luxury captive lenders to rent or buy after bankruptcy are:

1. BMW

2. Mercedes

3. Porsche

The three worst conventional captive lenders are:

1. Honda

2. Kia / Subaru

3. Toyota

What makes these the worst?

Once these lenders see that you have filed for bankruptcy, they are less likely to work with you. However, if they are willing to work with you, they will want you to be at least several years after discharge and have perfect credit during that time.

Now that I told you how bad the previous six lenders are, there are times when they can offer you good deals. For example, if one of the above happens to be the largest distributor in your area, they may be able to offer you special offers that a smaller distributor cannot.

Of course, things change all the time with captive car lenders. They change their credit guidelines on a whim to meet their own financial goals. So it’s always a good idea to at least research these dealerships, but don’t get your hopes up too much.

Okay, so you’ve done your research and narrowed your choice down to one or two automakers.

Step 2 in making a purchase or lease decision is to buy your FICO credit scores.

It is important that you have your most recent scores when talking to car dealers (like I did with Amy). It puts you in charge.

When you walk into a dealership with your FICO Scores, the dealership will know that you are a more informed consumer and cannot be taken advantage of. Just know that the FICO credit scores used by car dealers are a little different from what we see as consumers. The scores that dealers review are called FICO Auto Industry Option Scores. The good news … these FICO scores can be higher than your normal FICO scores if you paid off all your previous auto loans as agreed.

Some car dealerships have told me that if their FICO scores are higher than the scores the dealership reviews, they may even use your scores to get a better deal.

You can purchase your scores at myFICO.com.

Step 3 is interviewing the remaining car dealers on a deeper level.

Start by asking them these questions:

– What credit reporting agency do you use to make a loan decision?

– What is your minimum credit score requirement to get approved?

– What credit score is needed to get the best interest rate?

– Do your lenders prefer to offer purchase or lease financing to a bankrupt debtor?

– What incentives are there to rent or buy at this time?

At this point, it is important to remain open to leasing or buying. Evaluate your options and incentives. Remember, you are buying the financing. In other words, the most important factor is the willingness of the lender to loan you money.

Personally, I view the lease versus buy decision in three ways:

1. If you are recently recovering from bankruptcy, the only thing that matters is whether you can get approved at an interest rate you can pay through a lender that reports to all three national credit reporting agencies. Therefore, you should only consider bankruptcy-friendly lenders.

2. Once your credit scores begin to rise, you can begin selecting automobiles based on the credit reporting agency the lender uses to determine if you qualify. Obviously, you must choose the lender that uses your highest FICO credit score to make a loan decision.

3. When your scores are high enough … or it’s been two years after your bankruptcy … or your bankruptcy doesn’t show up on the credit report the lender uses, then you can choose almost any if you want. But be sure to research and use your credit scores to help you compare interest rates, terms, and incentives.

The Ford Mustang has been one of the most famous American vehicles of all time. Production of the Mustang began in Dearborn, Michigan in March 1964 and was unveiled to the public on April 17, 1964. Since then there have been numerous concept cars, special editions, and modified Mustangs that have been put into production. Ford and several other companies offered modified versions of the Mustang so they could continue to serve the car enthusiast who wants more power, better handling, and classic styling. Most Ford Mustang variants use the same mustang parts and for the car-clueless consumer they only offer slight differences from the original.

Some of the third-party modifications include the Shelby Mustangs. These were made popular by race car racer Carroll Shelby, who created this mustang for serious track racers and called it the “GT-350”. These models were equipped with a “Hi- {p” 289, a 4-speed manual, and four front disc brakes, as well as heavy-duty rear drum brakes. Other visual variations included a shortened hood, identification moldings, and the removal of the rear seats. In 2007, 500 Mustang convertible GT-Hs were produced after the huge success of the 2006 Shelby GT-H Coupe, which was designed as a tribute to the 1966 GT350-H. The GT500E was also designed by Shelby Autos specifically for the Touchstone Pictures film Gone in Sixty Seconds, starring Nicholas Cage. In 2008, the Shelby GT500 “Super Snake” was introduced which was inspired by the 67 ‘version of the Super Snake. This Mustang is basically a reassembled 1968 GT500KR. It offers a supercharged version type 5.4LEaton roots of 605 CV with guarantee.

