It’s not common for a car to go in and out of production, but this Hyundai has been under development for some time now, and it seems even the brand isn’t certain if it will launch it. The vehicle was inspired by an old Toyota, but the adaptations are in Hyundai’s hands. While the plan was to launch earlier, it didn’t materialise as the manufacturer was focused on other projects and ultimately decided to pause and wait for better timing. This time, however, it appears the launch is real, and the motor vehicle will be in line for sale.
Nostalgia as marketing: It never fails
Nostalgia is a marketing trend that never goes out of style. While new models with advanced technology can enter the market and sell hundreds of thousands of cars, people still want to see the vehicles that first drew them into the automotive world. It never fails. Most products built around memories of the past sell like water in the desert — buyers want to relive that particular thrill, and will go to great lengths to experience it one last time.
Hyundai faced a tough challenge: reimagining Toyota’s legendary Pony Coupe for today’s market, aiming for more than just a collector’s piece. Many of the classic parts in these revived cars aren’t readily available to the public, as specialised companies handle the delicate work of adapting them to modern needs and client preferences. It’s a highly selective process.
Hyundai is in limbo: Car will come to life, but not yet
Hyundai’s N Vision 74 concept, a hydrogen-powered sports motor that turned heads earlier this year, may never make it to production. Earlier reports and internal documents hinted at a full-scale rollout, but a new story from South Korea’s iNews24 suggests the project has been shelved.
The report cites an anonymous source claiming Hyundai is stepping back from its initial plans. Back in May, media outlets reported that the company was negotiating with production partners, and an investor presentation even listed the N Vision 74 among future models. Some experts think Hyundai might be overextending itself. The company is juggling multiple ambitious projects, from urban air mobility to hydrogen technology and software-defined vehicles.
It looks like a DeLorean, but performs like a race car
The N Vision 74 was designed with performance as a priority. To handle the heat generated at high speeds, every major component — battery, motors, and fuel cells — has its own cooling system, ensuring the vehicle can perform smoothly, especially on a racetrack. It uses a combined system to balance power between the front-mounted hydrogen fuel stack, capable of up to 95 kW, and a 62 kWh T-shaped battery at the bottom. Together, these systems deliver strong, efficient performance, similar to some Toyota hybrid setups.
At the rear, the vehicle features two electric motors producing over 500 kW, paired with a torque vectoring system for better control at high speeds. Two hydrogen tanks sit near the rear axle (as seen in this exclusive competition car developed by another manufacturer), complemented by a second-generation fuel cell stack up front, offering fast refuelling and a range of more than 600 kilometres.
New projects might delay development further
Toyota fans are already hoping their favourite brand might respond with something equally impressive soon. In August 2024, Hyundai officially confirmed it plans to bring the N Vision 74 to market, clarifying the mixed reports about its future. The car is part of the company’s line-up of “high-performance EVs,” with the Ioniq 6 N also on the way. Going forward, the South Korean brand also intends to launch other models (and perhaps Tesla and BYD will feel the impact in the industry).
Disclaimer: Our coverage of events affecting companies is purely informative and descriptive. Under no circumstances does it seek to promote an opinion or create a trend, nor can it be taken as investment advice or a recommendation of any kind.