Currently reading: Noble’s yank cousin: the Rossion Q1
US Noble dealer announces US version of the M400, with 450bhp

After acquiring the intellectual property rights to Noble’s old models earlier this year, 1G Racing of Cincinnati, Ohio has today released the first official pictures and details of its version of the new US-market M400; this is the 450bhp, 185mph, $90,700 Rossion Q1.1G Racing released pictures and information on its Americanised Noble late last night, to Noble owners on Nobleforums.com. In its own words, the Q1 “incorporates dramatic design and a comfortably refined interior to create a versatile supercar that mesmerises on the road as easily as on the track.”

A little softer, a little heavier

It may not surprise you to learn that the Rossion Q1 is a slightly softer option than the stripped out Noble M400 that fathered it. For starters, Rossion uses the word “luxurious” to describe it, which is certainly not a word you’d associate with the Noble.The Q1’s cabin is a much more generously appointed place to be, offering satellite navigation, power mirrors, hand-stitched cabin upholstery and a top-notch sound system. Because of that extra equipment, however, it’s heavier than the M400; 1134kgs vs 1060kg. But it’s more powerful than the M400 too.To offset the extra heft, the Q1’s twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 has been tweaked to deliver 450bhp and 400 lb ft of torque (versus the M400’s 425bhp and 390lb ft). That gives it a power to weight ratio of 397bhp per tonne (the M400 had 401), and makes it capable of 0-60mph in 3.2sec and 185mph flat out.Rossion Automotive Vice President Dean Rosen explains the reasoning behind the decision to compromise some of the M400 hardcore performance ethic like this: “The Q1 is about achieving the very highest possible levels of performance and blending them with luxurious touches traditionally absent from cars of this calibre.”“It’s for the enthusiast looking for a refined road car that pushes the limits of performance in every way.”

Built in South Africa; priced in the US

The Rossion Q1 will be hand built in limited numbers at the same 380,000 square foot production facility where the M400 was produced, near Port Elizabeth, South Africa. US customers will be able to buy one without a drivetrain for the equivalent of £34,000 plus tax; the 450bhp V6 version will cost £44,600 plus tax.Formerly Noble’s only US dealer, 1G Racing was also keen to point out that it would still be providing servicing and maintenance support for the 220 M12s and M400s it has sold Stateside since 2002.

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