The Hyundai N Vision 74 is Finally (Possibly?) Definitely (Maybe?) Slated for Production. We Think.
The Hyundai N Vision 74 is one of the most stunning concept cars we’ve seen in the past five years. A hydrogen-powered electric sports car, this retro-styled coupe is an enthusiast’s dream in the EV era. Now, it appears Hyundai may be bringing the N Vision 74 Concept to life. Hyundai filed trademark documents for the N74 nameplate, indicating that it is readying for a production version of the hydrogen hatchback. If you feel like you’ve seen this story before, you have. You’ve also seen it recanted. And then restated. And then ignited again. So, what does it all mean?
New EU trademark applications hint at a future Hyundai N74
Filed on September 20th, this trademark application is the first genuine hint that Hyundai wants to make the N Vision 74 in some capacity. What’s more, the filing covers more than just the naming rights. It also includes “automobiles, sports cars, vans, motor trucks, motor buses, and electric vehicles”. In other words, the trademark specifically includes some version of a production vehicle or family of production vehicles.
And while the filing first turned up on a 7th Gen Mustang forum, of all places, it checks out. The European Union Intellectual Property Office has, in fact, received a Hyundai N74 trademark application, though it is still under examination as of this writing.
Hyundai stays silent on N74 trademark rumors
This go-round, Hyundai execs aren’t saying anything about their plans to bring the N74 to production. Earlier this year, CarBuzz uncovered U.S. patents that hint at some N74 specifics. Of particular interest are the frameless doors, which are unique to the N Vision 74 Concept.
And there are patents for Hydrogen Fuel Cell cooling and leak containment. However, those touches could be for an upgraded Hyundai Nexo, or simply to protect the brand’s intellectual property as components from the concept car find their way into other new Hyundai road and race cars.
An optimist could see those patents and believe that Hyundai is definitely bringing the N Vision 74 to production. But it is just as likely that the Korean automaker is simply working on new tech and designs for other vehicles throughout its lineup.
How did we get here?
It doesn’t take a long look back to see how we’ve gotten here. Hyundai’s N Vision 74 debuted in 2022 as a far-flung prototype. The Cyberpunk-esque design is a modern take on the Hyundai Pony, blended with a little IONIQ5 to keep things current.
At the time, Hyundai stated that the N Vision 74 was simply a test bed for its hydrogen fuel cell and EV technology. But the design sparked immediate interest, and calls for a production version began almost immediately.
Since then, various Hyundai execs have made contradictory statements about the status of the N74. Early on, Hyundai/Kia Technical Advisor Albert Biermann told Car and Driver, “It is hard for me to see us doing it; at this moment we don’t need such a car.”
But in a later interview, Hyundai N brand manager Till Wartenberg told The Autopian, “My personal wish is to produce this vehicle.” He continued, “It’s at first probably an investment, but if we could see this vehicle really out there and people buying it, I would be very happy.“
Will the Hyundai N74 enter production?
Wartenberg’s comments and these new patent applications certainly give us hope that the Hyundai N Vision 74 will enter production. But trademark applications are just that – and so far we’ve uncovered no patent filings for anything other than the name. Still, this could be a sign of things to come.
