Hyundai iMax N “Drift Bus” – 402 hp, 555 Nm, 8 seats

Hyundai’s line of N performance vehicles such as the i30 N and Veloster N are all well and good, but their latest creation is a lot more special. This is the iMax N “Drift Bus,” and as you can see, it’s a Grand Starex (also known as the iMax in Australia) that has undergone quite a number of modifications to become a bit of a monster.

Unfortunately, you can’t actually buy the iMax N due to it being a one-off concept, which started out as an April Fool’s joke earlier this year but ended up being turned into a reality courtesy of Hyundai Australia.

The company started out by throwing out the standard 2.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, which made just 168 hp and 441 Nm of torque. In its place is a 3.5 litre twin-turbo petrol V6 with 402 hp and 555 Nm, with drive being sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a welded differential.

According to Drive, the size of the engine meant the firewall had to be opened up to make room, while bespoke mounts and a new tailshaft were required to ensure the driveline fits. The MPV’s air-conditioning system had to be discarded too, which is why the sunroof is open in the video so everyone inside can breathe properly.

Content with the powertrain, the team then went on to modify other aspects of the large van by adding on 348 mm discs brakes and four-piston calipers at the front (the rear drum brakes are untouched), adapting the i30 N’s wheels to a six-stud pattern, fitting a custom splitter from an aftermarket part for a Nissan GT-R, moulding an i30 N’s rear bumper to size, slapping on N badges and painting it N Performance Blue.

Inside, Hyundai fitted the front seats, shift paddles and a steering wheel from the i30 N, while re-upholstering the remaining back two rows of seats – complete with stitching and logos. Yes, this isn’t a stripped-out iMax, and you’ll be able to bring seven of your friends along for a ride.

The end result is certainly entertaining, as you get to see a practical, eight-seat MPV that weighs more than two tonnes go sideways for most of the time on the Pheasant Wood race track in Marulan. The iMax N will make its public debut at this weekend’s World Time Attack Challenge at Sydney Motorsport Park.

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Gerard Lye

Originating from the corporate world with a background in finance and economics, Gerard’s strong love for cars led him to take the plunge into the automotive media industry. It was only then did he realise that there are more things to a car than just horsepower count.

 

Comments

  • heybadigol (Member) on Oct 18, 2019 at 4:46 pm

    Woah that’s nice. Sadly, it’s not for production. The 1st gen Previa/Estima was RWD and was mid engined to give a BMW-like 50/50 weight distribution. Naturally, it can be drifted, preferably with the supercharged model.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Republic of Qatalonia on Oct 18, 2019 at 5:07 pm

    Drift Bus must comes with 5 years of free tires replacement!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Kratao on Oct 18, 2019 at 5:17 pm

    Does that Hyundai can drift stock from factory or they modified it?
    if it drift stock from factory, im gonna get it for my daily drive and troll other langsi RWD sedan on the road.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • seancorr (Member) on Oct 18, 2019 at 6:05 pm

    What happens when you drift with a full load of 8 passengers?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Real LLort on Oct 19, 2019 at 8:52 am

      I reckon a few will say “wooaahh!!” , a few more will have the puke-face and one aunty will surely shout “eh eh ehh!! slow down laa!! why dis car sideways!!?? You donno how to drive ka!!?? where you got you license!!??” and she was sitting next to the driver as well

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • 4G63T DSM on Oct 19, 2019 at 2:37 pm

      You get a very messy interior with 7 car sick passengers.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Damon Lee on Oct 19, 2019 at 4:22 pm

      Nirvana welcomes 8 more permanent residents.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Rimau on Oct 19, 2019 at 6:01 pm

      Add weight ,terbabas
      Piao yat piao like initial D
      Haha

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • suomynona on Oct 19, 2019 at 7:26 pm

      Vomit mobile!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • its a van, not even a bus

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • vVivi Zurianti on Oct 19, 2019 at 1:35 pm

    This drift bus is heavily modded. Real deal can’t perform, I believe. This is marketing gimmick.

    My grandfather’s old-slow Saga can do drifting, if modded adequately.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 4G63T DSM on Oct 19, 2019 at 2:39 pm

    As mad and pointless this is, at least it can still ferry passengers. Nods to them, even it was just for kicks and giggles.

    But the craziest of them all was the Espace F1. Don’t think anyone can top that one….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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