One of the trendiest concept automobiles in recent memory might head towards manufacturing. The Hyundai N Vision 74 concept became an immediate success when unveiled last year during the car manufacturer’s “N Day” event in South Korea. According to a current report from a Korean news source, Hyundai has approved the concept for production, and the corporation will issue an official statement on May 27.
Money Today issued a blog post on its webpage but failed to reference any particular origins, thereby naturally prompting certain individuals (ourselves included) to doubt the accuracy of the data. Nevertheless, given the extensive praise from enthusiasts and the media alike that the N Vision 74 garnered, we’re not entirely taken aback by the possibility of a mass-produced model being considered. It would most likely bear a strong resemblance to the prototype, characterized by a body with a wedge-like shape, drawing inspiration from the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe concept designed by the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro. However, the crucial question pertains to the kind of powertrain it could potentially employ.
The N Vision 74 concept premiered as a “rolling laboratory” experimentation bed for Hyundai’s N department to investigate forthcoming propulsion evolution. The 670-horsepower hybrid electric car is driven by two electric motors positioned at the back, functioning as a “virtual differential.”
These motors get juice from a 62.4-kWh battery unit, which, in turn, is fueled by a hydrogen fuel cell operating as an onboard generator to increase the range. The Car&Driver team was fortunate even to test one of the prototypes, affording them the opportunity to experience its unwavering swiftness and remarkable nimbleness.
Upon concluding that journey, C&D departed with no anticipation of Hyundai fabricating a production edition of the N Vision 74, or at least not one that employs the company’s E-GMP framework supporting the recently introduced Ioniq 6 sedan and various other electric Kia and Genesis models.
They engaged in a conversation with Albert Biermann regarding this matter, who, in the past, served as the head of R&D at Hyundai-Kia and now holds the position of executive technical advisor. Biermann conveyed to C&D, “It presents a challenge for me to envision our involvement in such an endeavor; currently, there is no necessity for such a vehicle.”
However, Till Wartenberg—Hyundai’s VP of N brand administration and motorsport—lately conveyed his desires to The Autopian, expressing his optimism in bringing the vintage-inspired two-seater into manufacturing. Clearly, it is important not to misinterpret Wartenberg’s remarks as an affirmation.
Instead, his declaration, along with the current updates from Korea, fills us with the hope that the Hyundai decision-makers will transform the idea into a tangible product. We eagerly await more information, possibly on May 27.
Source and Images: Car&Driver and Motor1