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Specifications
Engine
• VR-series twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6.
• 480 hp @ 6,800 rpm. 430 lb-ft torque @ 3,200–5,200 rpm.
• Dual overhead camshafts with variable intake-valve timing.
• Cast aluminum cylinder block with high-endurance/low-friction plasma-sprayed bores.
• IHI twin turbochargers, one per cylinder bank.
• Pressurized lubrication system with thermostatically controlled cooling.
Drivetrain
• ATTESA ET-S All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with independent rear-mounted transaxle integrating transmission, differential and AWD transfer case.
• Rigid, lightweight carbon-composite driveshaft between engine and transaxle.
• Electronic traction control plus 1.5-way mechanically locking rear differential.
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) with three driver-selectable settings: Normal (for daily driving, controls brakes and engine output), R-Mode (for ultimate performance, utilizes AWD torque distribution for additional vehicle stability) and Off (driver does not want the help of the system).
• Hill Start Assist prevents rollback when starting on an incline.
DisclaimerVDC-R cannot prevent accidents due to abrupt steering, carelessness, or dangerous driving techniques. Always drive safely.
Transmission
• 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with three driver-selectable modes: Normal (for maximum smoothness and efficiency), Snow (for gentler starting and shifting on slippery surfaces), and R mode (for maximum performance with fastest shifts).
• Fully automatic shifting or full sequential manual control via gearshift or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
• Dual clutch design changes gears in less than 0.5 second (0.2 second in R mode).
• Downshift Rev Matching (DRM).
• Predictive pre-shift control (in R mode) based on throttle position, vehicle speed, braking and other information.
Wheels and Tires
• 20 x 9.5" (front) and 20 x 10.5" (rear) super-lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with Gunmetal Gray finish.
• Exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Bridgestone® RE070A high-capacity run-flat summer tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
• Optional exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Dunlop® run-flat all-season tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear (includes Bright Silver wheels).
Brakes
• Brembo® 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Preview Braking.
• Two-piece floating-rotor 15-inch front and rear discs with diamond-pattern internal ventilation.
• 6-piston front/4-piston rear monoblock calipers.
Steering
• Rack-and-pinion steering with vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist.
• 2.6 steering-wheel turns lock-to-lock.
Suspension
• 4-wheel independent suspension with Bilstein® DampTronic system with three driver-selectable modes: Normal/Sport (for automatic electronic control of damping), Comfort (for maximum ride comfort), and R mode (engages maximum damping rate for high-performance cornering).
• Electronically controlled variable-rate shock absorbers. High-accuracy progressive-rate coil springs.
• Front double-wishbone/rear multi-link configuration with aluminum members and rigid aluminum subframes.
• Hollow front and rear stabilizer bars.
Body/Chassis
• Exclusive Premium Midship platform with jig-welded hybrid unibody.
• Aluminum hood, trunk and door skins. Die-cast aluminum door structures.
• Carbon-reinforced front crossmember/radiator support.
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Standard Features
Exterior
• Wide-beam headlights with High Intensity Discharge (HID) low beams.
• LED taillights and brake lights.
• Dual heated power mirrors.
• Flush-mounted aluminum door handles.
• Body-color rear spoiler with integrated center high-mounted stop light.
• UV-reducing tinted glass.
Audio/Navigation/Performance Monitor
• Digital Bose® audio system with AM/FM/in-dash 6-CD changer and 11 speakers including dual subwoofers.
• HDD Music Box system, including hard drive with 9.4 GB for audio storage.
• MP3, WMA and DVD audio capable. In-dash Compact Flash card reader.
• HDD-based GPS navigation with touch screen.
• Driver-configurable performance monitor, developed with Sony® Polyphony, with graphical readouts of vehicle data and driving data displayed on a total of 11 screens.
• 7-inch WVGA high-resolution color-LCD display for audio, navigation and performance monitor.
Interior
• Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).
• Electronic analog instrument cluster with multi-function trip computer and digital gear indicator.
• Power front windows with one-touch auto-up/down feature.
• Intelligent Key system with pushbutton start. Power door locks.
• Cruise control.
• Tilt/telescoping steering column.
• Bluetooth® Hands-free phone system with voice recognition.
Seating/Appointments
• Leather upholstered front seats with perforated Alcantara inserts.
• 8-way power front seats with entry/exit switch for rear-seat passengers.
• Driver-shaped bucket seat.
• Dual individual rear seats.
• Heated front seats.
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
• Drilled aluminum pedals.
Safety/Security
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and occupant-classification sensor.
• Driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags.
• Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
• Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System.
• Vehicle Security System.
Seen here at the NECPWA's Vintage Vehicle Rally at Woodhorn Colliery Museum, Woodhorn, Ashington, Northumberland. A mid-engined kit-car, originally designed and built around two front mini subframes attached to a sheet steel monocoque chassis. Dating back to 1967, several versions have been produced. GTM stood for Grand Touring Mini. The rear boot section is removed for engine access. (See next photo).
Manufacturer: Winston Motors
Nationality: British
First assembled: December 2211
Birthplace: Liverpool, England
Price: $800,000
Weight: 3,880 lbs
Engine: Naturally Aspirated 8.0L V16
HP: 1,222 hp
0-60: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed: 270 mph
"Vintage setup, modern technologies"
The 2213 Lionheart V16 is a revival of the once revered supercar built in the early 1900's. The 1913 Lionheart was built using many exotic materials and utilized various components that were ahead of its time, but most were parted out for the first world war effort. Engines were transplanted into tanks, aluminum panels were reshaped for airplane bodies, and frames were modified to carry anti-aircraft guns. Of the one hundred chassis planned only twelve bespoke units were built, and only two known surviving 1913 Lionhearts are confirmed to exist. One is in the hands of a private collector in Switzerland, while the other is the factory demonstration car used by Winston to sell the Lionheart to prospective buyers. Exactly 300 years later Winston has revived the nameplate and the same setup as the legendary 1913 vehicle for a limited production run.
The modern Lionheart rides on a carbon monocoque tub for rigidly and is attached with aluminum subframes for impact protection. The aluminum body of the Lionheart is hand formed by master craftsmen in Winston's factory, were it takes two weeks to complete a single shell. The showcase of the Lionheart is the transparent aluminium oxynitide hood that displays the entirety of the V16 and stretches from the front grill to the windscreen. The hood is a nod to the stained glass bonnets used on the original Lionhearts, and although a stained glass option is not available on the new model a thermal resistant smart-tint is applied that will duplicate the tint of the cabin glass. The Lionheart’s long overall length obtained itself the same nickname as its predecessor: “The rolling obelisk”.
The 2213 Lionheart draws its power from a massive aluminum V16 engine that displaces 8.0 liters. The engine is naturally aspirated allowing for a rapid response in acceleration any time the driver presses the gas pedal. With 1,222 horsepower available at a moment's notice the Lionheart will rampage to a top speed of 270 mph. Such power comes with a great cost because even with Winston's efficiency systems dialed to max the Lionheart will only yield 46 mpg. Winston opted not to equip the Lionheart with a government sanctioned Fuel Reduction System – instead leaving it as an option – as it would add unnecessary weight and rob from the experience. This omission results in a $10,000 annual operating fee for owners who continue to forgo the system.
Despite 300 years in technological advancements Winston's Lionheart has so much understeer – even at low speeds – that reviewers described the handling characteristics as a train without rails. Built primarily as a prestige road vehicle The V16 is a harrowing driving experience on narrow technical circuits; reviewers contintuously came close to putting the Lionheart into walls when maneuvering at higher speeds, but on tracks with enough room to maneuver the Lionheart truly shines. Race circuits are best left to other vehicles in Winston's catalogue, the V16 is best suited for cruising to prestigious events of the financially well off, well connected, or well known; and making its owner's presence known.
This great looking 67 Camaro Z28 took part in the Centerfire Shooting Sports Car Show held in Olathe Kansas.
The 1967 Camaro shared the subframe / semi-unibody design with the 1968 Chevy II Nova. Almost 80 factory and 40 dealer options, including three main packages, were available: the RS, the SS and the Z/28.
