Hyundai lines up hydrogen fuel cell tech for N performance models
N division launched in 2015 with radical, hydrogen-fuelled N Vision 2025 concept
Brand strongly hints at hot FCEV models to come as part of division's shift from combustion
Hyundai has strongly hinted that future performance models from its N division will use a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, as suggested when the sub-brand was spun off as a separate entity in 2025.
The N brand was launched with the futuristic N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept, which took a theoretical 872bhp from a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. Since then, the brand has launched the Nexo as one of two mainstream hydrogen-fuelled cars available in Europe, but has yet to extend the technology to its performance offerings.
Speaking at Hyundai’s N Day event, at which the new Kona N was revealed, chief marketing officer Thomas Schemera said future Hyundai N models will be offered with a zero-emission powertrain: “No matter whether it’s battery-electric, fuel cell electric or - more interestingly - a combination of both.”
He also hinted at the ongoing real-world implications of the brand’s outlandish launch concept: “Powered by the world’s first mass-produced hydrogen fuel cell, the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept ever since is the embodiment of our electric performance direction.
“Moreover, our ‘rolling lab’ concept - the Racing Midship [RM20e] - also enables us to test and develop high-performance technologies.”
Packing 799bhp and 708lb ft from a mid-mounted electric motor that powers the rear axle, the RM20e is the latest iteration of Hyundai N’s road-legal test bed. At its unveiling last year, Schemera said it “clearly signals future electrified brand aspirations for Hyundai’s performance N brand, moving N into the prestigious genre of supercar-level performance”.
The sixth N-badged hot Hyundai will arrive later this year, though details of what to expect are scarce. The brand has confirmed plans to introduce more performance-oriented SUV models, and has marked out the new E-GMP platform - as used by the new Ioniq 5 and upcoming Ioniq 6 saloon - as a viable candidate for a performance boost.
Schemera said the brand will remain committed to accessible performance as it shifts to electrification: “So what’s next for N? Sustainable driving fun - this is the name of the game. Ever since we presented the hydrogen-powered N Vision 2025 concept, sustainable fun has been N’s way of realising Hyundai’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’. Now it’s time to make that vision a reality.”
He added later: “Fun to drive is by no means dependent on a driveline type.”
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*Hyundai RM20e is 799bhp test bed for electric N performance cars*