Hyundai has just unveiled a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid concept vehicle called the N Vision 74, which the company says demonstrates the performance sub-brand’s electrification vision. It’s cool, but don’t say it’s inspired by the DeLorean.
The Hyundai N sub-brand, the performance-focused arm of the automaker, has been applied to a range of production vehicles since its founding in 2015, including the Hyundai Veloster N and Elantra N to the Kona N.
Hyundai has targeted performance luxury brands such as BMW M, Mercedes AMG, Audi RS, and Cadillac V-series with its N brand, which is inspired by Nürburgring, a renowned German racetrack.
N Vision 74 deserves a closer look
In addition to being a testbed for future products, Hyundai says the N Vision 74 is a “rolling lab.” There is some history with the Hyundai Pony Coupe as well.
The N Vision 74 commemorates the Hyundai Pony Coupe concept from 1974, which was created by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the legendary automobile designer. The DeLorean was introduced in 1981, after the Pony Coupe. It was a detail that Hyundai Global Design Center executive vice president Sang Yup Lee was eager to emphasize.
“We did it first,” Lee said during the press conference, “Don’t say that they look alike.”
The N Vision 74 gets a unique hydrogen hybrid and battery-electric architecture. The fuel cell stack at the front produces 85 kW (maximum 95 kW), while the battery pack at the back produces 62.4 kWh.
Hyundai claims that the N Vision 74 can be optimally tuned to handle a variety of tracks thanks to its independent rear-mounted motors on each wheel, which generate a total power output of 500 kW and almost 670 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque. The hydrogen W fuel cell converts hydrogen to electricity to charge the 62kWh battery.
The N Vision 74 concept has dual-charging functionality. It can be refilled with hydrogen or recharged on a 800-volt DC Fast charger thanks to the E-GMP architecture. Hyundai estimates that it will deliver up to 372 miles of driving range and a top speed of 155 mph.
Will this hydrogen fuel cell hybrid technology ever make it to the mass market?
“While Hyundai declined to comment on whether this type of powertrain will go into production, Lee finished his presentation by remarking that ‘The N Vision 74 Concept has a Hyundai DNA and design that will guide our future.’”
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