The SS included a 350 cu in (5.7 L) producing 295 bhp (299 PS; 220 kW) at 4800 rpm and 380 lb⋅ft (515 N⋅m) at 3200 rpm of torque;[8] and the L35 and L78 396 cu in (6.5 L) big-block V8 engines producing 375 bhp (380 PS; 280 kW) at 5600 rpm and 415 lb⋅ft (563 N⋅m) at 3600 rpm of torque were available.[9] The SS featured non-functional air inlets on the hood, special striping, and SS badging on the grille, front fenders, gas cap, and horn button. It was possible to order both the SS and RS options, making it a SS/RS. In 1967, a Camaro SS/RS convertible with a 396 engine paced the Indianapolis 500.
The Z/28 option code was introduced in December 1966 for the 1967 model year. It was the brainchild of Vince Piggins, who conceived offering "virtually race-ready" Camaros for sale [10] from any Chevrolet dealer.[11] This option package was not mentioned in any sales literature, so it was unknown to most buyers.[12] The Z/28 option required power front disc brakes and a close-ratio Muncie 4-speed manual transmission (posi-traction was optional). It featured a 302 cu in (4.9 L) small-block V-8 engine, 3" stroke crankshaft with 4" bore, an aluminum intake manifold, and a 4-barrel vacuum secondary Holley carburetor of 780 cfm. The engine was designed specifically to race in the Trans Am series (which required engines smaller than 305 cu in (5.0 L). Advertised power of this engine was listed at 290 hp (216 kW). This is an under-rated figure.[12] Chevrolet wanted to keep the horsepower rating at less than 1 hp per cubic inch, for various reasons (e.g. insurance and racing classes). The factory rating of 290 hp occurred at 5300 rpm, while actual peak for the high-revving 302 was closer to 360 hp (268 kW) (with the single four barrel carb) and 400 hp (298 kW) (with optional dual-four barrel carbs) at 6800-7000 rpm. The Z/28 also came with upgraded suspension, racing stripes on the hood and trunk lid, '302' front fender emblems on the 67 and early 68 cars, and 'Z/28' emblems in late 68 & 69. It was also possible to combine the Z/28 package with the RS package.
Only 602 Z/28s were sold in 1967, along with approximately 100 Indianapolis Pace Car replicas.[13] The 1967 and 1968 Z/28s did not have the cowl induction hood, optional on the 1969 Z/28s. The 1967 Z28 received air from an open element air cleaner or from an optional cowl plenum duct attached to the side of the air cleaner that ran to the firewall and got air from the cowl vents. 15-inch rally wheels were included with Z/28s while all other 1967-9 Camaros had 14-inch wheels.
The origin of the Z/28 nameplate came from the RPO codes - RPO Z28 was the code for the Special Performance Package. RPO Z27 was for the Super Sport package.
Orion might be my target for a while. I find that I can move my Losmandy GM-8 with Canon EOS D60a/50mm lens very easily in one piece, and capture the full constellation in a single frame.
I feel strongly enough about it to reiterate, that wide field photography is a great place for an astrophotographer to begin learning this craft. At 55mm focal length in this case, I polar aligned with a polar alignment scope - no fancy devices or software here. Not only could I not discern elongated stars in my subs, I could detect no movement of Orion within the frame over the last two hours of imaging! As precise polar alignment can be a vexing issue for a beginner, short focal lengths are very forgiving and can allow the photographer to concentrate on learning to collet photons, and set polar alignment aside as a problem to solve another day.
My setup is perfect for our weather of late, because it presents a slim profile that reduces the wind's effect, and I can align and be back indoors in just a few minutes. This is my second time on this target in a week, and more visits will, I hope, permit me to track my skill progression.
This image is derived from a stack of 196 35-second subs at ISO 100. I set the BYE histogram peak at about 25% in BYE thinking that anymore of than that would render the frames over exposed. But when I checked the histogram in PixInsight, I found the peak at about 10%. Next time I will go longer with my exposure to see what happens.
I calibrated with 55 dark frames and 55 bias frames. I did not use flats.
The stars seem bloated in both individual subs and in the final image, which really highlights the bright stars that define the constellation. But of course we strive for pinpoint stars. I attribute the bloatedness to gusty surface winds, below average seeing, and poor focus. Focus was good when I started out, but in PixInsight's SubframeSelector measurements, I could see a distinct jump in FWHM in the frames taken after the meridian flip. Lesson learned, of course, is to refocus the camera after the flip.
I see some noise in the final image that I have not seen before, and is not present my subframes. It consists of squiggly lines sweeping sharply up and to the right. Perhaps dithering is required to address this.
Bloated stars and noise aside, I am very happy with the colors in this image.
Canon EOS 60Da (f/2.8, ISO 100, 60s)
Losmandy GM-8
PixInsight (196 lights, 55 darks, 55 bias)
Rationalisation at NCS HQ yielded the Modular MQB platform (Modular, Quick-change, Basic) with a common body mated to a wide range of powertrain subframes.
Here we have an MQB body mated to a MRNDR Super-duty Proton inversion flying chassis, rated for higher speeds and more stable flight than the ION version.
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Photographed at Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada
(285 km by road north of Toronto)
* Temperature 11 degrees C.
* Total exposure time: 10 minutes.
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Description:
Our home galaxy, the Milky Way, runs through the constellation Cygnus (the Swan) high in the northern hemisphere summer and autumn sky. Dense clouds of stars are obscured in places by winding lanes of dark foreground gas.
The red appearance of glowing clouds of hydrogen gas, the colours of which cannot be seen with the human eye, are revealed by the digital camera's sensor in long exposure photographs.
One of the most distinctive gas clouds is the aptly named "North America Nebula", to the left of centre. For a close-up view of this nebula made with a 400 mm lens, click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/19933485213
To the right of the North America Nebula, and just left of centre, is a complex patch of red hydrogen gas surrounding the bright star Sadr (Gamma Cygni). For a close-up of this region made with a 540 mm focal length telescope in Sept. 2016, click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/31156465551
For a version of this photo WITHOUT labels, click on the LEFT side of your screen, or here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/31156349001
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Technical information:
Sigma 50 mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART lens on Nikon D810a camera body, mounted on Astrophysics 1100GTO equatorial mount with a Kirk Enterprises ball head
Ten stacked frames; each frame:
50 mm focal length
ISO 2500; 1 minute exposure at f/4; unguided
(with LENR - long exposure noise reduction)
Subframes registered in RegiStar;
Stacked and processed in Photoshop CS6 (brightness, contrast, levels, colour balance)
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1985 Daimler 4.2 auto.
Last MoT test expired on 20th July 2024 (taxed to March 2025).
It failed a test on 21st June 2024 -
Nearside front steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii)) - Major
Nearside front subframe mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i)) - Major
Nearside front windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (3.5 (a)) - Major
Nearside front windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii)) - Major
Offside front headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii)) - Major
Offside front windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii)) - Major
Offside rear suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength outer sill (5.3.6 (a) (i)) - Major
Offside rear wheel bearing has excessive play (5.1.3 (a) (i)) - Major
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i)) - Major
Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment (1.1.6 (c)) - Major
Anglia Car Auctions, King's Lynn -
"Chassis number: SADDCRLP3CC431723. This 1985 Daimler 4.2 saloon is finished in Cirrus Grey with Buckskin interior, and has recently featured in Classic Jaguar magazine as a project car. It starts, runs and drives and now requires some welding and a pair of rear wheel bearings in order to pass an MoT. Registered in August 1985, the car's odometer shows 119,355 miles but the MoT history and bills suggest a speedometer change in 2012, so the actual total is believed to be around 170,000. Its MoT expired in July 2024 after being tested the year at an indicated 119,354 miles.
"Recent work - some of which has been chronicled in Classic Jaguar - has included the fitment of a 123 distributor, replacement of the leads and coil, rewiring work under the bonnet to the injectors, a full front brake rebuild, full front brake rebuild comprising new discs, pads and calipers, and fitment of LED dash bulbs using a kit from Better Car Lighting. There's also been the replacement of a number of dashboard decals to restore original appearance along with reapplication of badges to front wings and coachlines to the bodywork. The head gasket and water pump were replaced in early 2024, prior to the current keeper's ownership.
