Revving Up the Excitement: Hyundai's 'N74' Trademark Sparks Sports Car Speculation

Last year, Hyundai set the automotive world abuzz with the unveiling of the N Vision 74 concept car. A sleek, 670-horsepower rear-wheel-drive sports car powered by a hybrid hydrogen fuel cell and battery setup—it was a glimpse into a future that left enthusiasts salivating. And now, the latest development has us all wondering: could this dream ride become a reality?

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Hyundai has just filed a trademark application for the name "N74" with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). While the automaker hasn't yet confirmed the green light for a production version, this move is like a flicker of hope in the hearts of car aficionados everywhere.

Let's hit the brakes for a moment and look at what we know. The N Vision 74 concept car wowed us all, and it's no surprise that many, including the gearheads at Car and Driver, began to ponder, "Could Hyundai make this happen?" While we're still awaiting official confirmation from Hyundai, the eagle-eyed folks at the online forum 7th Mustang spotted this intriguing trademark application.

The filing, dated September 20, extends its grasp over a wide range of classifications, encompassing "automobiles, sports cars, vans, motor trucks, motor buses, and electric vehicles." So, it's not just about naming rights; it's about something much bigger and bolder. As per the EUIPO, the application is currently under examination, which only adds more fuel to the speculation fire.

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But what's even more exhilarating is the fact that we've already had a taste of what the N Vision 74 could be like. Last year, we had the privilege of getting behind the wheel of an engineering prototype. It was more than just a test drive; it was a sneak peek into Hyundai's "rolling lab," a testing ground where the N performance division can experiment with future powertrain innovations.

We had a chat with Albert Biermann, Hyundai's former R&D chief turned executive technical advisor, about the possibility of seeing the Vision 74 on the open road. His response was cautious, saying, "It is hard for me to see us doing it; at this moment, we don't need such a car." But fortunately for all the dreamers out there, Biermann doesn't have the final say.

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Till Wartenberg, Hyundai's vice president of N brand management and motorsport, has a different vision. In an interview earlier this year, Wartenberg shared his desire to see the Vision 74 become a reality. "My personal wish is to produce this vehicle," he declared. "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."

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So, here we are, riding the rollercoaster of anticipation. Will the Hyundai N74 make it from concept to production? We'll have to keep our engines revved and our fingers crossed. After all, in the world of automobiles, dreams have a way of becoming reality when you least expect it.