Skip to main content

Hyundai’s N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is fast … and green

The parade of Vision Gran Truism concepts just seems to get better and better, with a long list of carmakers creating no-holds-barred dream machines for the virtual world of Gran Turismo 6. The latest concept comes from Hyundai, which is using the virtual racer to promote its larval N performance sub-brand.

The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is a futuristic race car powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Hyundai has already shown interest in hydrogen with the Tucson Fuel Cell, but this radical concept is an expression of confidence that technology will evolve into something extraordinary.

Hyundai’s concept hydrogen powertrain features two fuel-cell stacks, providing 670 horsepower. They’re augmented by a supercapacitor, which stores electrical energy recovered during braking, kicking in another 201 horsepower. The total of 871 hp is sent to four motors, one mounted in each wheel hub.

To keep weight down, the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo features a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque, allowing for a curb weight of just 972 kilograms (2,142 pounds). It’s designed to achieve a low center of gravity, and the best aerodynamic performance. That’s why it looks like a Le Mans prototype on steroids.

Hyundai managed to cram its trademark hexagonal grille into that forest of spoilers, ducts, and fins. It connects to a duct that directs air through the bodywork and out the back, minimizing the amount of air underneath the body, and in turn helping to create downforce. There are also air brakes that deploy according to speed and mechanical-brake use.

While it won’t make any of the sounds of a traditional internal-combustion engine, Hyundai promises a soundtrack as dramatic as the car’s bodywork. Air rushing through an onboard turbine, the “frequency” of the fuel-cell stacks, the cooling system, and the whir of the in-wheel motors will make for an interesting aural experience, the carmaker says.

The Vision Gran Turismo concept is the latest Hyundai to wear the letter N, the mark of a performance sub-brand that’s been under development for years. In theory, N could become Hyundai’s counterpart to Ford Performance or Fiat Chrysler’s SRT, but so far it’s focused mostly on managing the Korean company’s World Rally Championship (WRC) team, rather than building road cars.

Hyundai says future N cars will use powertrains and lightweight materials derived from its WRC racers but it could be awhile before any of these cars become available in the U.S. The N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo should be available for download on Gran Turismo 6 soon.

Stephen Edelstein
Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…
Waymo lays groundwork for robotaxi revolution
A Waymo car production line.

In recent years, Waymo has been edging toward its long-held goal of revolutionizing urban transportation by deploying a fully autonomous, scalable, and sustainable ride-hailing service. 

The Alphabet-owned company has just taken another step in that direction with the opening of a new vehicle factory in Metro Phoenix, Arizona, in partnership with automaker Magna.

Read more
Ram resurrects 1500 Express trim as an affordable option
ram 1500 express return affordable 2026

Ram is revving up excitement with the return of an old favorite—the 2026 Ram 1500 Express. Reintroduced as a more affordable option in the full-size truck lineup, the Express trim brings back a combination of rugged style, respectable performance, and most importantly, a price tag that won’t send buyers running for the hills.

Starting at $41,105 for the base Quad Cab configuration (and just under $45,000 for the Crew Cab), the new Express offers a budget-friendly alternative in a market where full-size trucks can easily cross the $60,000 mark.

Read more
Jeep Compass EV breaks cover—but will it come to the U.S.?
jeep compass ev us newjeepcompassfirsteditionhawaii  4

Jeep just pulled the wraps off the all-new Compass EV, and while it’s an exciting leap into the electric future, there's a catch—it might not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.
This is a brand new electric version of the Jeep Compass, and being built on Stellantis' STLA platform—the same architecture underpinning models like the Peugeot E-3008 and E-5008—it looks much slicker and packs a lot more inside than previous versions of the Compass.
Let’s start with what’s cool: the new Compass EV is packing up to 404 miles of range on a single charge, a 74 kWh battery, and fast-charging that gets you from 20% to 80% in about 30 minutes. Not bad for a compact SUV with Jeep's badge on the nose.
There are two versions: a front-wheel-drive model with 213 horsepower and a beefier all-wheel-drive version with 375 horsepower. That AWD setup isn’t just for looks—it can handle 20% inclines even without front traction, and comes with extra ground clearance and better off-road angles. In short, it’s still a Jeep.
The design's been refreshed too, and inside you’ll find the kind of tech and comfort you’d expect in a modern EV—sleek, smart, and ready for both city streets and dirt trails.
But here’s the thing: even though production starts soon in Italy, Jeep hasn’t said whether the Compass EV is coming to America. And the signs aren’t promising.
Plans to build it in Canada were recently put on hold, with production now delayed until at least early 2026. Some of that might have to do with possible U.S. tariffs on Canadian and Mexican vehicles—adding a layer of uncertainty to the whole rollout.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed that the company has “temporarily paused work on the next-generation Jeep Compass, including activities at” the Canadian plant that was originally meant to build the model. They added that Stellantis is “reassessing its product strategy in North America” to better match customer needs and demand for different powertrain options.
So while Europe and other markets are gearing up to get the Compass EV soon, American drivers might be left waiting—or miss out entirely.
That’s a shame, because on paper, this electric Jeep hits a lot of sweet spots. Let’s just hope it finds a way over here.

Read more