Lee Noble and Jimmy Price have again been busy with some good homebrew - The Fenix 2011
Now we’re all aware of the rise of that mythical creature the “Phoenix”; but what the hell is the Fenix? Bad spelling? Hardly likely from a designer gentleman from Barwell, Leicestershire!! So could Lee Noble have been watching the StarCraft series, between the sleepless nights while pondering how to shoe-horn a LS29 into his new creation? Well, probably more likely that Lee spent a fabulous holliday in Fenix North Carolina, and felt he wanted to honour the good folk from that little known town.
Whatever the reason there’s a new Supercar on the horizon – the Fenix 2011. Currently undergoing engineering trials around Port Elizabeth in South Africa, the beast is set to be let loose Early in 2011. Why would anyone be testing a Supercar in the backwoods of South Africa? It’s simple really ... that’s where this monster will see the light of day. Jimmy Price of Hi-Tech auto will continue his long relationship with the Noble sportscar, by building the Fenix at his facility outside Port Elizabeth.
Enough of the history lesson! Let’s take a look at the Fenix – At this stage that’s all we can do ... and speculate! Following on from the Noble M12, the composite shelled Fenix is likely to tip the scales at a respectable rather than remarkable 2400 lb’s. Prospective customers will have the choice of the 480 HP LS3 V8 from the trusty Corvette, or if they feel the need to get to know their local law enforcement on a more personal basis – the 620 HP from the ZR1.
Based on the M12 that turned the following figures:
0-100 6.8,
0-150 14.0,
0-200 29.8
1/4 mile 11.0/131.1
1 km 19.9/170.2
The Fenix with a design brief of better
aerodynamics is likely to better these (Which, by the way, are in the rarefied Mclaren F1 stratosphere)
Without having the specs we can only speculate that the trusted supercar mid-engined layout would be followed, driving through a six speed ‘box. Suspension is also likely to follow the proven formula of unequal-length wishbones with coil springs over adjustable shock absorbers.
When it comes to styling.... well, as they say beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Compared to the early Nobles, that really DID look like professional kit cars, the Felix has entered the grown-up world of sophistication – a bit like the boy from the backwoods in a tux! And exactly like this kid the Felix will be judged by its peers; its got the tux but does it have the brawn and sophistication to take on the other well-heeled guests at the party......
Watch this space!
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