Wheels Magazine, in partnership with the Australian Design Awards, challenged young designers to create the most sophisticated, innovative and economical muscle car ever produced in Australia for the year 2020.

University of Canberra student and car enthusiast Daniel Bishop appeared as a finalist in the magazine's latest edition.

Mr Bishop, a third-year industrial design student, said muscle cars were about not having rules.

''They're cars that refuse to become little economy boxes, like every other car,'' he said.

''They're a bit like people some people don't like to conform to standards ... some people that are that way aren't well liked and that is the same for muscle cars.''

Muscle cars are recognised for their high horsepower engines and ability to accelerate quickly.

Mr Bishop's design incorporates a ceramic engine that is adiabatic, or does not lose heat. This means the heat, which would be lost in a traditional engine, can instead translate into motion, making the car more efficient. The ceramic material allows the engine to operate effectively within high temperatures.

It does not need a grille for cooling, so Mr Bishop has included a ''shop-front'' glass grille to emphasise the muscle car feel, by ''showcasing the engine, strength and hinting at high performance''.

A solar panel is mounted in the roof to act as an auxiliary power source for the stop-start hybrid system. The car consumes fuel and electricity and, when at rest, its engine automatically switches off.

Mr Bishop travelled to Australia from South America three years ago to study industrial design and start a career in the car industry.

''This is what I'm passionate about,'' he said. ''Hopefully one day I'll help develop the motor vehicle into something that's friendly for the environment and something that can solve mobility issues for different people.

''There's a feeling [when driving] of moving and getting somewhere and exploring. It wakes up a little bit, your sense of adventure.''

The competition's first prize was a six-month, fully paid internship within Holden special vehicle's design and styling department.