The Roush Performance was designed by former Ford engineer Jack Roush in 1988. This Mustang is available in three stages and three packages, Sport, Rally, and Premium. Beginning in 2007, Roush introduced the Sport and 427R editions that were based on the Mustang S-197. This sport package became Roush’s base model and comes equipped with high-performance body kits and exhaust systems. Plus, they come with an enhanced appearance package. In the same year as Jack Roush, Dario Orlando founded Steeda Autosports. Steeda is widely respected as one of the largest manufacturers of aftermarket performance parts and general mustang parts.

Shortly before this, Steve Saleen founded Saleen in 1983. The first Saleens focused primarily on looks and used stock Ford engines. Year after year, the performance of a Saleen Mustang has improved more and more. Likewise, Saleen has proven his worth by winning multiple races in his Mustangs. This includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of Daytona, and various SCCA championships throughout the years. Saleen produces many different versions of the Mustang and they are all called “S281”. It was inspired by the S281 SC with a supercharged 4.6-liter V8, and the S302 Extreme, which replaced the factory 4.6-liter with a Saleen-built V8 engine that increases power from 465 hp to 620 hp.

Along with the third-party variants, there are also several in-house Ford variants, such as the Ford T-5, the California Special Mustang, and the Mustang Cobra II. Ford is always finding new ways to improve America’s most popular car. They have come out with special anniversary editions throughout the years that continue to celebrate their great success since 1964.

Mercedes-Benz has a rather complicated lineup of internal codes, with a bewildering combination of letters and numbers to symbolize each vehicle. It started out as a simple combination of letters and numbers, but the introduction of newer models created a new list of internal code lineups. The combination of letters and numbers used to correspond to the engine’s displacement, but that is not always the case today. This is a quick guide on the meaning of all letters and numbers.

One class:

This is the smallest car in the Mercedes brand range that has been appropriately given the first name of the alphabet. The code name is W176, with “W” for a four- or five-door passenger car.

Class B:

Class B is the second smallest because it is quite evident how it got this label.

Class C:

Class C labeling gets more complicated. It is internally christened W205 and is also called S205, where S stands for pickup truck. On upcoming models, the coupe will also receive an internal code of C205 and A204, with “C” as the coupe and “A” as the convertible.

Class E:

The E-class consists of more than one model, with an internal name of W212. However, the truck gets the S212. The E-Class coupe is not called C212 as would be supposed, but C207. This is because it has more in common with the previous generation C-Class 204. The “E” in the E-class used to mean “injection” in German.

Lessons:

The S-Class means “special class” in German because this great sedan was and still is the top-of-the-range vehicle in the Mercedes range. Its code is called W222, while the S-class coupe is called C217. Convertible futures will be called A217.

CLA:

The CLA is marketed as a four-door coupe with a codename C117, much to the confusion of many Mercedes Benz fans.

CLS:

This is also a four-door coupe, with the internal code name of C218. The cross version is called X218.

SLK:

The SLK is the smallest roadster in the Mercedes line, with code R172. The “R” stands for roadster.

SL:

The SL roadster is actually a lot like the SLK and appropriately named R231.

With the addition of many Mercedes Benz vehicles in the future, the internal code name is bound to get complicated very quickly. The code names can be difficult to memorize at first, but once you get the hang of them and understand why the codes are given to vehicles then they will be quite understandable.

It is only the beginning of 2017 and BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG), one of the world’s best-selling luxury car manufacturers, is ready to sensationalize the global market with one of its best crossover models in the coming year of 2018. Groomed to perfection, the new SUV is ready to snap between X1 and X3 and therefore gets its name: BMW X2 SUV. First unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, it is speculated that the preview model of the 2018 BMW X2 will stay true to its design principles, as detailed last year, with only a handful of changes anticipated, albeit with a positive ending. It will be the third and smallest product launched in its category. Let’s have a detailed view.

