A couple of decades ago, Hyundai’s reputation as a carmaker was… not great. But these days, the South Korean marque is one of the most compelling in the industry, producing not only segment-leading commuter cars but also some incredibly interesting and daring concepts. Now, Hyundai has unveiled perhaps its most stunning and impressive concept car yet in the Hyundai N Vision 74.
Coming on the heels of its IONIQ 6 production EV sedan last month, Hyundai has pulled back the curtain on the emissions-free future of its high-performance N sub-brand with the N Vision 74. The coupe boasts a retro-futuristic angular design that brings to mind the DMC DeLorean, which makes sense since its actual design inspiration was Hyundai’s 1974 Pony Coupe concept. That car, like the DeLorean, was penned by legendary wedge car design pioneer Giorgetto Giugiaro. The N Vision 74 borrows the basic profile of the Pony Couple and mimics its unique B pillar almost exactly, while subtly modernizing the rest of the design. Adding to the new concept’s modernity is its futuristic Parametric Pixel lighting and a massive rear wing, along with a driver-centric cockpit that feels both forward-thinking and retro with its combination of a digital cluster and analog buttons.
Inspiring the N Vision 74 from a technological standpoint was Hyundai’s hydrogen-powered N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept from 2015. The new concept blends a hydrogen fuel cell with a pair of electric motors at the rear, creating a hydrogen hybrid EV system that improves cooling efficiency and allows for either power system to be used as the situation dictates. The two electric motors produce 500kW (670hp) and 900Nm of torque (664lb-ft) while providing the concept with a top speed of over 155mph and a range of more than 370 miles. Unveiled alongside the N Vision 74 was another impressive (if less daring) concept in the RN22e. Based on the IONIQ 6, the track-ready sedan provides a glimpse of Hyundai N’s upcoming performance EV with improved handling, braking, and aerodynamics along with an all-electric powertrain making 617hp and 546lb-ft of torque.
Both the N Vision 74 and RN22e are what Hyundai refers to as “Rolling Labs,” meaning results from their real-life testing will be used to inform future Hyundai models. To learn more about Hyundai’s new N concepts, head over to the company’s website.
