Korean brand's design boss weighs in to say the FCEV-powered N Vision 74 is a very real chance for production
The future of the cool Hyundai N Vision 74 coupe concept has taken another couple of twists and turns, with the Korean auto giant providing mixed messages on whether the hydrogen-powered performance car will enter production.
Earlier this month, two days after a South Korean publication reported Hyundai was preparing to confirm production of the sleek retro concept, which was revealed last year, Hyundai Motor Company said it had no plans to mass-produce the Pony Coupe, as it’s expected to be called in honour of the iconic 1970s Hyundai coupe.
Now, the man who designed the car in the first place, Hyundai chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke, has weighed into the debate and decreed the zero-emissions show car is a genuine chance to make production, with most of the ducks now being lined up.
In an interview with Top Gear this week, Donckerwolke said he hates “show business” and that if he designs a vehicle and a working prototype is built from it, then it’s a sure chance of coming to market – like the stunning Genesis X Convertible.
“We are serious about this,” he told Top Gear. “This could come into production. We have the platform – it’s a motorsport platform.”
By platform, Donckerwolke is referring to the electrified powertrain that incorporates both hydrogen fuel-cell and battery-electric technology to deliver combined outputs of more than 500kW/900Nm.
A pair of electric motors drive the rear wheels and the different forms of electrification handle different driving functions – ie: EV around town, FCEV at higher speeds and a combination of both for maximum performance.
The N Vision 74 ‘rolling lab’ measures almost five metres long and us underpinned by an adapted version of the Genesis G70/Kia Stinger platform, hence its proportions and rear-drive configuration.
Donckerwolke also revealed the idea for the N Vision 74 came from the very top of Hyundai management, something that only adds to the car’s chances of reaching showrooms following “limited” production.
“It’s always good when the management is telling you [to do it]. There is nothing unfeasible about this car. It’s pure,” he said.
“We’re hoping and we’re working and it’s only a matter of the right constellation.”
The N Vision 74 concept debuted alongside the IONIQ 6 N-previewing Hyundai RN22e electric vehicle in mid-2022 and recently appeared at the inaugural Hyundai Reunion in Lake Como, Italy, where it was joined by a perfectly recreated Pony Coupe Concept.
The original Hyundai Pony was one of the main design inspirations for the N Vision 74 – ‘74’ honouring the year of the Pony’s Turin debut – and could well lend the high-performance coupe its nameplate if it gets the greenlight for production.
Even if the N Vision 74 isn’t confirmed for release at a dedicated ‘Pony Day’ event this weekend, as rumoured, Donckerwolke’s comments certainly restore hope for performance fans as Hyundai continues to simultaneously expand its N brand and electrified vehicle range.
Keyword: Hyundai 'Pony' coupe touted for production – again