2018 BMW X2 Concept

According to the design creators of BMW, the idea of ​​X2 has been conceptualized along the lines of offering a combination of enjoyment with practicality. The car amalgamates a perfect blend of fast-moving body language along with the low proportions of a coupe that makes it a sturdy build from its X1-series counterpart.

Design and exterior of the BMW X2 2018

Speaking of the front end of the 2018 BMW X2, it features a large kidney-shaped grille bordered by distinctive slim LED headlights. The large front bumper and silver bottom trim, on the other hand, give the car its much-talked-about rugged SUV look. In addition, at the rear, the SUV coupe speaks of a low roof line with narrow windows that do justice to the X2 design signal concept. Although it looks more like a hatchback than a sports car, it is said to offer the best of both worlds.

Moving forward, the wide wheelchairs add to the 2018 BMW X2 a muscular look. While, at the same time, the wide 21-inch wheels give the car its completely rugged profile. At the rear, the hatchback, however, is not exactly what we’ve seen BMW incorporate into their previous hatchbacks like the X4 or X6. The BMW X2 tends to offer a more realistic appeal despite its elegant styling.

Additionally, the X2, as modeled at the Paris Motor Show, should have a centrally located BMW badge bounded by slim taillights and a license plate that is attached to the bumper. Very similar to what we have seen in the first series of hatches of the car brand.

Interior of the BMW X2 2018

The interiors of this roaring beast are expected to be inspired by the sleek cabin of the new BMW 5 Series. A separate infotainment screen that sits just above a simple center console and comes equipped with new BMW gesture control functions. The dashboard will come in two variants: wood effect or glossy metallic finish.

The X2’s roofline can be a bit dull, especially for tall passengers; don’t expect to be comfortable in the back when it comes to long trips. Legroom is lagging here too.

2018 BMW X2 Engine

X2 will feature the same UKL1 platform as its BMW X1 and Mini Countryman counterparts. As a result, it is likely to boast front-wheel drive and be available in four main variants: three diesel engines and one gasoline. Entry-level cars will feature a six-speed manual gearbox. While, on the other hand, drivers will be offered the benefits of also choosing a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission.

Driving BMW X2 2018

The 2018 entry-level BMW X2 will target a 148hp diesel, while mid-range SUVs will likely feature 187hp and 227hp units. To give you an idea, the current X1 model has a 148 hp diesel that returns a remarkable 68.9 mpg. The 227 hp model runs between 0 and 100 km / h in just 6.6 seconds. These figures give us a rough idea of ​​what X2 can reflect or exceed.

In the future, no such details are yet available about the powertrain of the 2018 BMW X2. However, internal reports suggest that the production model will feature a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, while its top-end models should. receive a more powerful 2.0-liter engine and a four-cylinder unit with twin-turbo technology from BMW.

2018 BMW X2 release date and price

The Munich-based automaker is expected to begin delivery of the 2018 BMW X2 early in the second quarter of 2017. The crossover is expected to be priced close to its X1 counterpart at a cost of $ 35,000 (base model). The biggest crossovers will come in for around $ 38,000. The cost will also fluctuate between the diesel and gasoline variants.

The convenience of midsize sedans is that they are more spacious than compact cars, but more efficient than luxury sedans. Midsize sedans give you the advantage of having four doors and comfortable seats, but they don’t cost as much as a full-size large sedan. The medium size is practical without sacrificing comfort or design. Most auto consumers find that a midsize vehicle is exactly what they need to get their family or business partners around town. While a larger car may be more comfortable on longer road trips, a midsize car is the ideal everyday workhorse.

Fuel economy

When you drive a midsize sedan, you can expect to save a little money on the fuel pump. Economy and compact cars are the only vehicles that have better fuel efficiency, and new technology is closing that gap fast. Midsize sedans consume much more fuel than full-size sedans, minivans, SUVs, or light trucks. The money you save on the fuel pump gives you the freedom to drive more often without worrying about the cost. You will also contribute to the environment because your car uses less fuel than other popular vehicles.

