Genesis Magma Racing: Pioneering a Bold Motorsport Vision

Genesis has unveiled its ambitious entry into the competitive world of endurance racing with Genesis Magma Racing, supported by Hyundai Motorsport. This historic debut, revealed during a grand event at Miami Art Week, combines technological innovation and high-performance luxury, showcasing the brand’s commitment to redefining the motorsport landscape. At the heart of Genesis’ motorsport ambitions lies the GMR-001 Hypercar, a stunning embodiment of the brand’s “Athletic Elegance” design ethos. Its sleek, sculptural form features precise aerodynamic elements such as a flowing parabolic line and active rear spoiler, ensuring stability and high-speed efficiency. The bold Two Lines lighting, wrapping around its body, creates a striking visual identity while enhancing its streamlined shape. The GMR-001’s bodywork, meticulously crafted for both form and function, underscores the car’s competitive agility and refined sophistication. Its development at Genesis Design Europe reflects a commitment to creating a vehicle that merges racing prowess with artistic craftsmanship.

Genesis Magma Racing’s identity is steeped in cultural significance. The team’s logo, inspired by the Korean alphabet (Hangeul), incorporates geometric shapes derived from the word “Magma.” This blend of heritage and innovation mirrors the brand’s core values of being audacious, progressive, and distinctly Korean. Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis, emphasized the importance of merging cultural authenticity with bold design: “The GMR-001 is more than a car—it represents Genesis’ DNA and our drive to excel in performance and design.” Genesis Magma Racing will compete in the prestigious LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) category, a platform that integrates cutting-edge hybrid technology with standardized components to promote cost efficiency and competitive parity. Participation in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting in 2026 and the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2027 cements Genesis’ position on the global motorsport stage. These championships, home to iconic events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona 24, push vehicles and drivers to their limits, testing durability, strategy, and engineering excellence over long distances.

Backed by Hyundai Motorsport, a dominant force in rallying and touring car racing, Genesis Magma Racing is well-positioned for success. Hyundai Motorsport President Cyril Abiteboul, who will also serve as Team Principal, highlighted the shared ambition: “This collaboration combines Hyundai’s proven motorsport expertise with Genesis’ drive to innovate in luxury and performance.” Additionally, partnerships with ORECA Motorsport and IDEC Sport bring decades of endurance racing experience to the table, ensuring Genesis Magma Racing’s readiness for the challenges ahead. Ahead of its LMDh debut, Genesis Magma Racing will participate in the 2025 European Le Mans Series (ELMS) with an LMP2 entry. The team’s lineup includes rising stars Logan Sargeant, Jamie Chadwick, and Mathys Jaubert, showcasing Genesis’ commitment to nurturing talent. The permanent headquarters for Genesis Magma Racing at Circuit Paul Ricard in France will serve as the hub for development and collaboration with its strategic partners, offering a strong foundation for long-term success. The GMR-001 Hypercar is more than just a race car; it sets the tone for Genesis’ future high-performance vehicles. Alongside the hypercar, five Magma concept models were revealed, including the GV80 Coupe Concept, G80 EV Magma Concept, and X Gran Berlinetta Concept. Each model showcases the brand’s pursuit of innovation, combining luxury with performance. These concept vehicles highlight Genesis’ vision to create a new standard in the premium automotive segment, ensuring that elegance and power remain at the core of its identity.

The GMR-001 will be driven by seasoned professionals André Lotterer and Luis ‘Pipo’ Derani, both bringing extensive endurance racing experience. Lotterer, a former FIA Hypercar World Endurance Drivers’ Champion, expressed his enthusiasm: “Joining Genesis Magma Racing is an incredible opportunity to build something exceptional from the ground up.” Derani added: “Being part of this ambitious project is exciting, and I look forward to contributing my experience to achieve success in the LMDh category.” Genesis Magma Racing’s ambitions extend beyond the racetrack. By combining innovative engineering with a deep respect for culture and heritage, the brand seeks to redefine the boundaries of what luxury performance can achieve. From the bold design of the GMR-001 to the brand’s meticulous approach to motorsport, Genesis Magma Racing represents a daring leap forward. As Genesis prepares to make its mark on endurance racing, it is clear that this is just the beginning of an extraordinary journey.