"Paperwork with the Daimler includes the V5C and most MoTs back to 1989. There's also a number of old tax discs back to 1989. The invoices total approximately £12,000 and there's also a main dealer print-out documenting all work from 1989 to 2001."
Estimate: £1500 - £2000. Sold for £1560 including premium.
Mercedes-Benz and AMG have had a partnership of sorts for many years. This was formalised further with the joint-venture Mercedes-AMG GT, launched as a coupe in 2014, and in 2016 with the GT Roaster (shown here).
The car uses a turbocharged 4.0 L V8, producing 476 PS (350 kW). The body is made from predominantly aluminium with magnesium subframes. This permits a relatively low vehicle mass of approximately 1,600 kg.
The car bear the familiar three-pointed star up front, and is similar in detail to many normal Mercedes-Benz models of similar vintage.
This is a portion of the dust complex just north of Antares, in Scorpius. The blue reflection nebula at the left surrounds the star i Sco. This is a mosaic of 4 panels which consist of stacks of 90 s subframes. My intention is to expand upon this later. Here is the final version.
Subframes taken with a guided Celestron Edge HD 9.25" at f/2.3 with Hyperstar and an Atik 314L+ color CCD. Preprocessing in Nebulosity; processing and mosaic creation in PixInsight; final touches in PS CS 5.1.
Image center is near
RA 16h 26m
DEC -25.3°
1999 Mercedes A160 Elegance.
A left-hand drive import from Germany registered in November 2002.
Supplied by Niederlassung Mercedes of Düsseldorf.
Scrapped (last [extended] MoT test expired in October 2020).
It failed a test in April 2021 -
Offside front lower subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded to the extent that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected (5.3.6 (a) (ii)) - Dangerous
Nearside rear lower suspension component mounting prescribed area is corroded to the extent that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected corroded around sill area (5.3.6 (a) (ii)) - Dangerous
Offside rear other passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a)) - Major
Nearside rear other passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a)) - Major
1998 Jaguar XJ8 auto.
3996cc.
Last MoT test expired in October 2013.
It failed a test that month -
Offside front body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion (6.1.c.1)
Nearside subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.a.3)
Offside subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.a.3)
Offside rear subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.a.3)
Nearside front subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.a.3)
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an abs fault (3.4.1c)
Electronic stability system warning lamp indicates a fault (3.4.1c)
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Photographed at Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada
(285 km by road north of Toronto)
* Temperature 11 degrees C.
Total exposure time: 15 minutes.
* 540 mm focal length telescope
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Description:
This large hydrogen gas nebula lies about 6,000 light-years away in the constellation Cassiopeia, and in the Perseus Arm of our Milky Way galaxy. The nebula is energized by hot stars near the centre in this view, some of which are about 50 times the mass of our own Sun. The nebula has a diameter of about 200 light years.
For a wider angle view of Cassiopeia and this nebula, made with a 50 mm lens on the same evening, click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/31139391496
For a version of this photo WITHOUT LABELS, click on your screen to the LEFT of the photo, or click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/31079231531
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Technical information:
Nikon D810a camera body on Teleview 101is apochromatic refracting telescope, mounted on Astrophysics 1100GTO equatorial mount
Fifteen stacked frames; each frame:
540 mm focal length
ISO 5000; 1 minute exposure at f/5.4; unguided
(with LENR - long exposure noise reduction)
Subframes registered in RegiStar;
Stacked and processed in Photoshop CS6 (brightness, contrast, colour balance, levels)
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Photographed at Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, between 00.39 and 00.52 EDT
(285 km by road north of Toronto)
* Temperature 17° C.
* Total exposure time: 6 minutes.
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Description:
Visually with the unaided eye, or in binoculars or a telescope, the distinctively-shaped North America Nebula, and the Pelican Nebula just to its right, appear as faint white clouds in the middle of our Milky Way galaxy. Long exposures with a digital camera sensor reveal the red glow of hydrogen gas, however, especially with Nikon's red sensitive D810a astrophotography camera.
This area of the sky is located in the centre of our own Milky Way galaxy as it passes across the northern hemisphere summer sky.
The brilliant star at upper right is the supergiant Deneb, the brightest star in the constellation Cygnus (the Swan), and the 19th brightest star in the sky.
For a version of this photo WITHOUT LABELS, click on your screen to the LEFT of the photo, or click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/28274351193
And for a closer in view of the two nebulae made with a 400 mm lens in July 2015, click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/20012353576
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Technical information:
Nikkor AF-S 70 - 200 mm f/2.8 G ED VRII lens on Nikon D810a camera body, mounted on Astrophysics 1100GTO equatorial mount with a Kirk Enterprises ball head
Six stacked frames; each frame:
200 mm focal length
ISO 5000; 1 minute exposure at f/4.5; unguided
(with LENR - long exposure noise reduction)
Subframes registered in RegiStar;
Stacked and processed in Photoshop CS6 (brightness, contrast, levels, colour balance, colour desaturation)
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Low altitude satellite tracks cover nearly every subframe from this 19 image set acquired over two nights for Comet 13P Olbers passage by M64. Photographing the night just after dark or just before dawn becomes more and more problematic with each passing day. 13P is visible for only minutes after the sky becomes dark enough and the satellites still catch the light. The tracks are faint but still ruinous to the "pretty picture"
1999 Ford Focus Ghia 5-door.
1596cc.
Scrapped (last MoT test expired in May 2018).
It failed a test that month -
Front subframe mounting prescribed area is corroded to the extent that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected (5.3.6 (a) (ii)) - Dangerous
Nearside rear anti-roll bar linkage attachment bracket/mounting fractured (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) - Dangerous
Offside rear anti-roll bar linkage attachment bracket/mounting fractured (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) - Dangerous
Nearside front brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture to rear (1.1.11 (a)) - Dangerous
Rear registration plate does not conform to the specified requirements (0.1 (d)) - Major
Nearside front position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a)) - Major
Offside front position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a)) - Major
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii)) - Major
Exhaust emits excessive dense blue smoke during acceleration (8.2.1.2 (g)) - Major
Emissions not tested (8.2.1.2 (d)) - Major
Hey!
I have a great idea. Why not take a Mazda Miata and stuff in a powerful but relatively inexpensive Detroit V8.
It does sound like a great idea, but it was also obvious, after only a small amount of time researching the idea that it had been thought of before.
Popular substitute engines were modern Chevrolet small block OHV V8s (due to their compact size), and Ford Modular V8s (which work well, but are pretty wide.
From a Lego perspective, removing the technic simulated I4 with a technic simulated V8 involved much the same engineering exercise.
Increase some space around the front suspension and front subframe, and a modest height increase in sections of the bonnet. Surprisingly, the last factor was indeed quite modest, due to the overall decrease in engine depth, thanks to the 90 degree Vee spacing.
The major reason for not doing this modification is upsetting the Miata's natural chassis balance. This balance is due to the torque tube chassis and mounting the lightweight engine behind the front axle (much like a Chevrolet Corvette, but in a smaller overall package). By adding a heavier V8 engine and gearbox, more weight would be mounted on the front wheels, losing some of the handling delicacy of the original.
Nonetheless, the V8 conversion is likely to be not uncommon on cars over 10 years old, as owners look to provide themselves with an immodest helping of additional power and torque.
This Lego miniland-scale LUGNuts Custom Miata V8 Roadster Rat-Rod has been created for Flickr LUGNuts' 102nd Build Challenge, titled - 'I Smell a (Modern) Rat!'. In this challenge, any post-1996 vehicle can be built as a rat-rod.
The Miata (also known as the Mazda MX-5) is the recently superseded NC, third generation model sold from 2005 - 2015.
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Photographed at Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, between 21.57 and 22.18 EDT
(285 km by road north of Toronto)
* Altitude of centre of frame at time of exposures: xx°
* Temperature 12° C.
