  In the latest version of the QMC model, QMC$\pi$-III-T, the density
functional is improved to include the tensor component quadratic in the
spin-current and a pairing interaction derived in the QMC framework.
Traditional pairing strengths are expressed in terms of the QMC parameters and
the parameters of the model optimised. A variety of nuclear observables are
calculated with the final set of parameters. The inclusion of the tensor
component improves the predictions for ground-state bulk properties, while it
has a small effect on the single-particle spectra. Further, its effect on the
deformation of selected nuclei is found to improve the energies of doubly-magic
nuclei at sphericity. Changes in the energy curves along the Zr chain with
increasing deformation are investigated in detail. The new pairing functional
is also applied to the study of neutron shell gaps, where it leads to improved
predictions for subshell closures in the superheavy region.
