Biggest clue yet for Hyundai’s new high-performance coupe

The on-again, off-again production version of the Hyundai N Vision 74 concept car is a step closer to showrooms, with a trademark filing potentially revealing its name.

A production version of the hydrogen-powered Hyundai N Vision 74 concept car could soon be a reality.

Just four months after a high-ranking Hyundai executive suggested the N Vision 74 “could come into production,” a new clue has emerged suggesting the high-performance coupe may be on the way.

Drive has unearthed a trademark filing for ‘Hyundai N74’, with the word ‘vision’ – normally given to concept cars from the South Korean manufacturer – noticeably dropped.

While the N Vision 74 used a hydrogen fuel-cell to power a 62.4kWh battery pack and two electric motors mounted on the rear axle – producing 500kW and 900Nm – it’s not clear whether a production ‘N74’ would be powered by hydrogen, electricity, or petrol.

MORE: 2022 Hyundai N Vision 74 Concept – Track test

There have been some suggestions the production version of the N Vision 74 could be based on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform – the same electric architecture underpinning the Hyundai’s high-performance Ioniq 5 N as well as the Kia EV6 GT.

Speaking to UK publication Top Gear in May 2023, Hyundai’s Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke said the concept could “absolutely” become a production car.

“We are serious about this. This could come into production. We have the platform – it’s a motorsport platform,” Mr Donckerwolke said at the time.

“I hate show business. I hate doing show cars and then… nothing.”

MORE: Hyundai N Vision 74 makes its second U-turn in two weeks, still a chance for showrooms

Mr Donckerwolke also suggested the prospect of the N Vision 74 becoming a reality had support from Hyundai’s top brass.

“It’s always good when the management is telling you [to do it],” he said.

“There is nothing unfeasible about this car. It’s pure. We’re hoping and we’re working and it’s only a matter of the right constellation.”

While unconfirmed reports hinted that the model could be named the Pony – a tribute to Hyundai’s first production car – the latest trademark filing suggests it may now adopt the ‘N74’ name, paying homage to its inspiration, the Hyundai Pony Coupe concept from 1974 – which was penned by iconic car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro.

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