Racing Revolution - The world of motorsports is no stranger to innovation and fierce competition, and the entry of new players always stirs excitement among enthusiasts. Genesis, a brand renowned for luxury and precision, is about to make waves in the endurance racing scene. Starting from 2026, Genesis will step into the prestigious World Endurance Championship (WEC), followed by participation in the IMSA series the subsequent year. This move signals a bold leap into premier racing for a brand primarily associated with road luxury.
Genesis’ debut top-class prototype, the GMR-001, an LMDh built on an ORECA chassis, will debut in the 2026 FIA WEC before entering IMSA’s GTP class in 2027. (Picture from: TopGear)
Behind this ambitious venture lies Genesis Magma Racing, a team set to compete with a state-of-the-art hypercar, the Genesis GMR-001. The car is built to meet the rigorous Le Mans Daytona hybrid (LMDh) regulations. These stipulations ensure a balance of performance, with a hybrid system limited to a total output of 698 horsepower and a minimum weight of 1,030 kg. Genesis is keeping the specifics of its hybrid powertrain a secret for now, but it has confirmed a turbocharged V8 engine derived from Hyundai’s rally expertise as the heart of the GMR-001.
The scale model of the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar debuted in Dubai, marking the start of its journey to the FIA WEC in 2026 and IMSA in 2027. (Picture from: DailySportscar)
This endeavor isn’t just about technical prowess; it’s a showcase of strategic planning and top-tier management. Genesis Magma Racing has enlisted notable figures to steer its campaign. Cyril Abiteboul, known for his stint as Renault F1 boss, will lead the team. Adding star power to the driver lineup is Andre Lotterer, a three-time Le Mans winner, alongside a cast of experienced professionals. Supporting them is ORECA Motorsport, a respected name in endurance racing, operating from its base in France.
The Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar was designed by Genesis Design Europe, led by the brand's chief creative officer, Luc Donckerwolke. (Picture from: TopGear)
Hyundai Motorsport, the parent company of Genesis, has demonstrated its dedication to long-term racing success, as evidenced by its triumph in the WRC drivers’ championship with Thierry Neuville after years of perseverance. This track record suggests Genesis’ foray into endurance racing will not be a short-lived experiment but a meticulously crafted pursuit of excellence.
The Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar showcases key design elements from the brand’s road cars, including signature Two Lines lighting at the front and rear, a sweeping parabolic line along its sides. (Picture from: TopGear)
The competition in the LMDh category is fierce, with stalwarts like Porsche, Toyota, Ferrari, and Aston Martin vying for supremacy. However, the "Balance of Performance" regulations aim to create a level playing field, making the battle one of strategy, skill, and innovation. Genesis, with its luxury-oriented brand identity, complements Hyundai’s focus on rallying and touring car series, positioning itself as a contender in the pinnacle of endurance racing.
The Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar embodies a fusion of performance ambitions and design-driven DNA, blending the vibrant passion of Magma's intense orange with precision engineering to usher in a new era where speed meets elegance. (Picture from: TopGear)
Even before the official LMDh debut, Genesis will sharpen its skills with an LMP2 car in the European Le Mans Series in 2025. This preparatory step will feature a star-studded roster, including Logan Sargeant, an ex-Williams F1 driver, and Jamie Chadwick, a three-time W-Series champion. Such a setup highlights the brand’s commitment to nurturing talent and building a competitive edge from the ground up.
This ambitious journey also serves a dual purpose: aligning Genesis’ racing endeavors with its upcoming high-performance Magma road cars. By integrating racing technology into its luxury vehicles, the brand seeks to redefine the intersection of speed and sophistication. For fans and customers alike, this promises a future where the thrill of the racetrack meets the elegance of premium automobiles.
Genesis’ entry into endurance racing is more than a challenge to established giants; it is a testament to the brand’s ambition and vision. As the countdown to 2026 begins, motorsport enthusiasts eagerly anticipate how this newcomer will reshape the dynamics of high-performance racing. Will Genesis’ luxury DNA and Hyundai’s motorsport legacy pave the way for groundbreaking success? Only time will tell, but the excitement is already palpable. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GENESIS | TOPGEAR | DAILYSPORTSCAR ]
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Behind this ambitious venture lies Genesis Magma Racing, a team set to compete with a state-of-the-art hypercar, the Genesis GMR-001. The car is built to meet the rigorous Le Mans Daytona hybrid (LMDh) regulations. These stipulations ensure a balance of performance, with a hybrid system limited to a total output of 698 horsepower and a minimum weight of 1,030 kg. Genesis is keeping the specifics of its hybrid powertrain a secret for now, but it has confirmed a turbocharged V8 engine derived from Hyundai’s rally expertise as the heart of the GMR-001.
Genesis’ entry into endurance racing is more than a challenge to established giants; it is a testament to the brand’s ambition and vision. As the countdown to 2026 begins, motorsport enthusiasts eagerly anticipate how this newcomer will reshape the dynamics of high-performance racing. Will Genesis’ luxury DNA and Hyundai’s motorsport legacy pave the way for groundbreaking success? Only time will tell, but the excitement is already palpable. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GENESIS | TOPGEAR | DAILYSPORTSCAR ]
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