The official launch of Hyundai's performance N sub-brand at the Frankfurt Motor Show was spearheaded by the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept.
Hyundai had already leaked information pre-show on its Hyundai N concept. The company's new performance brand gets its name from the global R&D centre at Namyang in Korea, and Hyundai's test facilities based at the Nürburgring, in south-west Germany, where Hyundai N cars' performance and handling will be refined.
Albert Biermann, Head of Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division, said: "By revealing this exciting high performance sub-brand N to our customers, we're changing and challenging expectations of the Hyundai Motor brand. 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 full of energy."
The N Vision Gran Turismo is a fuel-cell electric vehicle, powered by a hydrogen fuel cell and a super capacitor system, developing a combined 650kW of power. The dual fuel cell stacks produce 500 kW with the super capacitor system topping up output by 150kW by capturing regenerative braking. Power is transmitted by four independent in-wheel motors.
The N Vision Gran Turismo weighs just 972kg, thanks to compact, lightweight fuel cell stacks and the rigid CFRP monocoque structure. Aerodynamics are enhanced by a tube-type underflow air supply duct which exits at the rear to reduce air pressure underneath and maximum downforce. Air brakes are fitted to hose off speed as well as reduce drag.
The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is not just about colour and movement — it is also about how it sounds. Designed by Hyundai's Sound Design Research, the noise from the air blower's turbine, the fuel cell stacks, the hydrogen cooling system and the in-wheel motors combine to make the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo sound like no other hydrogen-fuelled car.
The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo's design concept draws inspiration from aeronautics and the test location at Muroc Dry Lake, where pilots and astronauts train. The Muroc Dry Lake was the main motif for the design of the car and why Hyundai also call this concept Muroc.
Hyundai says it designed the concept with aeronautics in mind, saying that the design was intended to appear as if it were floating above the ground.
The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo concept, will soon be featured as one of the available cars on PlayStation's Gran Turismo video game.