* Total exposure time: 8 minutes
* 540 mm focal length telescope
___________________________________________
Description:
Perhaps the most unusual and uncharacteristic object in Charles Messier's catalog of non-stellar objects is the M24 starcloud. Messier's other objects are easily identified galaxies, planetary nebulae, bright nebulae and star clusters. This object is a large, amorphous, extended cloud of stars that has a very imprecise boundary.
From Wikipedia: "The Sagittarius Star Cloud (also known as Delle Caustiche, Messier 24, IC 4715) is a star cloud in the constellation of Sagittarius, approximately 600 light years wide, which was discovered by Charles Messier in 1764. It is sometimes known as the Small Sagittarius Star Cloud to distinguish it from the Great Sagittarius Star Cloud located to the north of Gamma Sagittarii and Delta Sagittarii.
The stars, clusters and other objects comprising M24 are part of the Sagittarius or Sagittarius-Carina arms of the Milky Way galaxy. Messier described M24 as a "large nebulosity containing many stars" and gave its dimensions as being some 1.5° across. Some sources, improperly, identify M24 as the faint cluster NGC 6603.
M24 fills a space of significant volume to a depth of 10,000 to 16,000 light-years. This is the most dense concentration of individual stars visible using binoculars, with around 1,000 stars visible within a single field of view."
For a version of this photo WITH<u<OUT LABELS, click on your screen to the LEFT of the photo, or click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/29540611735
And for a wider angle view of this entire region, showing neighbouring nebulae and stars clusters, click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/28874267555
___________________________________________
Technical information:
Nikon D810a camera body on Teleview 101is apochromatic refracting telescope, mounted on Astrophysics 1100GTO equatorial mount with a Kirk Enterprises ball head
Eight stacked frames; each frame:
540 mm focal length
ISO 3200; 1 minute exposure at f/5.4; unguided
(with LENR - long exposure noise reduction)
Subframes registered in RegiStar;
Stacked and processed in Photoshop CS6 (brightness, contrast, levels, colour balance, sharpening)
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Specifications
Engine
• VR-series twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6.
• 480 hp @ 6,800 rpm. 430 lb-ft torque @ 3,200–5,200 rpm.
• Dual overhead camshafts with variable intake-valve timing.
• Cast aluminum cylinder block with high-endurance/low-friction plasma-sprayed bores.
• IHI twin turbochargers, one per cylinder bank.
• Pressurized lubrication system with thermostatically controlled cooling.
Drivetrain
• ATTESA ET-S All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with independent rear-mounted transaxle integrating transmission, differential and AWD transfer case.
• Rigid, lightweight carbon-composite driveshaft between engine and transaxle.
• Electronic traction control plus 1.5-way mechanically locking rear differential.
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) with three driver-selectable settings: Normal (for daily driving, controls brakes and engine output), R-Mode (for ultimate performance, utilizes AWD torque distribution for additional vehicle stability) and Off (driver does not want the help of the system).
• Hill Start Assist prevents rollback when starting on an incline.
DisclaimerVDC-R cannot prevent accidents due to abrupt steering, carelessness, or dangerous driving techniques. Always drive safely.
Transmission
• 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with three driver-selectable modes: Normal (for maximum smoothness and efficiency), Snow (for gentler starting and shifting on slippery surfaces), and R mode (for maximum performance with fastest shifts).
• Fully automatic shifting or full sequential manual control via gearshift or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
• Dual clutch design changes gears in less than 0.5 second (0.2 second in R mode).
• Downshift Rev Matching (DRM).
• Predictive pre-shift control (in R mode) based on throttle position, vehicle speed, braking and other information.
Wheels and Tires
• 20 x 9.5" (front) and 20 x 10.5" (rear) super-lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with Gunmetal Gray finish.
• Exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Bridgestone® RE070A high-capacity run-flat summer tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
• Optional exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Dunlop® run-flat all-season tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear (includes Bright Silver wheels).
Brakes
• Brembo® 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Preview Braking.
• Two-piece floating-rotor 15-inch front and rear discs with diamond-pattern internal ventilation.
• 6-piston front/4-piston rear monoblock calipers.
Steering
• Rack-and-pinion steering with vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist.
• 2.6 steering-wheel turns lock-to-lock.
Suspension
• 4-wheel independent suspension with Bilstein® DampTronic system with three driver-selectable modes: Normal/Sport (for automatic electronic control of damping), Comfort (for maximum ride comfort), and R mode (engages maximum damping rate for high-performance cornering).
• Electronically controlled variable-rate shock absorbers. High-accuracy progressive-rate coil springs.
• Front double-wishbone/rear multi-link configuration with aluminum members and rigid aluminum subframes.
• Hollow front and rear stabilizer bars.
Body/Chassis
• Exclusive Premium Midship platform with jig-welded hybrid unibody.
• Aluminum hood, trunk and door skins. Die-cast aluminum door structures.
• Carbon-reinforced front crossmember/radiator support.
Back to Top
Standard Features
Exterior
• Wide-beam headlights with High Intensity Discharge (HID) low beams.
• LED taillights and brake lights.
• Dual heated power mirrors.
• Flush-mounted aluminum door handles.
• Body-color rear spoiler with integrated center high-mounted stop light.
• UV-reducing tinted glass.
Audio/Navigation/Performance Monitor
• Digital Bose® audio system with AM/FM/in-dash 6-CD changer and 11 speakers including dual subwoofers.
• HDD Music Box system, including hard drive with 9.4 GB for audio storage.
• MP3, WMA and DVD audio capable. In-dash Compact Flash card reader.
• HDD-based GPS navigation with touch screen.
• Driver-configurable performance monitor, developed with Sony® Polyphony, with graphical readouts of vehicle data and driving data displayed on a total of 11 screens.
• 7-inch WVGA high-resolution color-LCD display for audio, navigation and performance monitor.
Interior
• Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).
• Electronic analog instrument cluster with multi-function trip computer and digital gear indicator.
• Power front windows with one-touch auto-up/down feature.
• Intelligent Key system with pushbutton start. Power door locks.
• Cruise control.
• Tilt/telescoping steering column.
• Bluetooth® Hands-free phone system with voice recognition.
Seating/Appointments
• Leather upholstered front seats with perforated Alcantara inserts.
• 8-way power front seats with entry/exit switch for rear-seat passengers.
• Driver-shaped bucket seat.
• Dual individual rear seats.
• Heated front seats.
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
• Drilled aluminum pedals.
Safety/Security
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and occupant-classification sensor.
• Driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags.
• Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
• Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System.
• Vehicle Security System.
MG Metro
On 8 October 1980, BL introduced the Austin mini Metro. It was intended as a big brother, rather than as a replacement, for the Mini, the earlier Mini replacement project, ADO88, having been replaced in late 1977 by a new project, LC8, for the development of a larger car which could compete more effectively with the successful superminis, such as the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Chevette. Some of the Mini's underpinnings were carried over into the Metro, namely the 998 cc and 1275 cc A-Series engines, much of the front-wheel drivetrain and four-speed manual gearbox, and suspension subframes. The Metro used the Hydragas suspension system found on the Allegro but without front to rear interconnection. The hatchback body shell was one of the most spacious of its time and this was a significant factor in its popularity. Initially, the Metro was sold as a three-door hatchback.
The name was chosen through a ballot of BL employees. They were offered a choice of three names, Match, Maestro or Metro. Once the result was announced, the manufacturer of trains and buses, Metro Cammell, objected to the use of the Metro name by BL. The issue was resolved by BL promising to advertise the car only as the miniMetro.
At the time of its launch, the Metro was hailed as British Leyland's saviour, as the company was facing a serious financial crisis and there were fears that it could go out of business. British Leyland's troubles were largely attributed to out-of-date technology and design of most of its model range. The Mini, for example, had been in production for 21 years by the time of the Metro's launch. The Austin Allegro was seven years old and the Morris Ital was also launched in 1980 but was effectively a reworked version of the nine-year-old Morris Marina, and BL's latest all-new car was the 1976 Rover SD1.
