We just love hatchbacks.
In 2004, GM considered and explored the possibility of bringing back the classic Chevrolet Nomad. This time, it was via a 2+2 seating hatchback concept. A 250-horsepower 2.2-liter turbocharged Ecotec inline four sits under the Nomad’s long hood, driving the rear wheels.
2004 Chevrolet Nomad concept.
2004 Chevrolet Nomad concept
What a joy it would be to be driving around today in the gorgeous 1980 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV6 2.5i. The lines are so classic and simple. It’s held up quite well and is just dripping with personality and grace. Nice color too.
1980 Alfa Romeo Alfetta GTV6 2.5i
Alfa Romeo logo
BMW has not only thrown in a few new ideas this year, but they’ve also done it via a new brand. The i Division offers us this beautiful and futuristic hatchback called the i3. The electric motor over the rear axle – which generates output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) from a standstill – and a small turning circle combine to deliver pleasingly agile driving characteristics. The BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds.
BMW i3 concept
BMW i3 concept
The rear wheel drive Sbarro Ferrari Super 8 concept was conceived and executed by Franco Sbarro. Powered by a 3-liter 260hp V8 with a five-speed manual, it was unveiled at the 1984 Geneva auto show. Sbarro started with a Ferrari 308 GTB, with a shortened frame and custom bodywork. Only one example was said to have been built.
1984 Sbarro Ferrari Super 8 concept
The MG5 Concept represents an exciting new chapter in MG’s history. This five-door hatchback was developed at MG Birmingham under the UK Design Director, Tony Williams-Kenny. The new model was recently unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show, where it received much critical acclaim. The main features of the car include LED head cluster lights, rear spoiler stance and an aerodynamic shape, all of which offer a look that’s both sporty and sophisticated. (source: MG)
2012 MG MG5 concept
The 1974 Chevrolet Vega GT Hatchback wasn’t too different than the previous year. Just a few trim and interior changes.
1974 Chevrolet Vega GT Hatchback
There seems to be a “circle” theme implemented into the front-wheel drive Fiat Ritmo, from the cool round door handles to the the round headlights, all the way down to the round-tipped bars on the wheels. It was launched in 1978 and styled by Bertone of Italy. This 65 CL had a 1.3 Liter engine that produced 64 bhp.
1978 Fiat Ritmo
A special variant of the Vauxhall Magnum estate, known as the Sportshatch, was produced in limited numbers (197) in 1976. This model used the “droopsnoot” nose cone, which had been designed by Wayne Cherry, Vauxhall’s Chief Design Engineer to be used in the HP Firenza Droop Snoot model. In Trevor Alder’s book “Vauxhall – The Post War Years” mention is made of a HP Firenza Sport Hatch prototype which was a one-off and was painted in silver starfire, with a six light version of the droop snoot nose and also sharing the Viva/Magnum estate body shell. (source: Wikipedia)
1976 Vauxhall Magnum Sporthatch
The 2012, 14-foot long i-oniq hatchback concept is an unexpected and pleasant surprise from Hyundai. It is an electric sport hatchback with a range-extending gasoline engine. The 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generates a maximum of 45 kW (61 ps). This unit is mated to an 80 kW (109 ps) lithium-ion electric motor which is powered by a 55 kW generator, via a single ratio gearbox.
2012 Hyundai i-oniq concept.
Its great to see BMW bring this to the US, a market where most think hatchbacks do not sell. This M 135i is the highlight of the 1-series second body variant, although, in my view, I think the headlights seem a bit too big. Its 3-litre, straight six-cylinder engine achives 235 kW/320 hp and is even available as a five-door hatch.
2012 BMW M 135i
The 1976 Acadian Woody Wagon was produced for and sold in Canada. The “Woody” option got you simulated wood paneling on the sides, a woody rear decal and other exterior trim, plus the custom interior. Some of the standard features included a sewn headliner, a maintenance free battery, full front and rear carpeting, column-mounted “Smart” switch, flow-through ventilation, diagnostic system, rack and pinion steering, shell bucket seats with full foam, comprehensive anti-corrosion protection, effective acoustical insulation, full width rear seat back cushion and folding backrest and a removable load floor panel with rubber mat. You also had a choice of five interior colors. Acadian was a division of General Motors from 1962 to 1971.
1976 Acadian Woody Wagon
The Lada Niva has been in production since 1977 and it is still on the market. It is said to have great off-road capabilities and is produced by Russian auto company AutoVAZ. I believe it is now called the Lada 4×4. (image source: Alden)
1977 Lada Niva
The seventies was an odd decade and this vehicle could not be a better example. The 1978 Cadillac Eldorado Comstock Sport Wagon was a conversion offered by the Formal Coach Corporation. (image source: Alden)
1978 Formal Coach Cadillac Eldorado Comstock Sport Wagon.
1978 Formal Coach Cadillac Eldorado Comstock Sport Wagon.
