• Hyundai will construct a manufacturing model of the N Imaginative and prescient 74 idea, per a report by Korean information outlet Cash At the moment.
• The corporate will reportedly verify the plans and reveal the mass-production mannequin on Might 27.
• Half hydrogen fuel-cell, half electrical hybrid, the N Imaginative and prescient 74 idea is a 670-hp rear-drive sports activities automotive revealed final yr to essential acclaim.

One of many coolest idea automobiles in current historical past may very well be making its technique to manufacturing. The Hyundai N Imaginative and prescient 74 idea was an on the spot hit when it was revealed final yr as a part of the automaker’s “N Day” occasion held in South Korea. A report in the present day by a Korean information outlet claims Hyundai has greenlit the idea for manufacturing, and that the corporate will make an official announcement on Might 27.

Cash At the moment printed the report on its web site however did not cite any particular sources, which clearly leads some (together with us) to query the veracity of the knowledge. Nevertheless, contemplating the essential acclaim from lovers and media alike that the N Imaginative and prescient 74 obtained, we’re not utterly shocked {that a} mass-production mannequin is on the desk. It might nearly definitely look rather a lot just like the idea, which featured a wedge-like physique that was impressed by the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe idea that was penned by famed designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. However the larger query is what kind of powertrain it’d use.

The N Imaginative and prescient 74 idea debuted as a “rolling lab” take a look at mattress for Hyundai’s N efficiency division to discover future powertrain growth. The 670-hp hybrid EV is powered by two rear-mounted electrical motors that act as a “digital differential.” These motors are fed by a 62.4-kWh battery pack, which itself is fed by a hydrogen fuel-cell that acts as an on-board generator for prolonged vary. We have been even fortunate sufficient to drive one of many idea automobiles, the place we acquired to really feel its relentless acceleration and spectacular agility.

On the finish of that drive, we got here away not anticipating Hyundai to construct a manufacturing model of the N Imaginative and prescient 74, at the very least not one which makes use of the model’s E-GMP structure that underpins the new Ioniq 6 sedan in addition to different electrical Kia and Genesis fashions. We spoke to Albert Biermann about it on the time, and the previous Hyundai-Kia R&D boss turned government technical advisor instructed Automotive and Driver, “It’s laborious for me to see us doing it; at this second we do not want such a automotive.“

However, Until Wartenberg—Hyundai’s vp of N model administration and motorsport—extra lately made feedback to The Autopian expressing his hope to place the retro-styled two-seater into manufacturing. Clearly, Wartenberg’s phrases should not be misconstrued as a affirmation. As an alternative, his assertion and the information in the present day out of Korea merely makes us hopeful that these in cost at Hyundai will make the idea a actuality, and we would discover out when the calendar hits Might 27.

Senior Editor

Eric Stafford’s vehicle habit started earlier than he may stroll, and it has fueled his ardour to write down information, evaluations, and extra for Automotive and Driver since 2016. His aspiration rising up was to grow to be a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like automotive assortment. Apparently, getting wealthy is tougher than social-media influencers make it appear, so he prevented monetary success completely to grow to be an automotive journalist and drive new automobiles for a residing. After incomes a level at Central Michigan College and dealing at a every day newspaper, the years of principally burning cash on failed mission automobiles and lemon-flavored jalopies lastly paid off when Automotive and Driver employed him. His storage at the moment features a 2010 Acura RDX, a guide ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si.