Back in 1974, Hyundai showed off a concept for a Pony Coupe that was developed by legendary automotive designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro. Sadly, that concept never made it to production, but fortunately, all is not lost as much of the original design would later be recycled by Giugiaro into the iconic DeLorean DMC-12.
Fast-forward nearly 50 years, DeLorean announced its comeback with the Alpha5, a sleek-looking fastback sedan complete with gullwing doors. As impressive as it looked, though, it’s missing the ‘soul’ that made the DeLorean what it is – a retrofuturistic boxy silhouette that still looks modern more than four decades later.
So in an attempt to right the wrong in the universe, Hyundai has now unveiled the new N Vision 74 concept – the latest addition to its “rolling lab” development vehicle collection, inspired by the car that never was. And if you’re wondering, the ’74’ in the name is a homage to the year 1974.
The resemblance to the original concept is immediately apparent, although it’s not quite as boxy as its predecessor. The overall angular profile is still present, although Hyundai designers have added some curves to the design, including large rounded fenders over each wheel.
Still, most of the iconic design motifs have been mirrored onto the N Vision 74, albeit with some modern touches such as the square lighting fixtures, now illuminated by Hyundai’s signature Parametric Pixels.
Nearly 50 years on since the original concept debuted, and the square-ish concept still looks incredible. But the N Vision 74 concept is much more than just a design exercise. As a “rolling lab” vehicle, it’s also meant to test and verify the company’s “advanced technologies” that could influence future Hyundai N models.
On the Hyundai N Vision 74, that refers to its unique hybrid powertrain underneath the stylish bodywork, combining a “traditional” battery-electric drive system with a hydrogen fuel cell.
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Hyundai says that the unique set-up not only helps with the car’s cooling efficiency, but can also provide two different drive systems depending on the driving conditions, which the company claims can lead to better torque vectoring for superior traction and “cornering experiences”. Based on the images provided by Hyundai, we think they meant drifting.
The system also has practical benefits, too, Hyundai claims. The 4.2 kg hydrogen fuel tank can be refilled in just five minutes, and the 62.4 kWh battery pack is also capable of 800V fast charging, just like the Ioniq 5.
Not only does it make it more versatile for drivers to add range depending on what’s more convenient, the system also boasts a driving range of 600 km. That, despite the motors making a total output of over 500 kW (680 hp) and 900 Nm of torque.
All that’s left now is for us to convince Hyundai to make the N Vision 74 into an actual production model, which the company insists that it won’t be. Hyundai, please don’t make the same mistake twice…
GALLERY
