In the realm of supercars and hypercars, Rimac is a brand notorious for monstrous speeds and performance. Some of the most insane speeds ever recorded appear next to the Rimac badge. But Hyundai wants in on the speed conversation now, too. 

There is a new Hyundai that may have speed-loving sports car fans chomping at the bit. This car is hydrogen-powered and already turning heads. And it’s not all talk either. This new supercar introduction will indeed offer massive power since it’s practically half Rimac at heart.

Meet the Hyundai Vision FK

Hyundai issued a press release introducing the concept for the Vision FK. As head of research and development, Albert Biermann says, this prototype supercar is a “bit of technical overkill.” However, this plug-in hybrid vehicle demonstrates just how ambitious the engineering team is over at Hyundai.

The Hyundai Vision FK will be powered primarily with its mid-mounted hydrogen fuel cell. And in terms of style, the Vision FK resembles the already impressive, two-door Hyundai Stinger. The automaker claims the Vision FK will scream from 0 to 60 in less than four seconds.

The hybrid variation allows this supercar to go for more than 370 miles between charges or fill-ups. And having 670-hp for any hybrid is wildly aggressive. The advanced battery technology at the heart of this sports car looks an awful lot like that of Rimac vehicles. 

Hyundai and Rimac collaborated on a few things

Lots of automakers introduce concepts and prototypes, making big promises. But the Hyundai Vision FK intends to back up its claims with collaborative efforts with Rimac, the brand synonymous with performance. The battery pack development for this sports car mimics what already exists in Rimac’s Nevera hypercar. And The Drive reminds enthusiasts that Hyundai invested $90 million in Rimac a few years back. So working together on this new hybrid hydrogen supercar makes sense.

This hybrid prototype is different from other hybrids with which you’re already familiar. The hydrogen fuel cell will be responsible for propelling the front wheels. The conventional battery pack, similar to the pack used by Rimac, will power that back end. As MotorTrend points out, nearly the entire back half of the Vision FK is Rimac.

Hydrogen models are different from EVs 

Most consumers are getting used to hearing about EVs and electric vehicle technology as automakers shift to more environmentally friendly engineering. But hydrogen-powered vehicles are entirely different. Hyundai is publicly committing to exploring its production and design future as a two-pronged venture, as AutoBlog explains. Hydrogen and electricity will be the primary power sources in the years to come.

An EV typically gets its power from a lithium-ion battery pack, responsible for supplying power to various aspects of the vehicle. Refueling the battery power means plugging into an electric power charging station. On the flip side, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, also sometimes called fuel cell electric vehicles, require refueling with hydrogen.

Instead of plugging into an electric source of recharging, the hydrogen tanks need to be refueled at specific service stations offering natural gas refills. While the nationwide infrastructure of electric charging stations is growing, there are fewer hydrogen refill stations available. So, as the trends slowly adopt new hydrogen power technology, the infrastructure will undoubtedly need to catch up before it’s considered mainstream.

Hyundai doesn’t want to put all of its eggs into the EV basket. But the automaker also knows the traditional combustion engines are on the way out. The future of hydrogen power may be the next alternative. The Hyundai Vision FK may be half Rimac. But it’s a supercar that may usher the automaker into the future.