Hyundai’s N division cut its teeth with the
game-changing i30 N and has now turned its attention to something much more
unusual: the iMax eight-seat people mover.
Set to compete in the 2019 World Time Attack
Challenge in Australia over the weekend, the Hyundai iMax N takes inspiration
from an image posted earlier this year of an iMax N by Hyundai Germany as an
April Fool’s prank. Hyundai’s Australian arm clearly took the idea
seriously.
The regular 2.5-liter CRDi diesel powering the
production version of the eight-seater has been ditched, and in its place sits
a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 delivering over 402 HP and 555 Nm of torque. All of this power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed
automatic transmission.
The upgrades don’t stop here, as the tuned minivan
has electronically-controlled dampers and upgraded brakes, as well as 19-inch
alloy wheels from the i30 N wrapped in performance rubber. Perhaps the craziest
thing about the iMax N is that it’s actually been designed to go sideways
around corners, earning it the name ‘Drift Bus.’ It also has a perfect 50-50
weight distribution with eight people onboard. The exterior is painted in the
same light shade of blue as other N-branded models.
Hyundai has no intention of putting the iMax N into
production, stating that it was simply created to “demonstrate Hyundai
Australia’s passion for N-gaging and exhilarating vehicles for drivers… and as
many passengers as possible.”
The iMax N will compete in the Clubsprint Class,
Flying 500 and Drifting Cup events throughout the weekend.
