Hyundai iMax N Drift Bus shreds tyres

If you thought the Hyundai Veloster Grappler concept was unusual, wrap your peepers around this: the Hyundai iMax N Drift Bus.

Powered by a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 that belts out 300kW/555Nm via an eight-speed automatic transmission and a tricky diff, the rear-drive iMax van was built for one purpose – dumb fun.

The vociferous van ain't slow, ripping to 100km/h in less than five seconds – depending on the number of occupants. When the slammed van is full to the brim with eight people on board, the vehicle has a perfect 50:50 weight distribution, says Hyundai.

It also features electronically-adjustable sports suspension that lowers its ride height to SEMA levels, plus a high-performance N braking system, bimodal exhaust and the same 19-inch alloy wheels from the Hyundai i30 N hot hatch.

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A skunkworks team at Hyundai Australia created the iMax N Drift Bus for the 2019 World Time Attack Challenge in Sydney, where it makes its global debut today.

Taking on three different disciplines at the World Time Attack Challenge, the crazy iMax will compete for outright lap times (Clubsprint Class), straight-line acceleration (Flying 500) and smoky drift action (Drifting Cup).

It's unlikely to win any of these events and Hyundai Australia admits the idea behind the 300kW tyre-frying eight-seat people-mover was to get a bit of attention for its N performance brand and have fun with a customised iMax.

"Unlike previous one-off fast vans – such as the Ford Transit Supervan and Renault Espace F1 – the iMax N 'Drift Bus' maintains its eight-seater layout in the interest of maximising the fun factor for you and up to seven of your friends," said Hyundai in a press statement.

The high-performance Drift Bus came about after Aussie Facebookers were asked which Hyundai model should next get the go-fast N treatment and while the Tucson was top of the heap, the iMax had the second most votes.

"The Tucson would have been too easy," said Hyundai. "The N philosophy of BPM not RPM – putting driving thrills and excitement ahead of ultimate performance – drove the Australian skunkworks team to create the 'iMax N' and build it to the highest possible technical standards."

Although the Hyundai iMax N Drift Bus is not street-legal, it has been kitted out with a range of N performance interior upgrades, befitting its performance capabilities.

That means N sports seats up front and rear bench seats re-upholstered with suede and leather to match the front seats. There's also an N steering wheel and plenty of exterior eye candy too.

Along with the 19-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tyres, there's a custom aero body kit comprising front splitter, side skirts, rear spoiler and a rear bumper with diffuser, while an N Performance Blue paint job tops off the upgrades.

"iMax N is not a production model, nor is it road legal, so any grin-inducing fun will be limited to the racetrack," said Hyundai Australia.

"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."