Noble blasts back with new thriller

20th November 2009

Like a Fenix from the flames, Lee Noble is back! The designer behind the original lightweight Noble sportscar is set to return to the road and track with a new company, Fenix Automotive.

The firm has promised to launch one of the ‘most dramatic supercars of the century’ next year. Still to be named, the new model will be available at the end of 2010, and will be sold for less than £75,000.

It’s promised to follow in the footsteps of Noble’s previous efforts by blending lightweight construction with a powerful mid-mounted V8 to propel it from 0-100mph in under seven seconds.

The car is targeted at serious track day drivers, but Fenix claims it will be fully road legal, and that it will “trounce all Lee Noble-built Nobles for performance”.

The two-seater will be refined enough for regular road use, and showcase a special feature, to be unveiled closer to launch, is claimed to boost practicality.

Noble, who left Noble Automotive early in 2008, said: “It will offer buyers performance and dynamics they’d normally have to spend over £100,000 to experience, but at a far more affordable price.”

Before setting up Noble, which made the M12 and M400, he also designed models for UK brands Ultima and Ascari. The first Fenix prototype is currently being built at a plant in South Africa. Images of the car are due early next year.