2006 Noble M15: A Refined Take on Raw Performance - AllCarIndex

2006 Noble M15: A Refined Take on Raw Performance

May 11, 2025

In 2006, Noble Automotive unveiled the M15, marking a significant departure from its previous, more hardcore offerings. Designed with a focus on refinement and practicality, the M15 introduced a new level of usability into the Noble stable—without compromising on performance.

At £74,950, the M15 positioned itself well above earlier Noble models in both price and ambition. Its power came from a mid-mounted, longitudinally-installed 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged Ford V6, producing 455 bhp and 455 lb-ft of torque. That setup pushed the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds and on to a claimed top speed of 185 mph (298 km/h). This made it the most powerful and fastest production car ever to leave the company’s Leicestershire facility at the time.

The longitudinal drivetrain layout, a first for Noble, moved the engine and gearbox forward by 300mm compared to previous models. This resulted in improved turbo cooling and a better weight distribution of 42:58 front to rear. Noble designed the M15 to handle higher mileage and reduced maintenance, with improved accessibility around engine components.

Underneath, the M15 featured a newly engineered tubular space frame chassis, reinforced with bonded and riveted aluminium panels. This construction offered a 57% increase in torsional stiffness compared to the M12/M400 platform. Noble retained the double-wishbone suspension layout but equipped the M15 with bespoke, non-adjustable gas dampers and reworked spring rates for improved ride comfort and high-speed control.

The braking system was completely revised. Ventilated 330mm discs and four-piston callipers were fitted all around, offering better stopping power and pedal feel. Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres—225/40 R18 at the front and 285/40 R19 at the rear—were selected in collaboration with Pirelli engineers. A wider track and low centre of gravity further improved grip and composure.

In terms of design, the M15 retained compact proportions, measuring 4270mm in length and weighing just over 1200 kg. Despite its relatively small footprint, the cabin offered improved comfort, crash protection, and even 300 litres of luggage space split between front and rear compartments.

Aesthetically, the M15 was defined by its aggressive front wings, boomerang-style headlights, and a sleek fastback profile. Large intakes and a rear diffuser—proven on Noble’s race cars—served both aerodynamic and cooling functions. The bodywork prioritised downforce without resorting to oversized wings.

Inside, the M15 aimed to change perceptions of what a Noble could be. The interior was trimmed in Italian leather with carbon-fibre bucket seats offering both support and comfort. An adjustable steering column and a new four-spoke leather wheel contributed to an ergonomic driving position. A touchscreen satellite navigation system took centre stage on the dashboard—another first for the brand.

Efforts were also made to improve NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) levels. A newly developed exhaust system kept cabin noise down at lower revs, while still letting the twin-turbocharged V6 breathe freely up to its 7200 rpm redline.

The M15’s six-speed manual gearbox was supplied by Graziano, also known for supplying gearboxes to marques like Ferrari, Maserati, and Aston Martin. Noble worked closely with the Italian firm to tailor the shift feel to match the engine's characteristics.

With production numbers strictly limited, the Noble M15 represented a shift towards a more mature, road-usable supercar—albeit one still capable of serious performance.