The 872HP hydrogen powered Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo landed in Los Angeles in late November for its US debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, following its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year.
The new ‘N’ performance sub-brand of Hyundai developed the concept in line with the Vision Gran Turismo project, which invites automakers and design houses to create concepts that project the future of automotive design and technology.
The LMP1-inspired design showcases the automaker’s unique powertrain advancements and potential of their hydrogen fuel cell technology.
While hydrogen powertrains aren’t being used in performance applications, the N 2025 is a bold statement from Hyundai suggesting the fuel source could soon be seen in road-going performance cars.
Hyundai designed the vehicle with grip and handling in mind, while also offering LMP1 levels of power.The hydrogen fuel cell system provides 679HP, while a super capacitor provides a further 201HP. The combined 872HP is sent to the wheels via four independent motors, one driving each wheel.
Hyundai’s N Divison – what we know
The N performance division of Hyundai is responsible for the 2014 Hyundai i20 WRX and 2016 i20 WRC rally cars and the company appears to be operating much like BMW’s ‘M’ division, improving existing models and turning them into performance cars.
Before the Frankfurt Motor Show, head of high-performance vehicles at Hyundai, Albert Biermann spoke about the N division and the implications for consumers.
Biermann formerly worked as an executive within BMW’s M division, suggesting Hyundai’s future performance models might share some DNA with cars that Biermann had previously been involved with.
“Drivers will soon experience the thrills and emotions of our proven motorsport prowess for themselves.
“Our future model line-up will include performance-oriented and race-track-capable cars… They’re just the start of what we know will be a fast and exhilarating journey,” Biermann said, according to a Drive report.