A British Leyland press photograph of the Austin Mini Metro range at the time of launch in 1980
One of the consequences was that there was enormous public interest in the car from well before its launch. The company chose to stage the launch presentations for dealers and major company car buyers on board a cruise ship, the MS Vistafjord. The news broke in the national newspapers a full year ahead of the public launch with The Sun, among others, carrying the story. It was finally revealed to the public on the press day of the British Motor Show with the British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher in attendance.
The Metro quickly proved popular with buyers, and during the early part of its production life it was the best selling mini-car in the UK, before being eclipsed by the updated Ford Fiesta. Its clever interior design made it spacious considering its dimensions, and Hydragas compensation gave surprisingly good ride and handling. Its updated A+ series 1.0 and 1.3L OHV engines hardly represented the cutting edge in performance, but they were strong on economy.
A major TV advertising campaign was created by the London agency, Leo Burnett which came up with the headline "a British car to beat the world". The advert also featured the similar-sized Fiat 127, Renault 5, Volkswagen Polo and Datsun Cherry as "foreign invaders" and the voiceover spoke of the Metro's ability to "send the foreigners back where they belong".
MG Metro Turbo
A five door Metro eventually became available in 1985
The Metro range was expanded in 1982 to include the Vanden Plas and MG versions. The Vanden Plas featured higher levels of luxury and equipment, while the slightly more powerful MG Metro 1.3 sold as a sports model (0-60 mph in 10.1 seconds, top speed 105 mph). The Vanden Plas variant received the same MG engine from 1984 onwards (with the exception of the VP Automatic, which retained the 63 bhp (47 kW) 1275 cc unit). The luxury fittings marking out the Metro Vanden Plas took the form of a radio-cassette player, electric front windows, an improved instrument panel with tachometer, and a variety of optional extras such as trip computer, leather trim, remote boot release, and front fog lamps.
The changes between the MG engine and the standard 1.3 were relatively minor, with modified cylinder head and altered cam profile being the major contributors to a modest increase in BHP. Soon afterwards, the MG Metro Turbo variant was released with a quoted bhp of 93, 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds, and top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h). This model had a great many modifications over the normally aspirated MG model. Aside from the turbocharger and exhaust system itself, and what was (at the time) a relatively sophisticated boost delivery and control system, the MG Turbo variant incorporated stiffer suspension (purportedly with engineering input from Lotus), including a rear anti-rollbar plus uprated crankshaft and uprated gearbox.
Both MG variants were given a "sporty" interior with red seat belts, red carpets and a sports-style steering wheel. The later MG variants were emblazoned with the MG logo both inside and out, which only served to fuel claims of badge engineering from some of the more steadfast MG enthusiasts. Others believed that this sentiment was unfounded, particularly in the case of the turbo variant, due to the undeniably increased performance and handling when compared to the non-MG models. Indeed, at the time of its release, the MG Metro was the first in a succession of modern cars which heralded a spirited return of the MG marque after several years' absence of new MGs.
A mild facelift during 1985 saw some minor styling modifications to the Metro's front end, wider suspension subframes, along with a new dashboard design and the long-awaited 5-door version. This gave it a competitive edge over three-door only rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, while guiding the Metro in the directions of the Peugeot 205, Fiat Uno, Seat Ibiza and Opel Corsa/Vauxhall Nova, all of which were available with five doors by this time.
A rear spoiler reduced drag coefficient to increase the Metro's already good fuel economy, and the hydraulic clutch (often berated as the cause of the Metro's particularly harsh gearchange) was replaced by a cable-operated mechanism. The lack of a 5-speed transmission would become a major handicap as time went on; the BMC sump-mounted gearbox was never developed to accommodate an extra gear ratio, which was a severe handicap against the opposition. The Hydragas suspension also gave the car a harsh, bouncy ride despite pleas from the system's inventor, Dr. Alex Moulton, that it should be interconnected front-to-rear as opposed to side-to-side at the rear only as was found on the production version.
While the Metro was a huge seller in the UK, it gained a reputation for unreliability and lacklustre build quality early in its career which dented its appeal in foreign markets, where the likes of the Volkswagen Polo, Fiat Uno and Peugeot 205 were firmly established favourites.
Engines:
* 1980–1990 - 998 cc A-Series I4, 48 hp (35 kW) at 5500 rpm and 54 ft·lbf (73 Nm) at 3250 rpm
* 1980–1990 - 1275 cc A-Series I4, 60 hp (44 kW) at 5250 rpm and 72 ft·lbf (98 Nm) at 3200 rpm
* 1982–1989 - 1275 cc A-Series I4, 73 hp (54 kW) at 6000 rpm and 73 ft·lbf (99 Nm) at 4000 rpm (MG Metro)
* 1983–1989 - 1275 cc A-Series turbo I4, 94 hp (69 kW) at 6200 rpm and 85 ft·lbf (115 Nm) at 2650 rpm (MG Metro Turbo)
* 1989–1990 - 1275 cc A-Series I4, 73 hp (54 kW) at 6000 rpm and 73 ft·lbf (99 Nm) at 4000 rpm (Metro GTa)
For my video; youtu.be/FgL5LQqEZkk
Seestar S50, PixInsight, GraxPert, RCAstro, SetiAstro, GHS
EQ mode, IRCUT filter, Bortel 7
45 hrs 31 min exposure, 32 sessions from Jul 2025 to Dec 2025.
'ImageIntegration' of 103 Seestar stacked images comprised of 8,140 subframes.
Workflow:
GraXperted 103 Seestar stacked images, then
BlurXTerminator;
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NoiseXTerminator;
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denoise_lf_color = 0.9;
frequency_scale = 5.0;
iterations = 5;
detail = 0.15;
GraXpert;
SpectrophotometricColorCalibration;
narrowbandMode = false;
narrowbandOptimizeStars = false;
whiteReferenceName = "Average Spiral Galaxy";
redFilterName = "Sony Color Sensor R-UVIRcut";
greenFilterName = "Sony Color Sensor G-UVIRcut";
blueFilterName = "Sony Color Sensor B-UVIRcut";
deviceQECurveName = "Ideal QE curve";
GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch;
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GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch;
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colourBlend = 1.000;
clipType = GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch.prototype.CT_RGBBlend;
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StarXTerminator;
ai_file = "StarXTerminator.lite.nonoise.11.pb";
stars = true;
unscreen = false;
overlap = 0.20;
GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch;
stretchType = GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch.prototype.ST_GeneralisedHyperbolic;
stretchChannel = GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch.prototype.SC_Saturation;
inverse = false;
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localIntensity = 0.000;
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highlightProtection = 1.000000;
shadowProtection = 0.000000;
blackPoint = 0.000000;
whitePoint = 1.000000;
colourBlend = 1.000;
clipType = GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch.prototype.CT_RGBBlend;
useRGBWorkingSpace = false;
GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch;
stretchType = GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch.prototype.ST_GeneralisedHyperbolic;
stretchChannel = GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch.prototype.SC_Lightness;
inverse = false;
stretchFactor = 1.200;
localIntensity = 0.000;
symmetryPoint = 0.000000;
highlightProtection = 1.000000;
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blackPoint = 0.000000;
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colourBlend = 1.000;
clipType = GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch.prototype.CT_RGBBlend;
useRGBWorkingSpace = false;
GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch;
stretchType = GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch.prototype.ST_Linear;
stretchChannel = GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch.prototype.SC_RGB;
inverse = false;
stretchFactor = 0.000;
localIntensity = 0.000;
symmetryPoint = 0.000000;
highlightProtection = 1.000000;
shadowProtection = 0.000000;
blackPoint = 0.060000;
whitePoint = 1.000000;
colourBlend = 1.000;
clipType = GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch.prototype.CT_RGBBlend;
useRGBWorkingSpace = false;
BlurXTerminator;
ai_file = "BlurXTerminator.4.pb";
correct_only = false;
correct_first = false;
nonstellar_then_stellar = false;
lum_only = false;
sharpen_stars = 0.00;
adjust_halos = 0.00;
nonstellar_psf_diameter = 0.00;
auto_nonstellar_psf = true;
sharpen_nonstellar = 0.10;
BlurXTerminator;
ai_file = "BlurXTerminator.4.pb";
correct_only = false;
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NoiseXTerminator;
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frequency_scale = 5.0;
iterations = 5;
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CombineImages;
GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch;
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EnhanceNebula;
isStarless, true
useLuminanceMask, true
blackClip, 0.25
scaleFactor, 1
whiteClip, 1
previewMode, 2
amount, 1
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protectHighlightsFactor, 0.9
maskSmoothingIterations, 3
GeneralizedHyperbolicStretch;
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IC417 (Spider), IC410 (Tadpole), & IC405 (Flaming Star) left to right in a very starry field. 72 min total exposure. FSQ-106ED @ f/3.6, CDS Modified and Cooled A7s Sony Camera, 1 min subframes at ISO 3200, PI processed.
