Hyundai reveals first view of retro sports car with 372-mile range – electrified racer is based on 1974 fan-fav coupe

HYUNDAI took notes from the past to inspire the future when they created a popular concept – fans loved it so much that it’s heading to production.

The automaker will only make 100 models, but only 70 lucky drivers can buy one.

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Hyundai

Hyundai

Hyundai caused a ripple for car lovers when it revealed the N Vision 74 concept in the summer of 2022.

The car took style notes directly from a concept the automaker revealed in 1974 at the Turin Motor Show called the Pony Coupe.

The Pony was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who also designed the Aston Martin DB4, Ferrari 250 GT, and the Fiat 850 Spider.

Like his other masterpieces, the Pony was angular, sleek, unique, and futuristic.

“I designed the Hyundai Pony when I was still a young designer at the start of my career. I was tasked with creating a technically valid concept car targeting the middle class,” Giugiaro told Hyundai .

“I felt very proud that I was in charge of creating a production vehicle for a country that was about to face a fiercely competitive market.”

The Vision N 74 is one of the best refreshes in the industry – the window shapes are nearly identical to the Pony Couple.

The angle from the roof to the rear hatch almost perfectly matches Pony’s design.

The main differences in design include additions for aerodynamics in racing, like a wider stance, a rear spoiler, a front splitter, and diffusers for the brakes.

The Vision N 74 almost followed in the exact footsteps of the Pony Coupe – fans loved it, but the company had no plans to produce it.

However, the EV gained so much steam from journalists and automotive influencers that Hyundai announced plans to produce the car by 2026.

While the Pony was designed for multiple markets in the middle class, the N Vision 74 will be the opposite.

The automaker plans to produce only 100 units , and 70 will go to public buyers.

The remaining 30 will be reserved for racing.

Hyundai has made its visions of its all-electric and hydrogen future very clear, and despite doubts from enthusiasts that the EV will make it to production, listed the N Vision 74 on its website.

Hyundai

Hyundai

A screenshot on The Verge listed the car under its “High-performance EV” alongside the Genesis Magma in the announcement to produce “21 models by 2030.”

Certain specifications haven’t been confirmed by the automaker, but Road & Track reported the car may have 775 horsepower, a “hydrogen fuel cell,” and a 62.5 kWh battery.

The webpage for the car says it “envisions the hydrogen high performance… with N Vision 74 and sets its sight beyond electric cars.”

An official MSRP hasn’t been confirmed either, but its rarity and “high performance” category will likely put the car into six-figure territory.

Readers were excited to see Hyundai listening to fans and bringing it into production, even if a majority couldn’t afford it.

“Was anyone asking for this? Yes, yes we were. Bring it on,” wrote a reader, earning 20 thumbs up.

Hyundai N Vision 74 specifications

• Max Horsepower: 746 horsepower, or 500 kWh
• Max Torque: 663 lb-ft, or 900 nm
• Battery: 6.24 kWh, with 800V fast-charging capability
• Hydrogen tank capacity: 9.25 lbs, or 4.2 kg
• Fuel Cell Stack: 85 (max 95) kWh
• Max Speed: 155 mph, or 250 kph
• Driving Range: 372 miles, or 600 km

Source: Hyundai

Another was enjoying an N Vision 74 digitally and looked forward to seeing it on American roads.

“Driving this car in Forza Horizon 5 is an absolute blast, and if I can ever swing it IRL, I’m taking a heavy look at this car,” they wrote.

A different reader suspected Hyundai would go two different ways with the car.

“The typical approach here is to make two versions. The standard edition without all the racing stuff, and the N edition with all the things,” they said.

“If they only plan to bring the N edition to market, then I hope they keep it as it is. Either go all out on the crazy design or don’t do it at all. We don’t need it half-asked. All the ‘ridiculous racing trim’ is exactly why it’s so cool. It’s almost absurd, which is the point.”