Hybrid vehicles

Once hybrid technology became more agile, it is beginning to be used in larger vehicles more regularly. The original hybrids were compact cars, but today you can find a battery / gasoline hybrid in any class of vehicle. When you combine the battery look with a gas-powered midsize car, you dramatically increase gas mileage. Hybrid cars are becoming more and more affordable. As more consumers buy hybrid cars, the positive impact on the environment and the country’s dependence on foreign oil will continue to improve exponentially. Automakers have responded to consumer demands for more fuel-efficient vehicles by producing hybrid models to suit any lifestyle.

Better handling

A midsize vehicle tends to handle better than smaller or larger cars. The distribution of the car’s weight on its axles creates a very stable center of gravity. This allows the car to turn without leaning too much to one side or the other, and reduces the risk of a midsize car tipping over during a sharp turn. Most of the midsize sedans on the market today have front-wheel drive, which improves their handling and makes them even more responsive and stable. Front wheel drive is superior to rear wheel drive when it comes to driving on wet or icy roads, because the weight of the engine rests directly on the front wheels and keeps them in contact with the road.

Family friendly

Most of today’s families have four members or fewer. Midsize sedans are the perfect compromise between space and expense. Four adults will fit comfortably in a midsize car, and the kids will fit in even better. You don’t have to spend the extra money on a minivan or SUV to get a comfortable four-door vehicle that your family will be a perfect fit for. The trunk space in modern midsize cars is more than adequate for the needs of almost any family, whether you need to haul baseball equipment or groceries.

The Ferrari Dino 246 GT: a close look at the performance, technical data, characteristics, rival comparison, history, used prices of this classic sports car.

From classic to modern

CAR

The sports car Ferrari Dino 206 GT had a short production of only one year, in which only 152 units were made.

However, although the market was impressed with the style of the car, a version with more performance was requested.

Consequently, in 1969 the two-seater Ferrari Dino 246 fixed-head coupe was presented at the Turin Motor Show.

Additionally, in 1972 at the Geneva Motor Show, the Dino 246 GTS Spyder open top was added, which featured a removable Targa roof.

Once again, Pininfarina was responsible for the styling of the car.

Furthermore, as in the case of the 206 GT, the engines were built by Fiat and the car was assembled at Ferrari’s Maranello plant.

The “246” weighed 2380 pounds, compared to the 1980 pounds of the “206”, and this was due, in part, to the fact that the body panels of the latter were made of aluminum, while those of the former were now built. steel, in order to reduce costs.

In addition, the wheelbase of the “246” was increased 2.1 more inches compared to the “206”, although the height remained the same.

Ventilated vacuum-assisted four-wheel disc brakes and independent coil spring suspension were retained from the “206.”

When production ended in 1974, a total of 2,295 units of the Ferrari Dino 246 GT sports car had been built.

Interestingly, three versions of the 246 GT were produced, and L, M, and E variants were designated:

• The 357 “L” units built through the mid-1970s used the same wheels with a knockoff caster as the 206 GT, plus the addition of small front bumpers.
• The 507 “M” units built between mid-1970 and 1971 used alloy wheels, different windshield wipers, additional head restraints, and a widened rear track.
• The 1431 “E” units built between mid-1971 and 1974 were subject to changes in gear and fuel supply, while right-hand drive versions of the car were now available.

Optional extras included flared wheel arches and seats from the 365 GTB / 4 Daytona.

A close competitor to the 246 GT sports car was, at the time, the 2.4-liter Porsche 911S Targa, which was considered a touchstone in terms of performance.

THE MOTOR

The transverse mid-engined Ferrari Dino 246 GT was powered by a 2.4-liter dual-overhead cam V6 unit, with two valves per cylinder, using an iron block and alloy heads, and with a 9.0: 1 compression ratio. .

Equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, three Weber 40 DCNF / 6 dual-choke carburettors, and electronic ignition, it developed 195 bhp at 7600 rpm and 166 ft / lbs of torque at 5500 rpm.

This produced a top speed of 151 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 7.5 seconds.

