Super Hatchback Concept (SHC) Eco Concept Car

Super Hatchback Concept (SHC), is the work of designer Jamie Martin who wants to illustrate a possible future eco-friendly model. The SHC concept is a 3-door hatchback that intended as a near-future rival for such cars as the Honda Civic and Ford Focus, the SHC offers a combination of sports-car performance and handling, teamed with the economic considerations and efficiency of a town car.

Striving to look both cutting-edge and most importantly fast, the swooping lines introduce an agile stance, as well as carefully directing airflow under, into and around the car. With a choice between three next generation powertrains (including an electric/hybrid option), the SHC offers efficiency, sports-car performance and environmentally friendly credentials. A balanced formula of raw power, racing spirit, practicality and eco engine choices make this the supercar-inspired drive that you can also make your daily driver.

Super Hatchback Concept (SHC) Eco Concept Car

Jamie also projected some specifications for an air-hybrid version of his SHC concept. The SHC concept would output 272 bhp and 290 lb.-ft. of torque and will have a top speed of 167 mph. The car could accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 5.6 seconds with a 52 mpg combined fuel consumption. He even estimated a SHC concept price which could start at around the 27,000 GBP mark.

The SHC chassis is made of high tensile steel and aluminium, for reduced weight and better weight distribution. The concept car has aluminium suspension components for improved handling and uses a front-wheel drive system with mechanical limited slip differential and next generation Ford RevoKnuckle axle system.

The SHC features two powertrain alternatives. The first one is the AirHybrid and Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI). It uses a twin-turbocharged engine with direct injection, 6-speed short-shift manual gearbox (optional 7-speed Ford PowerShift transmission with paddle-shift).

Super Hatchback Concept (SHC) Eco Concept Car

The second option is the Delta Drive Hybrid (DDH) system. It has a smaller petrol engine and two electric motors (located inside the front wheels), and allows the car to run 70 miles, with zero CO2 emissions, via charged batteries (Nano-Titanate batteries placed in the front engine bay and under the floor), before the petrol engine is needed to recharge.

The DDH system has three performance modes: Economy (low bhp), Normal (medium bhp) and Performance (high bhp) - which uses both the petrol engine and electric generator. With a slim chance of going into production in 2014, this concept vehicle is likely to compete against the Honda Civic Type-R, the Ford Focus RS and others alike.