It is still far from perfect. The turning circle of 10.3 meters (33.79 ft) is bus-like, the steering rack is far too loose, and by Noble's own admission, when the back end steps out in a major way on fast bends, then it's just plain impossible to grab enough lock to save it. Luggage space is limited to six small bags, the driving position isn't right and it drinks fuel.
On the aesthetics front the Noble looks like a chunkier, more imposing and less organic Lotus Elise. There are some rough edges: the front and rear aren't necessarily in proportion and the car looks square from the front, but when form is dictated entirely by function it's hard to criticize. Unfortunately, the interior is plain nasty, with Ford switchgear sitting on a carbon-fiber center console clad in what looks like offcuts from the red driving glove factory.
But go forward and you'll forget this as the balance of the car takes over. This is its strength-beyond the engine, brakes and the "colorful" interior, it's the chassis that leaves the lasting impression in the mind. It carves through bends at unfeasible speeds and will make most drivers feel they have suddenly gained an extra quotient of talent on twisting roads.
Noble has still stepped up a gear in terms of refinement and pure driving pleasure with the GTO-3R. There are negatives, but at the end of the day the latest Noble is a sub 50,000 supercar, bringing bionic performance into the hands of those that may never have enjoyed it before. It speaks volumes that once people buy a Noble, they tend to buy more, and the low depreciation suggests very few want to part with their cars once they have them.
It's in the U.S. in kit form, too, thanks to 1G Racing, with the rolling chassis coming in at $75,000 and the engine extra. And those looking for a second car that will blow their minds when the conditions are right, the Noble M12 GTO-3R should certainly find itself on the list.