Remember when sports cars were exclusively two-seaters? When having kids meant trading in your weekend thrill machine for something with rear doors and cupholders? Designer Geonryun Hwang certainly does, and his Hyundai N Vision Roadster concept takes direct aim at that outdated compromise. This personal project (not an official Hyundai concept) reimagines what a performance EV could be by adding something revolutionary: a third seat.
The concept’s premise is beautifully simple. Take the thrilling, wind-in-your-hair experience of a roadster, electrify it with Hyundai’s N performance DNA, then configure it so the whole family can come along. It’s a refreshing perspective in a world where sports cars typically force enthusiasts to choose between driving pleasure and practicality. Hwang’s vision suggests we can actually have both, wrapped in a package that looks fast even standing still.
Designer: Geonryun Hwang
Looking at the N Vision Roadster’s exterior, you’ll immediately notice its aggressive stance and taut proportions. The front end carries Hyundai’s current EV design language with pixelated lighting elements similar to the Ioniq lineup, but cranked up to 11 with a much more predatory expression. Those slim headlights and the pronounced splitter create a face that means business without resorting to cartoonish aggression. The side profile reveals dramatically flared wheel arches housing turbine-style wheels with blue accents, a signature N performance touch that connects this concept to Hyundai’s existing performance vehicles.
What truly sets this roadster apart, however, is the seating configuration. Rather than the traditional two-seat layout, Hwang has opted for a McLaren F1-inspired 1+2 arrangement. The driver sits centrally, with passenger seats flanking them slightly behind. This central position gives the driver optimal visibility and control, while the blue-accented harnesses and minimalist seats emphasize the performance intent. It’s a clever compromise between a focused driving machine and family-friendly transportation. Your spouse and child can join the fun without cramping your driving style.
The interior continues the exterior’s functional minimalism. A floating digital instrument cluster and a chunky, horizontal steering wheel provide the necessary information without overwhelming the cabin with screens. The materials appear to blend sustainable fabrics with performance-oriented surfaces, another nod to Hyundai’s dual focus on eco-consciousness and driving dynamics. Everything looks purposeful, driver-focused, and built for speed rather than luxury.
From an engineering perspective, the N Vision Roadster would likely share some underpinnings with Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which currently powers the Ioniq 5 and 6. In N specification, these vehicles already deliver impressive performance. The Ioniq 5 N pumps out 641 horsepower in boost mode and hits 60 mph in about 3.3 seconds. Given the roadster’s smaller footprint and presumably lighter weight, it could potentially improve on those figures while maintaining reasonable range.
The concept taps into something that’s been missing from the EV conversation: emotional connection. While many electric vehicles focus on range, efficiency, and tech features, the N Vision Roadster prioritizes the visceral thrill of driving. The open-top configuration ensures you’ll feel the acceleration physically, not just see numbers climbing on a display. Adding the ability to share that experience with family members makes the concept even more compelling for enthusiasts who’ve reluctantly parked their sports cars after having children.
Will we ever see something like the N Vision Roadster in production? Probably not in this exact form. Three-seat configurations remain rare due to safety regulations and manufacturing complexity. However, the core idea of creating emotionally engaging, family-compatible performance EVs is something Hyundai could absolutely pursue. The company has already demonstrated its commitment to making EVs exciting through its N sub-brand, and expanding that philosophy to include more practical performance vehicles would be a logical next step.
For now, Hwang’s concept serves as a fascinating thought experiment and a reminder that electric performance cars can be both thrilling and inclusive. It challenges the notion that driving enthusiasm and family responsibilities must remain separate spheres. In a market increasingly dominated by practical but soulless crossovers, the N Vision Roadster offers a glimpse of a more exciting electric future where performance and practicality coexist beautifully.
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