ROSSION AUTOMOTIVE ANNOUNCES WORLD DEBUT OF THRILLING NEW ROSSION Q1

Rossion Q1 Redefines Supercar Landscape Offering Ultimate Performance in Luxurious Road Car, Perfectly Suited for Street or Track

CINCINNATI, OH (July 9, 2007) – Rossion Automotive proudly announces the worldwide debut of their new supercar, the Rossion Q1. The move into production for the Rossion Q1 began after 1G Racing acquired both the intellectual and design rights for the Noble M400 and M12 platforms earlier this year in February. While further stressing the performance aspects that made Noble platforms such a startling success, the new Rossion Q1 incorporates dramatic design and a comfortably refined interior to create a versatile supercar that mesmerizes on the road as easily as on the track.

“We are extremely proud to launch the Rossion brand with the introduction of the new Q1,” says Rossion Automotive Vice President Dean Rosen. “The Q1 is about achieving the very highest possible levels of performance and blending them with luxurious touches traditionally absent from cars of this caliber.” The Rossion Q1 is for the enthusiast looking for a refined road car that pushes the limits of performance in every way.”

The Q1 offers one of the most superb driving experiences available with a wide array of the highest quality comforts with available options including satellite navigation, power mirrors, hand-stitched sumptuous interiors, and high-grade sound system. The sensuously-styled body covers the fiery power of the Q1 with a suggested drive train offering a visceral 450-horspower and 400 ft. lbs. torque. To maximize performance, the mid-mounted engine is set into a feather-light frame offering a slim total weight of under 2,500 lb.

With 0-60 mph times posting an ethereal 3.2 seconds, a daunting 11.4 second quarter mile time with well over 1G of lateral track skid pad, and a blisteringly fast top speed of 185 mph, the Rossion Q1 will offer even the most accomplished drivers a truly world class driving experience.

Available with one of the most versatile high-performance packages available today as a component vehicle, the Rossion Q1 will be hand built in limited numbers at the same 380,000 square foot production facility the M400 was produced. The Rossion Q1 chassis will have a base price just under $69,000 (U.S.) minus drivetrain. Owner completed cost with suggested drivetrain Base price $90,700. Initial orders are now being accepted for the Q1 with first deliveries set for later this year

About Rossion Automotive
Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rossion Automotive is the distributor of high-performance component cars including the new Rossion Q1. For more information on Rossion vehicles, please visit http://www.rossioncars.com or call 866-612-6625 (International 513-738-0828).

Q1 Rossion
A Noble endeavor for True Believers

Rossion_Q1

The True Belevers were worried. The Noble M400 design was sold to the importers, 1G Racing, and the car would be changed – for the worst. Is this the end of the world? (No) Or, did 1G racing save one of the finest sports cars ever built? (Heck yes!)

Would the new Rossion Q1 be a worthy successor? (You need to read the rest of the article)

While many motoring enthusiasts may enjoy the idea of “new”, perhaps more of us are suspect of it, especially when it is a major revision of a very successful design. There seems to be a tendency to “mature” some designs, moving from sharp performance, to something a little more comfortable and compliant. Trying to make an ultimate performance car more widely accepted usually ends up homogenizing the performance, blurring the intent. Trendy content is sometimes added, removing that wonderful polarizing edge. For the True Believers, this is not an ideal situation.

The Noble M400 is a superlative sports car, and one of those designs that probably should not be messed with. But, as do many wonderful but somewhat underdeveloped cars, the Noble has, well, quirks. The side windows didn’t roll down all the way. The interior had some non-traditional finish materials (which I happened to like), and some of the cockpit controls had their origins in the mid 20th century.

Viewing the purchase of the Lee Noble design as an opportunity to produce an even better sports car, Rossion principals Dean Rosen and Ian Grunes decided that a facelift would not do. The body would have to be re designed, and while they were at it, a few hundred other changes would be made to the chassis to increase strength, performance, and ease EU compliance (The M400 was a UK an US product only) to access a far larger market of True Believers throughout Europe.

Though the Q1 does look purposeful and attractive in the published 3D renderings shown over the last year, it is a knock out when viewed in person. Compared to the earlier car, the Q1 looks longer and lower. The fact is that the measurements have not changed at all. Those measurements, and the sleek windshield are about the only carryovers for the Q1.

A quick examination of the new coachwork reveals quite a few interesting changes.

Side scoops are now much larger, greatly increasing airflow through the engine compartment. Scoops built into the B pillar, behind the lengthened side glass, feed the charge air cooler a steady supply of cool air. The entire engine compartment interior has been modified to aid in airflow and heat management. Other changes include new hubs and 5 bolt wheels.

Rossion Q1 Interior

Opening the door and sliding into the light weight, leather upholstered carbon fiber seat, one finds that all of the gauges are now in front of the driver, in a dash skinned in stitched and molded leather. There is a new adjustable steering column with much more substantial stalk controls. The center console now holds an audio/navigation system, mounted high enough so that it can be seen and reached easily. Below, there are the new HVAC controls with CNC milled knobs.

It is a much warmer environment that speaks of quality, while retaining the sporting feel. The little strip of drilled alloy dead pedal is still down in the foot well, with a new set of racy drilled alloy pedals .The full roll cage is still tucked into the roof and pillars. The redesigned cockpit is more comfortable and focused, dedicated to the sport of driving.

The refinements continue into the doors, with new electric controls replacing the cool looking but tedious cranks. The side glass now retracts fully into the doors, and the side mirrors are adjusted electrically.

