The Chinese start-up Small Sports Car (SSC) has unveiled an electric two-seat coupé, positioning it as a “national sports car” for China.

Known as the SC-01, this sleek and compact electric vehicle (EV) will hit the market later this year at a price of approximately ¥300,000 (around £39,000 in the UK).

Measuring 4085mm long, 1820mm wide, and 1162mm high, the SC-01 is similar in size to popular petrol-powered sports cars like the Alpine A110 and Audi TT.

Equipped with a mid-mounted battery located behind the driver’s cabin and electric motors both at the front and rear, the SC-01 boasts a total power output of 429bhp. This allows it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds, promising an unparalleled driving experience.

According to SSC, this battery placement enhances weight distribution, lowers the car’s height, reduces wind resistance, and brings the driver closer to the ground.

The SC-01 claims a range of 310 miles (500km) based on the NEDC test cycle, while figures using the more conservative WLTP system have not been disclosed yet.

Beneath its sleek exterior, the SC-01 features a spaceframe chassis with horizontal, pushrod-driven shock absorbers. SSC asserts that this configuration enhances rigidity without sacrificing overall compactness.

Although the interior has not been showcased, it is described as “minimalist” with controls operated through traditional switches and buttons, omitting an infotainment screen.