Long parked left hand drive Triumph Dolomite Sprint seen recently at a French country garage- with an Austin Metro rear subframe for company.
Specifications
Engine
• VR-series twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6.
• 480 hp @ 6,800 rpm. 430 lb-ft torque @ 3,200–5,200 rpm.
• Dual overhead camshafts with variable intake-valve timing.
• Cast aluminum cylinder block with high-endurance/low-friction plasma-sprayed bores.
• IHI twin turbochargers, one per cylinder bank.
• Pressurized lubrication system with thermostatically controlled cooling.
Drivetrain
• ATTESA ET-S All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with independent rear-mounted transaxle integrating transmission, differential and AWD transfer case.
• Rigid, lightweight carbon-composite driveshaft between engine and transaxle.
• Electronic traction control plus 1.5-way mechanically locking rear differential.
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) with three driver-selectable settings: Normal (for daily driving, controls brakes and engine output), R-Mode (for ultimate performance, utilizes AWD torque distribution for additional vehicle stability) and Off (driver does not want the help of the system).
• Hill Start Assist prevents rollback when starting on an incline.
DisclaimerVDC-R cannot prevent accidents due to abrupt steering, carelessness, or dangerous driving techniques. Always drive safely.
Transmission
• 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with three driver-selectable modes: Normal (for maximum smoothness and efficiency), Snow (for gentler starting and shifting on slippery surfaces), and R mode (for maximum performance with fastest shifts).
• Fully automatic shifting or full sequential manual control via gearshift or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
• Dual clutch design changes gears in less than 0.5 second (0.2 second in R mode).
• Downshift Rev Matching (DRM).
• Predictive pre-shift control (in R mode) based on throttle position, vehicle speed, braking and other information.
Wheels and Tires
• 20 x 9.5" (front) and 20 x 10.5" (rear) super-lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with Gunmetal Gray finish.
• Exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Bridgestone® RE070A high-capacity run-flat summer tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
• Optional exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Dunlop® run-flat all-season tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear (includes Bright Silver wheels).
Brakes
• Brembo® 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Preview Braking.
• Two-piece floating-rotor 15-inch front and rear discs with diamond-pattern internal ventilation.
• 6-piston front/4-piston rear monoblock calipers.
Steering
• Rack-and-pinion steering with vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist.
• 2.6 steering-wheel turns lock-to-lock.
Suspension
• 4-wheel independent suspension with Bilstein® DampTronic system with three driver-selectable modes: Normal/Sport (for automatic electronic control of damping), Comfort (for maximum ride comfort), and R mode (engages maximum damping rate for high-performance cornering).
• Electronically controlled variable-rate shock absorbers. High-accuracy progressive-rate coil springs.
• Front double-wishbone/rear multi-link configuration with aluminum members and rigid aluminum subframes.
• Hollow front and rear stabilizer bars.
Body/Chassis
• Exclusive Premium Midship platform with jig-welded hybrid unibody.
• Aluminum hood, trunk and door skins. Die-cast aluminum door structures.
• Carbon-reinforced front crossmember/radiator support.
Back to Top
Standard Features
Exterior
• Wide-beam headlights with High Intensity Discharge (HID) low beams.
• LED taillights and brake lights.
• Dual heated power mirrors.
• Flush-mounted aluminum door handles.
• Body-color rear spoiler with integrated center high-mounted stop light.
• UV-reducing tinted glass.
Audio/Navigation/Performance Monitor
• Digital Bose® audio system with AM/FM/in-dash 6-CD changer and 11 speakers including dual subwoofers.
• HDD Music Box system, including hard drive with 9.4 GB for audio storage.
• MP3, WMA and DVD audio capable. In-dash Compact Flash card reader.
• HDD-based GPS navigation with touch screen.
• Driver-configurable performance monitor, developed with Sony® Polyphony, with graphical readouts of vehicle data and driving data displayed on a total of 11 screens.
• 7-inch WVGA high-resolution color-LCD display for audio, navigation and performance monitor.
Interior
• Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).
• Electronic analog instrument cluster with multi-function trip computer and digital gear indicator.
• Power front windows with one-touch auto-up/down feature.
• Intelligent Key system with pushbutton start. Power door locks.
• Cruise control.
• Tilt/telescoping steering column.
• Bluetooth® Hands-free phone system with voice recognition.
Seating/Appointments
• Leather upholstered front seats with perforated Alcantara inserts.
• 8-way power front seats with entry/exit switch for rear-seat passengers.
• Driver-shaped bucket seat.
• Dual individual rear seats.
• Heated front seats.
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
• Drilled aluminum pedals.
Safety/Security
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and occupant-classification sensor.
• Driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags.
• Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
• Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System.
• Vehicle Security System.
MG Metro
On 8 October 1980, BL introduced the Austin mini Metro. It was intended as a big brother, rather than as a replacement, for the Mini, the earlier Mini replacement project, ADO88, having been replaced in late 1977 by a new project, LC8, for the development of a larger car which could compete more effectively with the successful superminis, such as the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Chevette.[4] Some of the Mini's underpinnings were carried over into the Metro, namely the 998 cc and 1275 cc A-Series engines, much of the front-wheel drivetrain and four-speed manual gearbox, and suspension subframes. The Metro used the Hydragas suspension system found on the Allegro but without front to rear interconnection. The hatchback body shell was one of the most spacious of its time and this was a significant factor in its popularity. Initially, the Metro was sold as a three-door hatchback.
The name was chosen through a ballot of BL employees. They were offered a choice of three names, Match, Maestro or Metro. Once the result was announced, the manufacturer of trains and buses, Metro Cammell, objected to the use of the Metro name by BL. The issue was resolved by BL promising to advertise the car only as the miniMetro.
At the time of its launch, the Metro was hailed as British Leyland's saviour, as the company was facing a serious financial crisis and there were fears that it could go out of business. British Leyland's troubles were largely attributed to out-of-date technology and design of most of its model range. The Mini, for example, had been in production for 21 years by the time of the Metro's launch. The Austin Allegro was seven years old and the Morris Ital was also launched in 1980 but was effectively a reworked version of the nine-year-old Morris Marina, and BL's latest all-new car was the 1976 Rover SD1.
A British Leyland press photograph of the Austin Mini Metro range at the time of launch in 1980
One of the consequences was that there was enormous public interest in the car from well before its launch. The company chose to stage the launch presentations for dealers and major company car buyers on board a cruise ship, the MS Vistafjord. The news broke in the national newspapers a full year ahead of the public launch with The Sun, among others, carrying the story. It was finally revealed to the public on the press day of the British Motor Show with the British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher in attendance.
The Metro quickly proved popular with buyers, and during the early part of its production life it was the best selling mini-car in the UK, before being eclipsed by the updated Ford Fiesta. Its clever interior design made it spacious considering its dimensions, and Hydragas compensation gave surprisingly good ride and handling. Its updated A+ series 1.0 and 1.3L OHV engines hardly represented the cutting edge in performance, but they were strong on economy.