However, the version exported to the US underwent certain changes, including timing, which reduced production to 175 hp.

A noteworthy point was that the Dino’s 2.4-liter V6 engine was subsequently used in other Italian sports cars, and in particular the Lancia Stratos.

THE COMPETITION

Close competitors to the Ferrari Dino 246 GT included: Porsche 911S Targa, 3 Series Jaguar E-Type, and Maserati Bora. Ferrari performance:

SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

In terms of the second-hand market, a Ferrari Dino 246 GT, in good condition, sold at auction in the US for $ 165,000, while one in showroom condition was sold at auction for astonishing amount of $ 630,000.

The Dino was an excellent example of one of Ferrari’s classic cars.

This marks the end of my review of the Ferrari Dino 246 GT sports car.

A review of the TVR 3000M Turbo and 5000M sports car, covering the development, important features and technical data of this 16th model in the TVR range.

In this article, I offer a nostalgic look at the TVR 3000M Turbo and 5000M, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1975 to 1978.

The TVR 3000M Turbo

In order to improve the performance of the 3000M, TVR approached the Broadspeed company to produce a turbocharged version of the Ford Essex V6 engine.

Interestingly, the highly modified engine was installed in the 3000M’s engine compartment without issue.

Consequently, designated the 3000M Turbo sports car, it debuted at the 1975 British International Motor Show at Earl’s Court in London.

These cars were equipped with Koni shocks, wider wheels, and a reduced compression ratio.

A total of 20 of the 3000M Turbos were built. This was later followed by 30 of the Taimar variant. Finally, 13 of the 3000S version were built.

Of these, three of the Taimar and one 3000S Turbos were converted to Special Equipment (SE) variants.

They were equipped with leather upholstery, widened wheel arches, special alloy wheels and limited slip differential.

Featuring an 8.0: 1 compression ratio, a turbocharger blowing at 9 psi, and equipped with a single Webber dual-choke carburetor, the turbo engine develops 230 bhp at 5500 rpm and 273 ft / lbs of torque at 3500 rpm.

This produced a top speed of 140 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 5.7 seconds.

The turbocharger kicked in at 2700rpm, which meant that below this the car behaved the same as a normal 3000M.

In fact, the performance of the TVR 3000M Turbo really gave the three-liter Porsche 911 Turbo of the time a real run for its money.

The M Series cars ended production in late 1979, with the 3000M Turbo returning TVR to the status of a Supercar builder.

The TVR 5000M

In 1974, John Wadham, who ran the Canada-based TVR importer in the US, set out to replace the Triumph 2.5-liter inline six engine, installed in a 2500M, with a Ford Windsor V8 unit. 5 liters (302 cubic inches).

This involved the use of different engine mounts, a reciprocating radiator, and stiffer springs.

A four-speed Borg Warner gearbox was used and the rear differential was sourced from the Chevrolet Corvette.

Designated the TVR 5000M sports car, it debuted at the 1975 Toronto International Auto Show.

However, that same year, a severe fire damaged TVR’s UK factory, with the result that production was stopped.

However, as a gesture of support in the company, John Wadham paid in advance for the order of six cars that would be sent to him for later assembly in the 5000M.

As it turned out, his action may have contributed to ensuring the future of the company.

TVR subsequently shipped five M-Series fixed head coupes, excluding engines or gearboxes, to the US importer to convert to the 5000M.

In addition, John Wadham himself converted three other cars, which had just arrived from the UK, and which contained damaged Ford Essex V6 engine blocks.

In 1978, TVR built a limited edition single unit, minus engine and gearbox, which was painted white and featured a brown stripe.

This had identifiable 5000M markings and was sent to John Wadham for the addition of the V8 engine.

It has been estimated that up to 1978 only 9 units of the original 5000M were built.

However, beyond 1980, six TVR Taimars have had their existing engines replaced by the V8 unit.

This marked the end of the TVR 3000M Turbo and 5000M.

Perhaps this walk down memory lane could have answered, or at least shed light on, a possible question:

What sports car TVR is You Favourite?

