In this week’s Ask Nathan:
- Hyundai N Vision 74 will be built!
- Will Chrysler die, or is someone trying to save it?
The first question comes from an older post regarding the Hyundai N Vision 74. It was a response to a post I penned a while back.
Q: (ViaTwittwr/X @NathanAdlen): Dude, they (Hyundai) would never build the N Vision 74.
It’s just a concept homes (“Holmes?”), you need to calm TF down. You get all hyper about weird cars that never get built or went away because no one wanted them. You crazy bro.
– Seedy78
A: If I’m so crazy, why is Hyundai building the N Vision 74?
Yea, I like oddballs, but I’m not the only one. As for the Hyundai N Vision 74, it look like it’s part of a package Hyundai just announced at their recent “investor day” event. The company wants to produce 21 all-new vehicles by 2030, including the Hyundai N Vision 74. Oh, and YES – it’s supposed to be a fuel cell (hydrogen gulping) vehicle.
With that out of the way, I wanted to throw some speculation at this announcement. I suspect that there may be a few powertrains they may pack inside the N Vision 74 (or whatever name they officially give it). I mean, it makes sense, right? If you have a platform that can underpin something that looks like this vehicle, with rear-drive, why not use it? Hyundai/Kia M-platform anyone?
In its concept form, it’s supposed to make 670 horsepower fuel cell system that sits between two 4.2kg hydrogen tanks. All of that feeds a 62.4kWh battery, which is small by today’s standards. Still it might help with weight. Once again, it’s hard to say if Hyundai is keeping to just one powertrain with this awesome looking machine.
Yes – that’s my opinion on its odd-ball styling. Then again, if there was enough clamor from the world to build this thing, I guess I’m not the only one.
I’m starting to get excited!
Sorry – not sorry.
– N
The last question comes from a Chrysler fan who wants to save the company. It’s also dated about a year ago, but with the new announcement covered in (this) post, I found it relevant.
Q: Is there any way to save Chrysler?
Grew up a MOPAR guy in a MOPAR family. We had good and bad luck but never waivered from keeping a Dodge or Chrysler or a Ram in the family. Even my sister has a Jeep. And I know that things are bad right now. Do you think anyone or a company can stop Stellantis from killing off Chrysler? It looks like it’s happening soon.
– Morris from Calgary
A: Hi Morris.
I honestly don’t know if this announcement has any legs, or if it’s just an attempt at a money grab – but – there’s something going on. Frank B. Rhodes Jr, great grandson to Walter P. Chrysler penned a letter to find investors, and rally the troops. He tried this before, but this time (some “experts” say) he’s got a lot more momentum.
In the letter, he shows his displeasure that Chrysler has just one product (a minivan) and that they have been passed over for funding new production vehicles. He’s also quite upset at the Stellantis leadership, their use of funds, pay and relationship with the UAW. He’s calling for investors to gather, and buy the automaker back.
Does that include Jeep, Ram and Dodge? I’m pretty sure the answer is no as Jeep and Ram actually make Stellantis money. I’m not too sure about Dodge, but they are about to come out with a few new products. Honestly, I don’t know,
Here’s one thing I’m pretty sure about. Stellantis is aware of Chrysler’s impending doom, and their leadership has been kicking the can down the road for too long. Sure, we should see an EV Airflow, or something like it, soon. One new car may not be enough, and if they follow typical Stellantis strategy, they will overprice themselves out of the market.
There was a rumor that Chrysler was going to get a small crossover based on the Hornet/Tonale, but that stopped with the poor reception of the vehicle. It’s just a rumor, but it would account for the huge hole in Chrysler’s lineup.
– N
