Zac Quinn 
As the automotive industry steps away from the roaring V8 and towards electrification. We’ve all had to try and come to terms with the fact that the only acceleration sound we will hear on the roads will be the subtle whistle of an EV motor. Future generations may never have the chance to truly enjoy the familiar sound of a V8-engined car taking off at a light or accelerating just for fun. But that won’t be entirely true. We at MC&T strongly believe that the industry’s future will eventually be Hydrogen. It’s an abundant resource, not to mention that manufacturing a hydrogen engine is significantly cheaper than the disaster that is the massive batteries required to make EVs work. Pininfarina has recently released a new video of its innovative NamX HUV, offering an exciting look at what the future could hold.
Pininfarina NamX Hydrogen V8: Details
The 44-second video only has a short section showcasing the engine’s visceral sound. Still, it’s enough to paint a significantly greater picture of what the automotive world could sound like in the future. The luxury crossover HUV from Pininfarina uses an aluminum 6.2-liter V8 engine running on hydrogen that produces.. well, it’s unclear how much power it delivers. However, the automaker has stated that there will be two models available. One has 300 horsepower, a top speed of 124 miles per hour, and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds. The other option will be a more powerful GTH with 550 horsepower, a top speed of 155 mph, and acceleration from zero to 60 in just 4.5 seconds. The 6.2L V8 model is likely the latter. Hey, GM fans, that’s a familiar displacement, no?
Pininfarina opted for a hydrogen combustion engine over a fuel-cell setup for several reasons. One of which was because it reduces the overall weight of the vehicle as the vehicle doesn’t require heavy batteries. Instead, this engine is meant to evolve the ICE powertrain. Instead of using a hydrogen tank placed into the car, as seen with the Toyota Mirai or Hyundai Nexo, the HUV features a removable tank system that enables refueling in an entirely different way. The motorized CapX charging system comprises six capsules that can be refueled at a hydrogen station or delivered to the driver. Additionally, the company hopes to establish CapXtores, which would give customers an alternative to refill their capsules.
Overall, the Pininfarina NamX has an estimated range of 497 miles. What’s exciting about Pininfarina is that it’s approaching the industry differently. Many automotive startups are entering the arena with EVs, and very few have decided to stick with the combustion engine. Luckily, the NamX won’t be the only hydrogen-powered ICE vehicle in the future. Cummins has been diligently working on making their hydrogen engines. Meanwhile, Toyota has showcased the virtues of Hydrogen through motorsports and has already developed several concepts. So, the future could hold a much better alternative to buying a car than an oversized power wheel, and we’re all for it. Listen to that engine; it’s a glimpse at a much more exciting future.
