Hyundai's High-Powered N74 Hydrogen Supercar Nears Launch: Reports Claim

May 23, 2024 11:29 PM EDT

PHOTO OF A WHITE HATCHBACK CAR HYUNDAI — (Photo : PEXELS/ERIK MCLEAN )

Hyundai may produce an N74 hydrogen supercar in 2026, based on the N Vision 74 concept. There were rumors encircling this nostalgia-infused concept. Thus, bolstering the report's credibility. News circulating claims that Hyundai plans to transition the highly anticipated N Vision 74 concept car into production as a limited-edition, hydrogen-fueled supercar.

Codename N74, Hydrogen Supercar

There are about 17,000 hydrogen-powered cars on American highways; all of them are located in California. Three separate automakers have gradually put their hydrogen-powered cars on the market: the Honda Clarity Fuel Cell, the Toyota Mirai, and the Hyundai Nexo SUV.

The most recent addition to this portfolio is Hyundai's intended production of the N74 hydrogen vehicle, which will mark a significant advancement in hydrogen vehicle technology.

As per a report by Motor1.com, The Korea Economic Daily, a South Korean business newspaper, affirms the imminent arrival of the hydrogen supercar. This time, it's confirmed that the car is slated for a 2026 release, following the debut of the concept car by four years.

Internally dubbed as the "N74," Hyundai's flagship sports car is rumored to feature a rear-wheel-drive configuration. Described as a street-legal two-door coupe with distinctive gullwing doors, the design is inspired by the 1974 Pony Coupe, marking a nod to the brand's inaugural vehicle.

Furthermore, reports suggest that the N74 aims to challenge the production car record at the Nurburgring. The report also indicates that Hyundai's hydrogen fuel cell vehicle will complete two full-speed laps of the Nordschleife before depleting its energy reserves.

Allegedly, Hyundai plans to restrict production to just 200 units and manufacture these vehicles between 2026 and 2028. Prototype trials are rumored to commence as soon as August this year. The anticipated price tag for the N74 is projected to be around 500 million won, equivalent to approximately $366,000 based on current exchange rates.

Talk About Power: Hyundai Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicle

According to Autoblog, which cited the most recent story from The Korea Economic Daily. The fuel cell stack is expected to power the electric motors, which together will provide more than 775 horsepower, allowing the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 62 miles per hour in less than 3.0 seconds.

Moreover, these specs are in line with the idea's original details, even though the concept had two motors that could produce 670 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Despite being primarily a fuel-cell vehicle, the concept also incorporates an 85-kilowatt battery pack for extended range, alongside a 4.2-kg hydrogen fuel tank.

Hyundai's engineers hinted at the capability for plug-in hybrid-like charging, allowing the N74 to function as an all-electric vehicle when hydrogen refueling isn't accessible. CarBuzz disclosed that suppliers are presently developing enhanced components for test prototypes featuring increased power.

The 2022 concept presents a breakthrough, drawing design inspiration from the classic 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe concept, coupled with a cutting-edge hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system that positions it as an exceptional vehicle on the streets. Considering the positive reception of N models such as the Ioniq 5 N and Elantra N, the anticipation for this upcoming release is certainly high.

CarBuzz elaborated that all the suppliers interviewed confirmed that their components will be completed by the summer, indicating that the limited production numbers suggest their deployment in test prototypes.

These prototypes are intended for refining and pushing performance limits to explore capabilities beyond the initial 680 horsepower showcased in the concept model.

CarBuzz report shared the company trademarked the name N74 by omitting the "Vision" segment from the concept's name. Additionally, they discreetly included more patents within a Kia Stinger filing, hinting at integrating a hydrogen fuel cell system at the rear of a vehicle akin to the concept design.

With this collective information and the recent reports, there is a growing confidence that the project is progressing smoothly, potentially leading to Hyundai's inaugural supercar within a few years.