Australian made Elfin MS8 Clubman & Streamliner Concepts go in production. Equipped with GM’s 335 Hp 5.7 V8

Auzzie federal authorities gave this week Australian Design Rule compliance approval for the Elfin MS8 Streamliner, with the Clubman expected to follow shortly. The two design concepts were first revealed to the public on the Holden stand at the 2004 Melbourne Motor Show. Since then, both models have been fully engineered for ADR compliance and refined for production readiness.

The Streamliner MS8 and Clubman MS8 share the same proportions - long wheelbase (2290 mm), wide track (front 1460mm, rear 1430mm), custom-tuned suspension, racing brakes, 18-inch wheels and low profile 245/40 tyres. Streamliner's length is 3,500mm, 300 mm longer than the open wheeler Clubman at 3,200mm.

Both models are powered by GM derived, Holden Gen III 5.7-litre V8, producing 335 Hp. Although no official figures given yet, the Caterham inspired MS8 Clubman has been said to do the 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4,4 sec, while for the quarter mile it’ll need a mere 12,5 sec. It’s coupe counterpart, the MS8 Streamliner is capable of doing the 0-100 km/h in 5,3 sec.

To ensure the smoothest possible launch, Elfin has entered into a new arrangement with elite car performance and racing engineering company, Walkinshaw Performance. The Clayton-based operation, owned by British racing legend Tom Walkinshaw, has been engaged to supply production engineering and marketing expertise during the launch phase.

Prices: In the process, production efficiencies have driven down costs, meaning significant price reductions for both models. The Streamliner, originally quoted at indicative price of $135,000, has gone on sale for $119,475 –about 89.000 USD or 70.000 Eurov. The Clubman, was originally priced at $109,000, but will hit the showroom at $98,785 –about 73.000 USD or 57.000 Euros.

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Nissan Murano GT-C Concept Unveiled

A FEW days after the unveiling of the stunning 350Z GT-S Concept, Nissan presented the analogous philosophy, Murano GT-C Concept. Developed under the close supervision of Nissan’s Bedfordshire-based European Technical Centre, the GT-C features a turbocharged 3.5 V6 powertrain that produces 340 Hp, a raft of suspension, brake and steering upgrades, all complemented by new styling, inside and out.

As with it’s 350Z GT-S counterpart, the Murano has a lot of chances to get the green light to go into production. If that happens, I hope Nissan designers rethink the interior concept which looks as if it was styled and decorated by a someone who still listens to Wham…

PRESS RELEASE

Engine: Central to the Murano GT-C’s dynamic appeal is its muscular new turbo-charged engine. In the GT-C, the Murano’s all-aluminium 3498cc V6 engine is breathed on by a single Garrett turbo-charger. The hybrid turbo is a bespoke unit created for this application, and features a turbine from a Garrett T3 and a compressor from a Garrett T4.

The 24 valve engine now produces 340 Hp at 6000rpm, and 265lb ft of torque at a 3600rpm – enough to speed the 1885kg Murano GT-C (a mere 20kg over the standard Murano) to 60mph in an estimated 7.0seconds and on to a top speed of 140mph.

Chassis: To match this performance, the Murano GT-C’s MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension is fitted with uprated Bilstein mono-tube dampers, shorter and 35% stiffer coil springs – which lower the ride height by 25mm – as well as recalibrated front suspension kinematics to enhance cornering turn-in and improve steering feedback.

The Murano GT-C is fitted with a bespoke AP Racing brake system that’s more than capable of handling the engine’s performance boost. At the front, large 362mm two-piece rotors are gripped by powerful six-pot callipers, while at the rear four-pot callipers grasp single piece 330mm discs. All four rotors are vented and grooved for improved heat dissipation. The Murano’s advanced ABS anti-lock system and ESP electronic stability programme remain unchanged.

Transmission: Mated to the Murano’s slick computer-controlled X-Tronic CVT transmission and intuitive ALL-MODE electronic all-wheel drive system, the GT-C delivers effortless acceleration and taut, driver-focused responses, irrespective of the weather or road conditions.

Styling: To match this performance hike, the GT-C has undergone a dramatic styling makeover that elevates the Murano’s already distinctive lines onto a higher level.

Painted in Nissan’s Kuro Black paint, the Murano GT-C features front grille, wing mirrors, door handles, headlamp interiors and badging covered in a clear and deep black/bronze Dupont lacquer. The front air intakes are faced in stainless woven steel mesh and the redesigned rear bumper houses those four chamfered exhaust pipes.

