When the Franco-Moroccan new energy automotive startup, NAMX, first unveiled its first concept back in 2022, the Pininfarina-designed HUV, it stated that the vehicle had drawn inspiration from American muscle cars. However, at that time, no specific details had been released regarding the propulsion system, except for power figures. Now that it has been revealed that the HUV will be powered by a hydrogen-fueled V8, it is clear to see and why.
The company also released a video to allow
the world to hear what the new 6.2-liter hydrogen combustion, made of aluminum,
will sound like. The startup refers to it as a ‘revolution in sustainable
mobility,’ but the engine carries a throaty and bassy audio signature, as you
would expect from a V8. While details about the powertrain are still limited,
the company’s founder, Faouzi Annajah, explains that they opted for a hydrogen
internal combustion engine (HICE) for three specific reasons.
Firstly, it avoids the use of batteries,
which are heavy and require rare earth minerals that can be environmentally
taxing to acquire. Second, he says that Europe has more than a century of
experience developing internal combustion engines, and that this is just the
next step in that long tradition. And finally, he says that the HICE powertrain
will preserve the “passion for automotive driving.” Another advantage will be
the speed of refilling. NAMX says it has developed hydrogen pods that can be
removed from the rear of the vehicle and replaced in seconds. Accessible right
from the rear of the vehicle, it’s a nifty solution, though I can’t help but
wonder how it will perform in rear-end crashes.
NAMX plans to offer two versions of the
coupe-crossover. In the entry-level model, 296 hp will be sent
to the rear wheels, enabling it to accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.5
seconds. The GTH version will deliver 542 hp to all four
wheels, allowing it to reach highway speeds in just 4.5 seconds The NAMX HUV is
anticipated to launch in the market by the end of 2025, with a starting price
of € 65,000 (US$ 71,200) for the base model
and € 95,000 (US$ 104,000) for the GTH model.
