American-style Nobility

With the exception of the AC Cobra (which started life as the insipid AC Ace), there aren't too many examples of cases where the Americans have got their paws on a British car and actually improved upon the original.

Well, here's another example -- dubbed the Rossion Q1, this menacing coupe is America's take on the Noble M400, and it's not only better looking than the original, it's also more potent and better equipped.

The car is the handiwork of Cincinnati-based 1G Racing, which earlier this year bought the intellectual property rights to Noble's old models.

The company has just announced pricing and details on the Rossion on its website and the raw numbers are as follows -- its twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 pumps out a hefty 335kW, and this is enough to provide a claimed 0-60mph (0-96km/h) sprint in 3.2sec and a v-max of 296km/h.

Most interesting of all, however, is that the Rossion Q1 costs just $90,700 (that's $103,720 in our money) in Yankeeland. This seems absurdly good value for something that belts out Ferrari-bashing performance.

As per the original Noble M400, the Rossion will be built in South Africa, but 1G Racing says it will provide full servicing and maintenance support the Rossion Q1, as well as for the 220 M12s and M400s it sold in the US since 2002 as the official dealer for the marque.

Its maker claims the Rossion Q1 is a more comfortable, cosseting conveyance than the Noble coupe from which it's derived.

The cabin is trimmed in hand-stitched leather upholstery and inside you'll find mod-cons such as satnav and a premium sound system. Its extra goodies quota means it weighs 74kg more than the Noble M400 (1134kg versus 1060kg), but the added weight is offset by the Rossion's more potent engine.

Alas, there are no plans to market the car in Australia, but did I hear someone say the words "grey import"...?

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