A traditional start button lights up the “suggested” AER built turbocharged Ford Duratec V6 (Remember, the Q1 is a component car in the US). The Q1 sounds a little different, with a more authoritative bark to the exhaust, which has been completely re configured as part of a power increase program. The new pipes, along with a new engine management unit, raise power to slightly over 450 BHP, an improvement of more than 25 hp over the M400. Torque has been increased to 410 lb.ft.

Rossion continues with the sliky smooth British AP manufactured racing clutch and 6 speed Getrag transaxle fitted with a Quaife differential.

Driving quickly reveals the Q1s excellent control coordination. The clutch effort is just right, with a nice, smooth engagement while the long throttle travel makes it easy to modulate the 450 HP without untoward wheel spin. Underway, the car still has all of he feel of the M400, though a revised power steering unit and front suspension uprights. The Q1’s steering is delightfully light, with wonderful feel and feedback to the driver’s fingertips.

The sonorous V6 engine delivers loads of torque, and turbo lag is virtually nonexistent. It is easy to run around town in 4th and and 5th gear, enjoying the wave of torque, while saving fuel at the same time.

With a power to weight ratio of better than 400 HP per ton, the Q1 moves beyond just being quick. Make sure that the steering wheel is pointed straight, as response to the throttle is immediate. Get control of the wheel spin, and 60 flashes by in not more than 3.3 seconds. Hang on and keep shifting for a quarter mile pass in 11.4 seconds at over 123 mph. Compare those times with your neighbor’s Enzo, or your buddy’s Carrera GT.

When brakes are needed, the Q1 has a massive AP racing setup, with 13” rotors. Perfect modulation and feel enable the Q1 to stop from 60 in 106’ without the benefits of ABS.

Excellent steering and prodigious grip are expected from a car like the Q1. The surprise is the compliant ride, and the perfect damper control, working well even on the rough road surfaces of our test venue. Though the ride is definitely on the sporty side, the Q1 takes care not to bruise or batter its driver.

The handling is essentially neutral, with perfectly controllable over steer available at a touch of the throttle. This chassis is perfectly balanced, transitioning to over steer gently. Overstep your skill level and the car comes back with a release of the throttle and a slight steering correction. Though imbued with eyeball flattening acceleration and quick throttle response, the Q1 is immediately confidence inspiring and easy to drive.

Take the Q1 to the mountains, where its small size, comfortable driving position and excellent visibility will turn you into Vaccarella at the Targa Florio. The front end never gives up its grip, while the rear will scribe the turn dictated by the steering wheel. A moderately skilled driver can use the power to tighten the odd apex with complete control.

The Q1s exquisite dynamics have been honed through the tried and true methods of proper suspension design and development, rather than through a programmer’s miracle of computerized stability control. The Q1 doesn’t possess a stability management or manittino knob. No electrons are sacrificed to produce the grip and control offered by the amazing Q1.

If you are worried about weight (as all True Believers are), Rossion was careful with the Q1 not to add content, but to substitute existing systems. This kept the Q1s empty weight to 2,400 lbs, within 12 lbs of the Noble.

Though an excellent supercar, the Q1 may not be for everybody. There are some demands that the Q1 makes of its owner. Getting in and out of the low coupe may be considered exercise, and it is very hard to remain anonymous in a Q1. The car gathers cell phone photographers on the road, and crowds when parked, or stopped for refueling. Oh, the sacrifices that we must make to enjoy automotive perfection.

Though the Noble M400 as we knew it is gone, the Q1 still possess the Nobles heart and soul, now with more power and a leather interior.

Yes, you can easily register the Q1 in California, and most other states. Check your local laws concerning “Special Construction Vehicles”.

So just how much different is a Rossion than a Noble?

Rather change the badge, which would have been the easy way to continue production, Rossion Automotive took a good look at the wonderful Noble, and decided to revise, well, everything. After all, they had sold 220 of the cars in less than three years, and had a pretty good idea as to what needed to be done.

First, the autoclaved fiberglass body was restyled, not just for a different look, but to drastically alter the airflow around and through the car. Hot air would come off of the radiator exit and enter through the open side glass. Heat from the front turbo would also help to warm the center tunnel, a result of confused air flow through the engine compartment.

By incorporating 3D modeling, it was possible to tweak the aerodynamics without having to build a scale model. This technique dramatically reduced the development time required to produce the tooling for the new bodywork.

The interior received a new instrument panel, with a proper glove box . Additional leg room has been added on the passenger side, using space made available by the relocation of the electrical components. Electric windows that roll all the way down are fitted, and a new steering column puts upgraded controls at the driver’s fingertips. The interior is lined in leather, with padding in all the appropriate places. The excellent carbon fiber racing seats remain, but are now upholstered in leather, if desired. A welcome touch includes a new center dash, which houses a new navigation/audio screen, along with modern electronic HVAC controls and vents.

The chassis also received some needed revision, both to increase strength (to meet EU standards), and to simplify production and serviceability. Components were moved, and wiring has been re routed. The front end of the chassis is redesigned to fit new ZF steering gear, with new, stronger 5 bolt hubs and uprights. The rear suspension received a simplified adjustable toe link, making suspension setup much easier.

Finally, the engine, equipped with a more powerful ECU and exhaust system, is now rated at 450 BHP at 6000 RPM, an improvement of 25 HP.

The most interesting thing about the transformation is that the actual component count did not increase. Old systems were replaced with new, and in many cases lighter pieces. A complete Q1 weighs in at about the same as its less-luxurious predecessor.