A major TV advertising campaign was created by the London agency, Leo Burnett which came up with the headline "a British car to beat the world". The advert also featured the similar-sized Fiat 127, Renault 5, Volkswagen Polo and Datsun Cherry as "foreign invaders" and the voiceover spoke of the Metro's ability to "send the foreigners back where they belong".
MG Metro Turbo
A five door Metro eventually became available in 1985
The Metro range was expanded in 1982 to include the Vanden Plas and MG versions. The Vanden Plas featured higher levels of luxury and equipment, while the slightly more powerful MG Metro 1.3 sold as a sports model (0-60 mph in 10.1 seconds, top speed 105 mph). The Vanden Plas variant received the same MG engine from 1984 onwards (with the exception of the VP Automatic, which retained the 63 bhp (47 kW) 1275 cc unit). The luxury fittings marking out the Metro Vanden Plas took the form of a radio-cassette player, electric front windows, an improved instrument panel with tachometer, and a variety of optional extras such as trip computer, leather trim, remote boot release, and front fog lamps.
The changes between the MG engine and the standard 1.3 were relatively minor, with modified cylinder head and altered cam profile being the major contributors to a modest increase in BHP. Soon afterwards, the MG Metro Turbo variant was released with a quoted bhp of 93, 0-60 mph in 8.9 seconds, and top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h). This model had a great many modifications over the normally aspirated MG model. Aside from the turbocharger and exhaust system itself, and what was (at the time) a relatively sophisticated boost delivery and control system, the MG Turbo variant incorporated stiffer suspension (purportedly with engineering input from Lotus), including a rear anti-rollbar plus uprated crankshaft and uprated gearbox.
Both MG variants were given a "sporty" interior with red seat belts, red carpets and a sports-style steering wheel. The later MG variants were emblazoned with the MG logo both inside and out, which only served to fuel claims of badge engineering from some of the more steadfast MG enthusiasts. Others believed that this sentiment was unfounded, particularly in the case of the turbo variant, due to the undeniably increased performance and handling when compared to the non-MG models. Indeed, at the time of its release, the MG Metro was the first in a succession of modern cars which heralded a spirited return of the MG marque after several years' absence of new MGs.
A mild facelift during 1985 saw some minor styling modifications to the Metro's front end, wider suspension subframes, along with a new dashboard design and the long-awaited 5-door version. This gave it a competitive edge over three-door only rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, while guiding the Metro in the directions of the Peugeot 205, Fiat Uno, Seat Ibiza and Opel Corsa/Vauxhall Nova, all of which were available with five doors by this time.
A rear spoiler reduced drag coefficient to increase the Metro's already good fuel economy, and the hydraulic clutch (often berated as the cause of the Metro's particularly harsh gearchange) was replaced by a cable-operated mechanism. The lack of a 5-speed transmission would become a major handicap as time went on; the BMC sump-mounted gearbox was never developed to accommodate an extra gear ratio, which was a severe handicap against the opposition. The Hydragas suspension also gave the car a harsh, bouncy ride despite pleas from the system's inventor, Dr. Alex Moulton, that it should be interconnected front-to-rear as opposed to side-to-side at the rear only as was found on the production version.
While the Metro was a huge seller in the UK, it gained a reputation for unreliability and lacklustre build quality early in its career which dented its appeal in foreign markets, where the likes of the Volkswagen Polo, Fiat Uno and Peugeot 205 were firmly established favourites.
Engines:
* 1980–1990 - 998 cc A-Series I4, 48 hp (35 kW) at 5500 rpm and 54 ft·lbf (73 Nm) at 3250 rpm
* 1980–1990 - 1275 cc A-Series I4, 60 hp (44 kW) at 5250 rpm and 72 ft·lbf (98 Nm) at 3200 rpm
* 1982–1989 - 1275 cc A-Series I4, 73 hp (54 kW) at 6000 rpm and 73 ft·lbf (99 Nm) at 4000 rpm (MG Metro)
* 1983–1989 - 1275 cc A-Series turbo I4, 94 hp (69 kW) at 6200 rpm and 85 ft·lbf (115 Nm) at 2650 rpm (MG Metro Turbo)
* 1989–1990 - 1275 cc A-Series I4, 73 hp (54 kW) at 6000 rpm and 73 ft·lbf (99 Nm) at 4000 rpm (Metro GTa)
For my video; youtu.be/FgL5LQqEZkk
M51 - The Whirlpool Galaxy
Taken May 12, 13, and 14, 2018 near Seattle, WA
Telescope: TEC 180 @ f/7
Camera: ZWO ASI 178MM-Cool
Guide Camera: Starlight Xpress Lodestar
Mount: Astro-Physics 900GTO
Exposure:
Lum: 4 hours 30 minutes (135 x 2 min, bin 1x1)
R,G: 1 hour 25 minutes each (17 x 5 min, bin 1x1)
B: 1 hour 30 minutes (18 x 5 min, bin 1x1)
Total Integration Time: 8 hours 50 minutes
Processed in PixInsight 1.8 and PS CS5.
These three nights had some of the best seeing I've experienced in Seattle to date. I saw subframes as low as ~1.5" FWHM, with the average Lum stack being about 1.8"
The Fiat Punto was introduced into the UK in 1993 and early cars had a reputation for unreliability and corrosion. One that seems to have survived is this Punto 90 example new in February 1995. DVLA MOT Check indicates the vehicle covers around 600 miles per year and has had several test failures for rust although this is presumably within the subframe as the main bodywork looks remarkably clean for it's age.
2011 Bombardier Transportation press photo of CTA passenger unit 5085 on crane lift at assembly line at Bombardier Plattsburgh, NY assembly plant.
Starting with the CTA 5000 series in 2009, the Plattsburgh assembly plant expanded to include stainless steel fabrication and welding on site, allowing cars to be fully built from the ground up here. The subframes are supplied from Bombardier's Sahagun facility in Mexico.
MG 6 Magnette (1st Gen)DTi (2010-16) Engine 1849cc S4 DT
Registration Number VX 63 GLZ (Worcester)
MG (Roewe) ALBUM
www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/albums/72177720322876138/
The MG6 is a mid-size car under the MG marque, built by Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor, derived from the Roewe 550 and hence distantly related to the Rover 75, sharing its front subframe. It was initially announced in April 2009 at the Shanghai Auto Show as a hatchback, and in October 2010 at Shanghai Expo as a 4-door saloon model.
The five-door hatchback, known as the MG6 GT, went on sale in the United Kingdom in May 2011, the saloon, known as the MG6 Magnette, went on sale on 16 July 2011. A diesel model joined the range at the end of 2012.
For the MG 6 GT, three levels of trim are available with increasing levels of equipment and trim; S, SE and TSE. These all share the same mechanical specification, although the TSE gains 18" wheels over the standard 17".
The launch models are available with the petrol TCI-Tech 1.8-litre engine, available in two states of tune, 133 bhp (99 kW; 135 PS) and 158 bhp (118 kW; 160 PS) (with turbo), the latter being available from launch in China and as the only engine option at launch in the UK. In 2012 the petrol engine was joined by a 1849cc S4 DTi-Tech engine
The MG 6 was facelifted in 2015, receiving a range of minor exterior and interior changes including a 75kg reduction in weight. In the UK, the main change was the improvement in efficiency for the diesel model, and the withdrawal of the petrol version. The facelifted model can be identified with a new front bumper design.
In the UK sales have been slow with only 15 units in October 2011, only seven registrations for the MG brand as a whole were recorded in November (of which three were presumably TF roadsters). In December 2011, car rental company Avis UK Ltd announced that it would be running 100 MG 6 GT and Magnette in its rental fleet and took delivery of these cars. For 2012, MG sold 782 cars in the UK. Initial UK production was projected in the range of 2000 to 3000 per annum
The first generation MG 6 was replaced by a second generation five door liftback for 2017 model year, now made exclusively in Nanjing, China
Thankyou for a massive 54,950,620 views
Shot 03.07.2016 at Cars in the Park, Beacon Park, Lichfield REF 121-236
Specifications
Engine
• VR-series twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6.
• 480 hp @ 6,800 rpm. 430 lb-ft torque @ 3,200–5,200 rpm.
