| Make
|
- |
| Model |
SHC |
| Concept
year |
2010 |
| Production
year |
theoretical
2014 |
| Engine |
various |
The SHC (Super Hatchback Concept) is the work of Jamie
Martin, a UK based designer whose previous works include
the Cobra
Venom V8 concept and the London
Navigator bus.
The SHC was conceived out of a desire to fuse the two
very different worlds of hatchbacks and supercars. And
in a world where limiting CO2 output is becoming increasingly
important, the SHC also has some green tech up its sleeve.
Designed to compete against the likes of the Honda Civic
Type-R and Ford Focus RS, the SHC would be offered with
a choice of two different engine/transmission packages.
The first proposed powertrain of the concept consists
of a twin-turbocharged internal combustion engine with
direct injection, stop-start technology and regenerative
braking. Transmission would be via a 6-Speed Short-Shift
manual gearbox or a 7-speed paddleshift auto.
The second option is a system dubbed the 'Delta Drive
Hybrid (DDH)'. This setup consists of a smaller displacement
internal combustion engine and a pair of electric motors.
Nano-Titanate batteries located in the engine bay, and
under the floor would feed power to the high-torque electric
motors mounted within the front wheels. 3-performance
modes would be available: 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). The car could
also be driven in full electric mode for around 70 miles
before the engine was needed to recharge the batteries.
In order to achieve a high level of performance and handling
the SHC would rely heavily on reducing weight and also
balancing the weight distribution. This would be done
through the use of lightweight materials and intelligent
applications. The laser welded chassis would be part aluminium
and part high tensile steel - aluminium would be predominantly
used for the front section of the car. Aluminium suspension
components would be fitted to reduce the unsprung weight
and provide improved handling characteristics. A flat
undertray coupled with a rear diffuser provides cleaner
airflow under the car and in turn increases the downforce
over both front and rear axles.
Further highlights of the SHC include a magnetorheological
fluid suspension system with Normal, Sport & Track
modes. This system, first used by Ferrari, features dampers
with iron filings suspended in fluid. When an electrical
current is passed through the fluid it instantaneously
changes the damping rate and stiffens up the suspension.
While the SHC is just an independent concept with no intention
of production, it does seem more and more likely that
hybrid technology will filter very quickly into performance
vehicles - and hot hatches could be one of the first segments
to make the switch.
Similar and related vehicles:
Cobra Venom V8
London Navigator
Source: Jamiemartindesign.co.uk
All text © diseno-art.com 2010
All images © Jamie Martin 2010
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