Unique 22inch five-spoke two-piece lightweight alloy wheels, shod with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx ZR 265/35 profile tyres fill the Murano GT-C’s bold wheel arches, and that aerodynamically tuned rear wing further underscores the Nissan’s sporting credentials.

Interior: The central sections of the Murano’s low-slung and electrically adjustable front seats have been trimmed in perforated Strathspey leather, from Andrew Muirhead in Scotland, Europe’s oldest and most distinguished tannery. This hand-stitched honey-coloured waxed matt leather is also used on the rear seats, the centre of the seat headrests, the elbow pads in the door, the top and bottom quadrants of the steering wheel and the recesses of the footwells.

The organic Strathspey leather is offset by the tan Glove material that’s used above the belt-line to cover the headlining and pillars. Like the leather, this advanced man-made fibre is hand-stitched.

That striking exterior black/bronze lacquer is carried through to the cabin, where it’s used to coat the door’s step sills and the lids of the central stowage console. The black/bronze hue is further accented by the GT-C’s grab handles, coat hooks and interior light surrounds that are all coated in a soft-touch tan finish.

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Hilarious TV Add: “Midas Auto Tuning” guy tunes up this “babe” !

This must be probably one of the funniest and wittiest car related commercials I’ve seen the past few months. No cars actually involved, but the guy’s who thought of this witty commercial manage to pass out the message AND THAT’S THE POINT of an add. Watch this “Midas Auto Tuning” -off duty- employee tune up this “baby” !

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Citroen’s 2nd “C4 Transformer” TV Add

Remember Citroen’s C4 1st Transformer Commercial (see bellow)? Well, the French seem to think that a lot of people liked it so they came up with another one. This time the C4 Transformer takes on skiing. Interesting but not so innovative and fun as the 1st one.

C4 Transformer 2nd TV Add

C4 Transformer 1nd TV Add

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Cool Renault Clio RS Commercial: “As fast as a bullet”

According to the French carmaker, Superman -who by the way made quite a comeback this week on the big-screen, isn’t the only one that can brag for being “as fast as a speeding bullet” as this imaginative Renault Clio RS commercial proves. Mmm, I wonder if this is a sign for GM…

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Gibbs Quadski Ampbibian ATV

Now, this seems really cool for our summer vacations. Gibbs Technologies Ltd, known for there Mazda Miata/MX-5 based Amphibian, “Aquada” has made a prototype of a commercially viable high-speed amphibian Quadbike/All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) which they smartly call Quadski.

The Quadski is the third demonstration of Gibbs’ HSA technology following the of the Aquada and the Humdinga. According to the company, the Quadski prototype is capable of travelling up to 50 mph (72 kph) on land and water and makes the transition “at the flick of a switch” as the company characteristically says. Bellow you can see a video clip of the Gibbs Quadski in real action.

Alan Gibbs, founder of UK based Gibbs Technologies Ltd.: “Quadski is both exciting and practical with a multitude of uses. I know consumers will love the fun of driving a Quadski on land one minute and then head straight into the sea or river the next. But there is a very serious side to Quadski as well: emergency services and aid workers will be able to reach areas and people no two or four wheel drive vehicle could reach.” Via: Autoblog.it

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Mercedes…Binz S-Class 6door Luxury Limousine Concept

Limousine manufacturer "Binz", known for its extended chassis E-Class limousines, is stepping up a grade with an all new S-Class limousine concept vehicle. The S-Class Mercedes-Benz based Binz is designed to continue that tradition of excellence established since 1936 when Michael Binz first started coachbuilding with Mercedes-Benz sourced chassis units.

Production of the E- Class Binz continues but it is proposed that this will be complimented by the much larger and more sophisticated Binz S-Class, which will initially be available to special order only.

Inside the 6-door S-Class, passengers will relax on leather seating, and keep their cool thanks to the car’s middle-eastern specification air conditioning. Available options include in-car entertainment from video screens set into the rear of each headrest, and privacy blinds. Power will be courtesy of the S320 V6 common-rail turbo-diesel, while the S350 petrol 24 valve V6 will be optional.

Binz UK CEO Peter Smith explains, "With the latest incarnation of the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz have raised the bar yet again as regards standards of passenger safety, and ride comfort. To retain full Mercedes-Benz engineering approvals for our extended chassis limousine version, means precise recalibration of interrelated on-board electronics controlling adaptive intelligent ride air suspension, vehicle stability control and now the Pre-Safe occupant restraint facility."

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