Hyundai unveiled the N Vision 74 – a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid concept car. According to the manufacturer, this car represents the electrification vision of the performance sub-brand.
The N Sub-Brand
Since its inception in 2015, the Hyundai N sub-brand, which represents the automaker’s performance-oriented division, has been applied to various production vehicles, such as the Hyundai Veloster N, Kona N, and Elantra N.
With its N brand, Hyundai has targeted luxury performance brands like BMW M, Audi RS, Cadillac V-series, and Mercedes AMG. The N brand’s name was inspired by Germany’s legendary Nürburgring racetrack, where Hyundai tests these vehicles.
The stakes are raised by the N Vision 74. But do not ask if the DeLorean inspired the N Vision 74 because it did not.
The N Vision 74 Pays Tribute to The Pony Coupe
Hyundai refers to the N Vision 74 as a “rolling lab” – a kind of testbed for future products. However, there is some Hyundai Pony Coupe history in there as well.
The N Vision 74 pays tribute to the legendary 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe concept, created by the famous car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, who also designed the DeLorean. In 1981, the DeLorean made its debut, following the Pony Coupe. Sang Yup Lee, executive vice president of the Hyundai Global Design Center, was quick to point out this particular point. “Do not say they look alike because we did it first!” Lee emphasized during a conference.
The Hyundai N Vision 74
An innovative battery-electric and hydrogen hybrid design are added to the N Vision 74. A battery pack and a fuel cell stack support the N Vision 74 concept. The 62.4 kWh battery is located at the back, while the fuel cell stack in the front produces 85 kW (maximum 95 kW) of power.
The 62-kWh battery is charged by the hydrogen W fuel cell, which transforms hydrogen into energy. In addition, the vehicle has independent rear-mounted motors positioned on each wheel, producing 500 kW, or around 670 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque. According to Hyundai, this enables engineers to fine-tune the power distribution between the left and right wheels and optimally configure the N Vision 74 to tackle various tracks.
Dual-charging capabilities are also added to the N Vision 74 concept. The underlying 800-volt architecture E-GMP platform enables it to be recharged on a DC fast charger or filled with hydrogen. Hyundai claims it has a range of 372 miles and a top speed of 155 mph.
Of course, the question remains whether this hybrid hydrogen fuel cell technology will ever be implemented in a mass-produced vehicle.
Hyundai has yet to state whether or not this type of powertrain would be manufactured. However, in his closing remarks, Lee did say, “The N Vision 74 Concept has undeniable Hyundai DNA and design that serves as a compass to guide our future.”
