Good lord! It's Noble's scorching Ferrari beater

Sitting above the M12 in Noble's range, the new car is the firm's fastest and most expensive model yet. It has underpinnings based loosely around the M12, and company owner Lee Noble and his engineers have revised the suspension, mounted the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 longitudinally instead of transversely and fitted a new six-speed gearbox made by Italian manufacturer Graziano.

The M15 also features a striking body which was developed from the initial M14 concept revealed two years ago. Inside, the firm has introduced a new dashboard, while considerable improvements in material quality and equipment can be expected.

With 455bhp from the V6 and a kerbweight of only 1,250kg, the M15 has a power-to-weight ratio of 370bhp per tonne - which is better than the F430 and Gallardo. Noble claims a 0-60mph time of around 3.5 seconds, 0-100 in nine seconds and a 185mph top speed.

The newcomer is practical as well. Unlike the M12, the M15 boasts front and rear luggage compartments. And thanks to reprogrammed electronics, it also gets updated ABS and traction control systems. The final car should star at the British Motor Show in July.