What might eco-friendly vehicles look like in the future? How about the not-so-distant future? Jamie Martin, of the UK’s Jamie Martin Design, takes a stab at bringing a unique, exciting look at hatchbacks in the year 2014.
Martin’s vehicle has quite a bit of focus on airflow, both into and around the vehicle, and spacial distribution of material to give it a more dynamic, almost futuristic, appearance. The orange trim details maintain its sportiness against other near-future competitive hatches like the Civic. The boy-racer aesthetic lives on in 4 years.
The vehicle isn’t a wild departure from what we see on the road today. In fact, it looks like the evolution of what vehicles like the Chevy Volt and new Honda CR-Z can become, mixing crisp aesthetic lines with unique proportions on smaller frame.
More images and details after the break. All images courtesy Jamie Martin Designs.
THE CAR….Borne from the premise of mating a supercar with a 3-door hatchback, the SHC has been carefully conceived; from specific mechanical detailing through to the aerodynamics and styling. Ideal weight distribution, achieved through material choice and application, plus dynamic looks provide the SHC with a clear focus on the near future of mid-sized hatchbacks.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 do your weekly shopping in!POWERTRAIN & TRANSMISSION OPTIONS – ‘AirHybrid’ & ‘Gasoline Compression Ignition (GCI)’ variants….Front-Engined with lateral orientation.Sequential Twin-Turbocharging with overboost facility.Direct Injection.Stop-Start technology.Regenerative braking.Alternator de-coupling system.6–Speed Short-Shift manual gearbox. Optional 7-Speed Ford PowerShift transmission with Paddleshift.POWERTRAIN & TRANSMISSION OPTIONS – ‘Delta Drive Hybrid (DDH)’ electric technology variant….Smaller petrol engine and turbine mounted at the front. Allows the car to be driven for 70 miles emission free via charged batteries, before petrol engine is required to power generator.3-performance modes: Economy (low bhp town driving), Normal (medium bhp – motorway driving), and Performance (high bhp – utilising both the petrol engine and electric generator together for ultimate power).High torque, ultra thin electric motors mounted within the front wheels.Nano-Titanate batteries situated in the front engine bay, plus mid and rear underfloor, for optimal weight distribution and a lower center of gravity.CHASSIS & WHEELS….Front Wheel Drive with Mechanical Limited Slip Differential and next generation Ford RevoKnuckle Axle system (for torque-steer elimination).Part Aluminium / High Tensile Steel chassis for reduced weight, improved weight distribution and relatively low costs. Laser welded for strength, rigidity and process efficiency.Aluminium suspension components for reduced unsprung mass (and improved handling & ride).Magnetorheological Fluid Suspension with Normal, Sport & Track modes.Flat underside with rear diffuser (high downforce and reduced drag).18” Forged Lightweight Alloys with 245/40/18 Next Generation Lightweight Run Flat Tyres.4-pot front brake callipers, 2-pot Rear with 350mm Front discs / 320mm rear; both drilled, ventilated & colour-coordinated.BODY….65% Steel / 35% Aluminium used for Front Wings, Bonnet & bumpers, thus improving weight distribution whilst cutting kerb weight. Alternatively 30% Glass Reinforced Plastic can used for denoted sections.DETAILING….Front and rear window ‘air-streams’, combined with hydrophobic and super-fast screen heating. Eliminates the need for windscreen wipers or washers, and reduces drag.High-Intensity LED/Single-Source Fibre-Optic illumination used on the headlight wing, lower fog light, and rear lights.Clean aesthetic lines and drag minimisation through ‘hidden’ door-handles underneath side bodywork crease.PROJECTED SPECIFICATIONS (Air-Hybrid powertrain)….- BHP @ RPM: 272 @ 5500 – 6500- TORQUE (Lb/Ft) @ RPM: 290 @ 1750 – 5500- WEIGHT (KG): 1280- POWER TO WEIGHT (bhp/tonne): 212- TORQUE TO WEIGHT (Lb/Ft / tonne): 226- SPECIFIC OUTPUT (bhp/litre) : 160- 0-62mph: 5.6- 0-100mph: 13.3- Top Speed (mph): 167- MPG (combined): 52- CO2 (g/km): 115- LENGTH (cm): 4014- WIDTH (cm): 1924- HEIGHT (cm): 1358- WHEELBASE (cm): 2602- PRICE: £27,000 (2014)
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