Hyundai definitely isn't holding back when it comes to exploring the whole spectrum of zero-emissions motoring. While its efforts into electrification are largely hinged around the impressive Ioniq 5 and upcoming Ioniq 6 models on the new E-GMP base, that's not all Hyundai has been up to. The Korean giant is also developing its hydrogen-fuel cell technology, with the Nexo SUV being the first proof of concept.
The Hyundai N Vision 74 is the newest member of the hydrogen-powered frontier, which could shape up to be the next proving ground for manufacturers after EVs. First shown alongside the all-electric performance-biased RN22e, the N Vision 74 was undoubtedly the real hero. As it was again at the two cars' US debut at the 2022 Automobility LA motor show. This is America's first look at the cars in the metal, which show off just how striking they are.
The N Vision 74 pays a tribute to the 1974 Hyundai Pony Concept, and its designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro. Although the concept didn’t exist in reality, Hyundai decided to revive the concept and give it another try with futuristic technology. The N Vision is primarily based on the design of the Pony Coupe Concept, but designers have added modern design cues with a streamlined design, sporty elements, and parametric pixel lighting technology. But that's not the coolest part of the N Vision 74. The tech under its skin is.
UPDATED NOVEMBER 2022: We've updated this article with details and images fresh from the US debut of this hot, hydrogen-powered Hyundai.
Related: How Hyundai Has Changed The Game With The N Vision 74 Concept
Hyundai N Vision 74’s Hydrogen-Hybrid Powertrain Is Its Specialty
Hyundai has been one of the most innovative automakers in the last decade, and their Nexo is one of the most distinctive vehicles on the market. While other automakers are busy with battery-powered EV development, Hyundai has added its innovation by showcasing a hydrogen-hybrid powertrain, and we are impressed with its distinct approach.
The upcoming N Vision 74 will be propelled by a hydrogen-hybrid unit where the engine runs on hydrogen and electricity. The N Vision 74 will be rear-wheel drive, unlike the RN22e, which is an all-wheel drive. The N Vision 74 will be powered by a single high-performance permanent synchronous electric motor capable of producing a bonkers 670 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of pure punch.
Hyundai has based the N Vision 74 on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which also all its modern EVs. The dedicated EV platform has allowed them to mount a flat 62.4 kWh battery and a fuel tank that can carry around 9.25 pounds of hydrogen.
Related: Hyundai RN22e High Performance Concept Gives Us A Peek At A Possible Ioniq 6 N
Hyundai N Vision 74: Performance, Mileage, and Charging
With a high-performance electric motor buzzing out 670 horsepower, the N Vision 74 will certainly be one crazy machine and, apparently, the most powerful hydrogen car to date. While we don’t know its exact acceleration figures, we expect it to ring the 60 mph mark in less than four seconds and cover the quarter-mile run in under 10.5 seconds. According to Hyundai, it has a top speed of 155 mph, but we expect much higher.
Since the N Vision 74 is a hybrid car, it’s bound to return great efficiency. The car comes equipped with a large fuel tank that can carry 9.25 pounds of hydrogen, equivalent to an 85-95 kW battery. Besides this, a 62.4 kWh flat battery will come mounted on the chassis, and for charging, it will come standard with a 400V charger, which will supposedly require around an hour to fully charge the battery. In addition, an 800V charger will be available. It will require only 5 minutes to be refueled, and once done, the car can run up to 372 miles easily.
With high performance comes heating and a gradual drop in performance. To make sure there’s good heat management and the powertrain doesn’t overheat, Hyundai has equipped the motor with a "Racetrack Enhanced Cooling System." This cooling system delivers excellent cooling performance to keep the temperature of the battery, motor, and other mechanical parts low to ensure unrivaled performance on a racetrack.
Related: The Best Feature Of The New Hyundai RN22e Concept
The Hyundai N Vision 74 Demonstrates Commanding Driving Dynamics
As Hyundai’s first hydrogen-powered sports car, the N Vision 74 should have some seriously impressive driving characteristics. The EV-centric chassis has helped engineers mount a specially designed flat battery on the chassis. This intelligent engineering helps with proper front-to-rear weight distribution, which reduces the center of gravity. This reduces understeer and improves overall handling.
While the N Vision 74 is a rear-wheel drive sports car, engineers have placed the electric motor at the front, the battery cells in the middle, and two hydrogen tanks at the back. This design delivers proper weight distribution and helps the car stay poised even at high speeds. To further decrease the overall curb weight, engineers have meticulously designed lightweight and strong 3D-printed parts to drop the overall curb weight.
For sportier and poised handling, the electric motor comes with e-TVTC (electronic Torque Vectoring by Twin Clutch) technology to offer dynamic torque distribution in each rear wheel. This helps the driver with better stability while taking sharp corners and offers better driving confidence. For responsive and robust braking abilities, the wheels are coupled with 15.7-inch high-performance ventilated disc brakes and four-piston monoblock calipers.
With all of this, the upcoming Hyundai N Vision 74 will make a strong market impression. The retro yet sporty and sleek styling, sports car-centric interior, and strong and efficient hybrid powertrain will certainly allure a ton of buyers, and we expect Hyundai to give strong competition to other luxury EVs like the Lucid Air, Tesla Model S, and Porsche Taycan. As of now, Hyundai hasn’t revealed the N Vision 74’s pricing and launch date yet. However, we expect its price to be north of $70,000.
Source: Hyundai