However, if this question still remains unanswered, I will review, in some detail, in future articles within this website, the entire range of TVR sports cars that were featured in the memorable era spanning from 1946 to 1967.

I hope you will join me on my nostalgic travels “down sports car memory lane.”

The Noble M10 – A Closer Look At This Sports Car Including Performance, Technical Data, Features, Rivals Comparison, History, Used Pricing

from classic to modern

BACKGROUND

Sports car maker Noble was established in 1999 in Leeds by Lee Noble, specializing in fast mid-engined rear-wheel drive cars.

Before launching Noble, he was involved in the design of other sports cars, with brands such as Ultima and Ascari.

The body and chassis of each car was produced by Hi-Tech Automotive in South Africa on the same assembly lines as the Superformance rolling chassis for cars as distinctive as Cobras replicas.

After the bodywork was completed, it was shipped to the new Noble factory near Leicester, at which point the engine and gearbox were added, and the finished car was tested.

It was designated the M10 as it was Lee Noble’s 10th design.

As the designer of his own cars, the basic philosophy was to start with a lightweight space frame, to which was added a powerful engine and a sporty aerodynamic body.

Its design included a mid-engine format that would provide good handling characteristics.

In terms of marketing, he priced each car in a way that would position itself in the affordable end of the sports car market, thus reaching a wide audience.

He resigned from Noble in 2008 and went on to create a new company.

CAR

The Noble M10 was the first car designed and produced by the company.

It was launched in 1999 with a price tag of around $ 30,000 and interestingly enough, he built the first two units in a garage located near his home.

Since the car was replaced a year later by the more impressive M12, few of the M10s were actually sold as potential customers switched their allegiance to the next model.

The M10 was a two-seater, only available as a convertible, with a fiberglass composite body and chassis, and a corresponding curb weight of just 960 kg.

It was powered by a 2.5-liter, 24-valve, V6 Ford Duratec engine that developed 168 bhp and 162 foot-pounds of torque.

Paired to a five-speed manual gearbox, it produced a top speed of 135 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds.

It was equipped with 10-inch ventilated disc brakes throughout.

Following the launch of the M10, Toyota introduced its MR2 convertible later that year, which, in appearance, closely resembled the M10. Technical data:

COMPETENCE

Some of the typical competitors of the Noble M10 were the following: Lotus Elise, Porsche Boxter, BMW Z4 and Mercedes SLK 350. Noble performance:

This concludes my review of the Noble M10 sports car.

The Noble M12 GTO-3R: A Closer Look At This Sports Car Including Performance, Technical Data, Features, Rivals Comparison, History, Used Pricing

from classic to modern

CAR

The Noble M12 GTO sports car was launched in 2000. Following its success, the company introduced the M12 GTO-3 in 2003, which included:

• An extensively tuned 3-liter Ford Duratec V6 engine, fitted with twin Garrett T25 turbochargers, running at 0.7 bar of boost, and an intercooler

• Composite fiberglass body on a steel tubular space frame chassis

• A substantial carbon fiber rear spoiler and front splitter that between them produced a marked increase in downforce.

Then in 2005, Noble released a variant aimed specifically at the track.

This was the Noble M12 GTO-3R two-door, two-seater, rear-wheel drive, which took over where the GTO-3 left off.

An important feature, only on the GTO-3R, was called the Auto Pair Bias Differential, produced by Quaife Engineering.

It was a form of limited-slip differential that used helical gears, rather than clutch mechanisms, which were activated by mechanical or computer means.

The advantage of this system was that the power was concentrated on the particular wheel that required additional torque, such as when exiting a fast turn.

The particularly spacious interior of the cabin had leather trim, there was additional sound damping to reduce noise from both the engine and the track, it included an engine start button, both the seats and the steering column were adjustable, and there was a full roll cage.

As for the distinction between the two variants, the GTO-3R was equipped with dual covered headlights and a specially designed alloy steering wheel incorporating ten spokes.

It used AP Racing’s 13-inch vented and perforated discs throughout, and had a curb weight of just 1080kg, just 100kg more than the GTO variant.