• Dual overhead camshafts with variable intake-valve timing.
• Cast aluminum cylinder block with high-endurance/low-friction plasma-sprayed bores.
• IHI twin turbochargers, one per cylinder bank.
• Pressurized lubrication system with thermostatically controlled cooling.
Drivetrain
• ATTESA ET-S All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with independent rear-mounted transaxle integrating transmission, differential and AWD transfer case.
• Rigid, lightweight carbon-composite driveshaft between engine and transaxle.
• Electronic traction control plus 1.5-way mechanically locking rear differential.
• Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) with three driver-selectable settings: Normal (for daily driving, controls brakes and engine output), R-Mode (for ultimate performance, utilizes AWD torque distribution for additional vehicle stability) and Off (driver does not want the help of the system).
• Hill Start Assist prevents rollback when starting on an incline.
DisclaimerVDC-R cannot prevent accidents due to abrupt steering, carelessness, or dangerous driving techniques. Always drive safely.
Transmission
• 6-speed Dual Clutch Transmission with three driver-selectable modes: Normal (for maximum smoothness and efficiency), Snow (for gentler starting and shifting on slippery surfaces), and R mode (for maximum performance with fastest shifts).
• Fully automatic shifting or full sequential manual control via gearshift or steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
• Dual clutch design changes gears in less than 0.5 second (0.2 second in R mode).
• Downshift Rev Matching (DRM).
• Predictive pre-shift control (in R mode) based on throttle position, vehicle speed, braking and other information.
Wheels and Tires
• 20 x 9.5" (front) and 20 x 10.5" (rear) super-lightweight forged-aluminum wheels with Gunmetal Gray finish.
• Exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Bridgestone® RE070A high-capacity run-flat summer tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear.
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
• Optional exclusively developed nitrogen-filled Dunlop® run-flat all-season tires, 255/40R20 front and 285/35R20 rear (includes Bright Silver wheels).
Brakes
• Brembo® 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-wheel Antilock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Preview Braking.
• Two-piece floating-rotor 15-inch front and rear discs with diamond-pattern internal ventilation.
• 6-piston front/4-piston rear monoblock calipers.
Steering
• Rack-and-pinion steering with vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist.
• 2.6 steering-wheel turns lock-to-lock.
Suspension
• 4-wheel independent suspension with Bilstein® DampTronic system with three driver-selectable modes: Normal/Sport (for automatic electronic control of damping), Comfort (for maximum ride comfort), and R mode (engages maximum damping rate for high-performance cornering).
• Electronically controlled variable-rate shock absorbers. High-accuracy progressive-rate coil springs.
• Front double-wishbone/rear multi-link configuration with aluminum members and rigid aluminum subframes.
• Hollow front and rear stabilizer bars.
Body/Chassis
• Exclusive Premium Midship platform with jig-welded hybrid unibody.
• Aluminum hood, trunk and door skins. Die-cast aluminum door structures.
• Carbon-reinforced front crossmember/radiator support.
Back to Top
Standard Features
Exterior
• Wide-beam headlights with High Intensity Discharge (HID) low beams.
• LED taillights and brake lights.
• Dual heated power mirrors.
• Flush-mounted aluminum door handles.
• Body-color rear spoiler with integrated center high-mounted stop light.
• UV-reducing tinted glass.
Audio/Navigation/Performance Monitor
• Digital Bose® audio system with AM/FM/in-dash 6-CD changer and 11 speakers including dual subwoofers.
• HDD Music Box system, including hard drive with 9.4 GB for audio storage.
• MP3, WMA and DVD audio capable. In-dash Compact Flash card reader.
• HDD-based GPS navigation with touch screen.
• Driver-configurable performance monitor, developed with Sony® Polyphony, with graphical readouts of vehicle data and driving data displayed on a total of 11 screens.
• 7-inch WVGA high-resolution color-LCD display for audio, navigation and performance monitor.
Interior
• Automatic Temperature Control (ATC).
• Electronic analog instrument cluster with multi-function trip computer and digital gear indicator.
• Power front windows with one-touch auto-up/down feature.
• Intelligent Key system with pushbutton start. Power door locks.
• Cruise control.
• Tilt/telescoping steering column.
• Bluetooth® Hands-free phone system with voice recognition.
Seating/Appointments
• Leather upholstered front seats with perforated Alcantara inserts.
• 8-way power front seats with entry/exit switch for rear-seat passengers.
• Driver-shaped bucket seat.
• Dual individual rear seats.
• Heated front seats.
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
• Drilled aluminum pedals.
Safety/Security
• Nissan Advanced Air Bag System (AABS) with dual-stage supplemental front air bags, seat belt sensors and occupant-classification sensor.
• Driver and front-passenger side-impact supplemental air bags and roof-mounted curtain supplemental air bags.
• Front seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters.
• Nissan Vehicle Immobilizer System.
• Vehicle Security System.
Total exposure time: 2 hours (40 subframes, 10 darks, 20 flats)
Telescope: Tele Vue-60 APO refractor
Mount: Vixen Super Polaris
Seat, subframe & pipes on 3 Finger Eddy, oh and the LHS dual throat, crazy damn bike ! #tpengines #threefingereddy #rocketbobs #handmade #custombike #4130bespokeframe
60 Likes on Instagram
2 Comments on Instagram:
mr_remorse: @janmansson så kan man också ha det ;p
janmansson: @mr_remorse Åh herregud! Haha XD
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Photographed at Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada, between 21.49 and 22.06 EDT
(285 km by road north of Toronto)
* Temperature 12° C.
* Total exposure time: 8 minutes
* 35 mm lens
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For a version of this photo WITHOUT LABELS, click on your screen to the LEFT of the photo, or click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/29247682303
The extreme northern portion of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and tens of thousands of stars, are seen in this wide angle image, running from the constellation Cassiopeia at lower left, through Cepheus, and into Cygnus at the right side.
Just above and to the right of centre is an almost circular reddish (the colour of ionized hydrogen gas) nebula named IC 1396. For a close-up view of this nebula made with a 400 mm telephoto lens, click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/19929294304
At upper right is the pink, distinctively-shaped North America Nebula in the constellation Cygnus. For a view of this nebula made with a 540 mm focal length telescope the night before, click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/29519160935
Just to the upper right of the North America Nebula - at the extreme top right edge of the frame - lies a region of glowing red hydrogen gas surrounding the star Gamma Cygni. For a telephoto view of this region, click here:
www.flickr.com/photos/97587627@N06/27845511250
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Sigma 35 mm f/1.4 ART lens on Nikon D810a camera body, mounted on Astrophysics 1100GTO equatorial mount with a Kirk Enterprises ball head
Eight stacked frames; each frame:
35 mm focal length; ISO 3200; 60 seconds exposure at f/4
(with LENR - long exposure noise reduction)
Subframes stacked in RegiStar;
Processed in Photoshop CS6 (brightness, contrast, levels, colour balance)
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1989 Jaguar XJ-S 3.6 auto.
Last SORN declaration expired in May 2018 and last MoT test expired in May 2010.
It failed a test in June 2010 -
Offside Rear Trailing arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement (2.4.G.2)
Offside Rear Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)
Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)
Offside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)
Centre Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering (6.1.A.1)
Offside Rear Parking brake lever has no reserve travel (3.1.6b)
It then failed another test in August 2013 -
Offside Front Direction indicator not working (1.4.A.2c)
Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)
Offside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d)
Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)
Nearside Front Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords (4.1.D.1a)
Nearside rear brake binding (3.7.B.1)
Offside rear parking brake recording little or no effort (3.7.B.6a)
Anglia Car Auctions, King's Lynn -
"V5 Present
Chassis number: SAJJNAEC3CA167716
This XJ‑S has been unused for several years and although running and driving, does require recommissioning. It's last MoT was issued in 2009. Three owners from new with the previous keeper registered from 2002 until 2017. The history file contains the original service book with twenty stamps, MoT certificates, various invoices and leather wallet. The mileage is warranted at 82,501."
Sold for £1700.