No, this isn’t a dream. You are seeing this for real. Hyundai Australia has created a custom, one-off Hyundai iMax N ‘Drift Bus’, complete with a twin-turbo V6 engine conversion.
The iMax N Drift Bus was created by the local arm purely to demonstrate the mischievous spirit of Hyundai N. It also follows an April Fool’s prank in Germany earlier this year, which included a Photoshopped image depicting an iMax N.
So, what’s involved? For starters the 2.5-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder has been removed and in its place is a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. It’s based on the 3.3T from the Genesis G70 and of course the Kia Stinger. With a performance bi-modal exhaust, it produces over 300kW and 555Nm.
From there, the power is sent into an eight-speed automatic transmission and down into the rear-wheel drive system of the iLoad/iMax. However, a locker differential has been installed to ensure it always hooks up the power. Hyundai predicts a 0-100km/h time of under 5.0 seconds.
Not leaving it at that, the iMax N Drift Bus features a full suspension upgrade complete with electronically-controlled dampers, and the brakes have been upgraded to an N performance setup. There’s also some 19-inch alloy wheels that you might recognise from the i30 N, featuring performance tyres.
Topping off the exterior, Hyundai Australia has fit a custom aero kit complete with a front splitter, side skirts, and a rear diffuser. You may have noticed the entire body is coated in Hyundai N’s Performance Blue colour to further enhance the spirit. Overall, you’d have to agree, it actually looks like a legitimate product ready for the showroom.
Inside, the driver uses an N steering wheel and the front seats are replaced with N sports seats with suede and leather trimming. Aside from that, this is still an eight-seater van, with the back two rows still in place, although swapped to N suede and leather seats, too. Boot space is rated at 842L.
Unfortunately, this is just a one-off concept and is not intended to signal a future production version at this stage. In a statement, Hyundai said:
“iMax N is not a production model, nor is it road legal, so any grin-inducing fun will be limited to the racetrack. But we trust our simple aim has been achieved: to demonstrate Hyundai Australia’s passion for N-gaging and exhilarating vehicles for drivers… and as many passengers as possible.”
The van will be taking part in the World Time Attack Challenge today and Saturday, and will go for a run in the Clubsprint Class for a lap time, as well as the Flying 500. Head over to Sydney Motorsport Park to check it out. And don’t forget, Hyundai Australia will also be competing with a custom i30 Fastback N in the lap time challenge.
