Elfin MS8 Streamliner
| Elfin MS8 Streamliner | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Elfin Cars |
| Production | 2006–present 100 of both models per year[1] |
| Designer | Mike Simcoe |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car (S) |
| Body style | 2 seater |
| Related | Elfin MS8 Clubman |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 5.7L V8 |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 3.50 metres (137.8 in) |
| Width | 1.71 metres (67.3 in) |
| Curb weight | 1,100 kg (2,425 lb) |
The Elfin MS8 Streamliner is a sports car, successor to the Elfin MS7, a Repco-Holden V8 powered sports racing car in which Elfin founder Garrie Cooper won the 1975 Australian Sports Car Championship, and Stuart Kostera won the 1976 Australian Tourist Trophy.
The MS8 was revealed at the 2004 Melbourne International Motor Show. It is being mentioned in the same articles as some of the greatest sports cars currently available.[2]
Sales to the UK are predicted for mid-2007. There are currently two Elfin MS8s in the UK for export evaluation[3] and an office has been set up in Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.
Design
The Elfin MS8 Streamliner models have been designed by Elfin Sports Cars and styled by the Holden Design team when Mike Simcoe was Styling Director.
On July 5, 2006, Elfin announced that the MS8 Streamliner will be going into production. Problems had surfaced with emissions and noise regulations which caused problems with the development cycle, but the car will have the same Holden-derived parts as the concept did.
Specification levels
There are two specifications for the Streamliner. One is the Roadster version which is a road registerable and the other is a Racer version which is single seat track only version. Sales started in July 2006 with the Streamliner selling for $119,990 (since revised to $99,990) and the Clubman for $98,990 (since revised to $84,990).[4] Production will be limited to just 100 units.
Special editions
50th Anniversary Streamliner
A '50th Anniversary' Streamliner model is being released in a limited run of five cars. The cars are distinguished by a special paint colour of 'Garrie Cooper Gold', a cabin hardtop and bonnet scoop and burgundy trim. The hard top and bonnet scoop were designed by Mike Simcoe, the designer of the cars. One of the cars will be a supercharged version with a 350 kW (469 hp), 660 N⋅m (487 lb⋅ft) V8 engine. The supercharger will be provided and fitted by Walkinshaw Performance. Pricing will be $128,500 with the supercharged version being $12,000 extra.[3][5]
'No Fear' Streamliner
In 2008, Elfin introduced a one-off promotional version of the MS8 Streamliner for the No Fear lifestyle brand whose products are sold exclusively at K-Mart stores throughout Australia. Marketing manager of No Fear, Coel Dart, stated: “We are very pleased with the finish and quality of the Streamliner and it will certainly be the centre of attention wherever we take it. This, combined with No Fears’ commitment to Australian motorsports biggest stage will expose our brand to a much wider target audience”. The car, designed by HSV's Adam Dean Smith, has so far been displayed at the 2008 Melbourne International Motor Show and the Australian Grand Prix.[6]
Performance
Top speed 275 km/h (171 mph)
standing 400 m (0.25 mi) - 13.7 s
0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.3 seconds
Technical specifications and features
Drivetrain
- 5.7 litre alloy V8 OHV 16 valves
- From 329 hp (245 kW; 334 PS)
- 6 speed gearbox
- Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
Safety
- Traction control system
- ABS braking system
- Cruise control
Suspension
- Fully independent rear suspension with top and bottom wishbones plus toe link adjustment
- Front suspension with top and bottom chrome moly, unequal, aerofoil wishbones
- Fully adjustable race spec rose joints throughout
- Elfin alloy uprights (front and rear), fully adjustable for camber, caster & toe
- Coil over Koni shock absorbers, adjustable for bump, rebound and ride height
Brakes
- Slotted & ventilated 4 wheel disc brakes Front: 32 x 343 mm (13.5 in) discs
- Elfin alloy billet machined 6 pot calipers Rear: 18 x 315 mm (12.4 in) discs with handbrake
- Elfin alloy billet machined 4 pot calipers
Steering/Pedals
- Rack and pinion with adjustable steering column
- Fully adjustable alloy pedal box with brake bias adjustment
Wheels/Tyres
Construction
- Jig assembled, hand crafted multitubular space frame
- GRP body panels
Dimensions
- Length 3,500 mm (137.8 in)
- Front Track 1,460 mm (57.5 in)
- Width 1,710 mm (67.3 in)
- Rear Track 1,430 mm (56.3 in)
- Wheelbase 2,290 mm (90.2 in)
- Kerb Weight 1,100 kg (2,425 lb)
References
- ^ McGrath, Gavin (15 December 2006). "Elfin joins the HSV club". Carsguide.com.au. Archived from the original on 10 December 2007. Retrieved 12 March 2007.
- ^ "Spanish Speedster". BusinessWeek.com. 1 March 2007. Archived from the original on 11 March 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2007.
- ^ a b Butler, Glann (1 March 2007). "Elfin supercharges Holden heart". drive.com.au. Retrieved 12 March 2007.
- ^ "Elfin Sports Cars Media Announcement". fullBOOST. 20 March 2007. Retrieved 29 March 2007.
- ^ "Elfin Streamliner 50th Anniversary". Worldcarfans. 10 May 2007. Retrieved 9 July 2009.
- ^ "Elfin Sports Cars - Elfin / No Fear Streamliner". Elfin.com.au. Retrieved 9 July 2009.