We love it when automakers step out of their comfort zones to create something like this.
While we are all familiar with Hyundai’s N performance Division for hot hatches like the i30 N or the Veloster N Hot hatches, their latest product is quite different. The iMax N Drift Bus is a rare vehicle that can only be seen on the track. However, it follows the Veloster grappler concept.
We tried to recreate the spirit of the Ford Transit Supervan, and the Ford Transit Supervan. Renault Espace F1 Hyundai decided to make a van with a twin-turbo, 3.5-liter V6 engine. This replaces the 2.5-liter diesel. It produces 402 horsepower and 555 Newton meters (409 pound-feet), while maintaining the eight-seat layout of the van that you may have seen under the names Grand Starex, H-1 or i800 depending on the market
An eight-speed automatic transmission is connected to a corner-carving differential to transfer all that power to the road. A bi-modal exhaust makes the most of the V6’s sound. The van is not the only thing that’s unique. The Australian skunkworks team behind it also installed an aerodynamic body kit, electronic dampers, and N brakes hidden behind the 19-inch alloy wheels, sourced from the aforementioned I30 N and covered in performance tires.
Fun fact: Hyundai claims that the iMax N Drift Bus’s weight distribution is perfect at 50/50 if all eight seats are occupied. The N treatment has been applied to the front seats and steering wheel, while the second and three rows of seats are covered in matching suede or leather. It’s no surprise that rubber-hungry people have a lot of fun with the large 842-liter cargo space. The tail-happy van will be seen in its N Performance Blue paint at the Sydney Motorsport Park, Australia. This weekend, the iMax N Drift Bus is entered in the World Time Attack Challenge in three disciplines.