Priced at $ 50,000, only 165 of the GTO-3Rs were built, with a substantially lower figure than the GTO and GTO-3 variants.

THE MOTOR

Powered by the same all-alloy DOHC 24-valve mid-engine as in the GTO-3, the five-speed manual gearbox was replaced by a six-speed manual Getrag unit in which the gear ratios were revised with the result that, when traveling at the legal speed limit, the engine was turning at just 2700 rpm.

The M12 GTO-3R’s engine developed 360 bhp at 6200 rpm, well below the 7200 redline, and 358 ft / lbs of torque at 3500 rpm, with most of the power available around 3000 rpm.

With a compression ratio of 8.5: 1, the car reached a top speed of 170 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds. Technical data:

COMPETENCE

Typical competition for the Noble M12 GTO-3R included the following sports cars: Porsche 993 GT2 Club Sport, Corvette ZO6, and Ford GT. Noble performance:

SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

In the second-hand market, the typical asking price for an M12 GTO-3R sports car, in good condition, was between $ 51,000 and $ 58,000.

This concludes my review of the Noble M12 GTO-3R sports car.

The Noble M400 – A Closer Look At This Sports Car Including Performance, Technical Data, Features, Rivals Comparison, History, Used Pricing

from classic to modern

CAR

The Noble M400 sports car, introduced in 2004 and priced at $ 94,000, was designed as the track version of the M12 that was originally released in 2000.

Its name is derived from the simple fact that the figure of 400 refers to the power-to-weight ratio of lime.

Specific changes to the M12 included an anti-roll bar up front, stronger springs, improved shock absorbers, a racing harness, and adjustments to seat position so that the driver was now more centrally aligned to allow additional headroom to use. a protective helmet. when competing.

The front splitter was removed and side vents were added behind the doors to improve airflow.

It had a curb weight of 1,060 kg, although air conditioning was offered as an optional extra even though it would add to the overall weight.

It had a fiberglass composite body and a steel space frame chassis, and was equipped with 330mm perforated and ventilated discs throughout.

The interior was decorated in Alcantara, and there was an adjustable steering wheel plus Sparco racing seats that could be moved and tilted both forward and backward.

In total, 75 units of the M400 were built and production ended in 2007.

THE MOTOR

The M400 was powered by a modified 3-liter 24-valve Ford Duratec V6 mid-engine, positioned transversely, which was equipped with two Garrett turbochargers in which the original T25s were replaced by two larger T28s, with a maximum boost of 0.8 bar. . .

As a result, it developed 425 bhp at 6500 rpm (redline at 7200) and 390 ft-lbs of torque at 5000 rpm, with most being available around 3000 rpm.

Equipped with a Getrag six-speed manual gearbox and an 8.0: 1 compression ratio, it produced a top speed of 187 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds.

This improved performance was helped by the use of:

• High lift camshafts
• Forged pistons for added strength
• Modified fuel injection, including larger injectors
• A smoother gear shift mechanism
• Additional cooling ducts
• An oil cooler
• Pirelli P-Zero tires with improved grip, which replaced the M12 Bridgestones
• A bigger sump

Technical data:

The Rossion Q1

The American company Rossion, also known as 1g Racing, bought the rights to the M400 in 2007 with the intention of producing a more luxurious version, called the Rossion Q1 sports car.

Using an unchanged power plant, the Q1 developed 450 bhp at 5800 rpm and 390 ft-lbs of torque at 4400 rpm, and produced a top speed of 189 mph, with a 0-60 mph time of 3.1 seconds.

The bodywork was redesigned with improved aerodynamics, plus the following additional features: improved engine control system, a rear diffuser and a flat bottom tray, and power windows. Technical data:

COMPETENCE

Typical competition for the Noble M400 included the following sports cars: Pagani Zonda C12S, Ferrari Enzo, and Porsche 996 GT2. Noble performance:

SPORTS CARS FOR SALE

On the second hand market, a typical Noble M400 in good condition would cost around £ 45,000 / $ 70,000.

This concludes my review of the Noble M400 sports car.