Hyundai Motor Group<\/a> for over ten years and will now support the Genesis motorsport operations in the prestigious World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026, followed by participation in IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA) in 2027. This venture will position Genesis on the world\u2019s most challenging tracks, showcasing the brand\u2019s engineering expertise and endurance capabilities.<\/p>\nEndurance racing represents one of the most prestigious and challenging disciplines in motorsport, demanding speed, reliability, and strategy over extended periods. Iconic events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Daytona 24 require teams to balance peak performance with durability and efficiency, testing both the cars and drivers to their limits.<\/p>\n
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At the heart of endurance racing is the LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) class\u2014a premier category that combines cutting-edge hybrid technology with standardized components to ensure cost control and competitive parity. LMDh cars compete in WEC and IMSA, making them a global platform for showcasing engineering excellence and innovation.<\/p>\n
By entering the LMDh category, Genesis joins an elite group of manufacturers vying for success on the world\u2019s most prestigious racing stages. This move marks a significant milestone for the brand, demonstrating its ability to innovate under the extreme conditions of motorsport while maintaining its commitment to luxury and sustainability.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis entry into motorsport is a natural evolution for Genesis,\u201d said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis. \u201cAs we look to push the boundaries of our brand, motorsport allows us to bring the spirit of hyperspeed\u2014which drives how we create and innovate\u2014in a way that aligns perfectly with our core values: Audacious, Progressive, and Distinctly Korean.\u201d<\/p>\n
Introducing the GMR-001 Hypercar<\/h2>\n
The centerpiece of Genesis\u2019 motorsport ambitions, the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar, was revealed alongside the announcement of Genesis Magma Racing. With its striking design, the GMR-001 Hypercar embodies Genesis\u2019 commitment to \u201cAthletic Elegance\u201d in a high-performance, endurance-ready package.<\/p>\n
Another highlight of the event included the reveal of the Genesis Magma Racing logo, which draws direct inspiration from the Korean alphabet,\u00a0hangeul, spelling of “Magma” (\ub9c8\uadf8\ub9c8). The design incorporates the consonants \u201c\u3141,\u201d \u201c\u3131,\u201d and \u201c\u3141\u201d as its foundational elements, creating geometric shapes that serve as a dynamic visual representation of Genesis\u2019 heritage.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe logo seamlessly blends innovation with cultural authenticity, symbolizing the brand\u2019s distinctly Korean identity and its bold entry into motorsport,\u201d added Donckerwolke.<\/p>\n
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Accurately styled with Genesis\u2019 signature Two Lines lighting, the GMR-001 Hypercar projects a confident stance on the track. The sleek, horizontal lights wrap around the front and rear, emphasizing both width and aerodynamic purpose. This unique lighting seamlessly integrates into the car\u2019s flowing bodywork, underscoring Genesis\u2019 minimalist design principles while enhancing visual impact in any environment.<\/p>\n
Meticulous surface design characterizes the body, with each panel crafted to evoke movement, even when the vehicle is at rest. Inspired by Genesis’ Magma lineup, the exterior combines subtle sculptural details that underscore the car\u2019s athleticism and high-speed agility. Smoothly contoured surfaces guide airflow across the body, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency while emphasizing the car\u2019s assertive character and confident stance.<\/p>\n
Integrating functional elegance and power, the side profile of the GMR-001 Hypercar features a sweeping parabolic line, a Genesis hallmark that transitions fluidly from front to rear. This line enhances airflow toward the rear diffuser, improving downforce and handling on the track. A concave rear section, framed by an active spoiler, adjusts to driving conditions, balancing drag reduction with stability for high-speed racing.<\/p>\n
Reflecting Genesis\u2019 forward-thinking design, the GMR-001 Hypercar was developed at Genesis Design Europe under the guidance of Luc Donckerwolke. The car\u2019s distinctive black finish and design cues drawn from the Magma lineup signal a powerful new era for Genesis performance vehicles. The model serves as both a tribute to Genesis\u2019 design DNA and a forward-looking inspiration for upcoming models, embodying a balance of elegance and raw racing capability.<\/p>\n
Donckerwolke added, \u201cThe GMR-001 Hypercar and our Magma models represent a fusion of Genesis\u2019 performance ambitions with our design-driven DNA. From the intense orange of Magma, symbolizing Korean passion and energy, to the precision engineering behind each component, we are entering a new chapter, where speed meets elegance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Genesis Magma Racing to Rollout in Hyperspeed<\/h2>\n
Hyundai Motorsport will play an integral role in driving Genesis Magma Racing\u2019s plans in endurance racing, with President Cyril Abiteboul serving as Team Principal for Genesis Magma Racing. Having recently secured titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and TCR World Tour, Hyundai Motorsport is well-prepared to support Genesis in this bold new venture, working alongside trusted and equally ambitious partners.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe official launch of Genesis Magma Racing is a momentous occasion,\u201d said Cyril Abiteboul, President of Hyundai Motorsport GmbH and Team Principal of Genesis Magma Racing. \u201cAs the backbone of Hyundai Motor Group\u2019s global motorsport activities, Hyundai Motorsport will play a vital role in this latest ambitious program. We are elevating our circuit racing expertise to a whole new level as we prepare to compete in some of the world\u2019s most challenging series.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Driving the Future of Genesis Magma Racing<\/h2>\n
The combined expertise of the team behind Genesis Magma Racing is matched by the talent of the drivers who will take the wheel of the GMR-001 Hypercar. Andr\u00e9 Lotterer and Luis \u2018Pipo\u2019 Derani will lead the charge in 2025, taking on technical development duties for the car and conducting simulator sessions to prepare for the debut LMDh season in 2026, where they will both serve as race drivers.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am beyond thrilled and thankful to join the Genesis brand for its entry into endurance racing,\u201d said Genesis Magma Racing Driver, Andre Lotterer. \u201cAfter winning the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Drivers\u2019 Championship this year, this opportunity is the perfect fit for me to channel my work, experience, passion and motivation into a new project with a team of highly ambitious individuals. I am excited to start working on this project and build a successful future from the very beginning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lotterer\u2019s enthusiasm is echoed by his teammate, Luis \u2018Pipo\u2019 Derani, who shares the same drive and commitment to the Genesis endurance racing project.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ambition behind Genesis\u2019s endurance racing project and the track record of those involved was an opportunity I couldn\u2019t refuse,\u201d Derani said. \u201cAs a driver, being involved in a project from the start is highly rewarding. I look forward to bringing my experience of developing cars and winning titles to the team. Given the competitiveness of LMDh, it will be a big challenge, but I believe all the necessary ingredients are here to make this endurance journey successful.\u201d<\/p>\n
Preparing Solid Foundations<\/h2>\n
Ahead of its WEC debut in 2026, the team will collaborate with IDEC Sport to field an LMP2 entry in the 2025 European Le Mans Series (ELMS), featuring a promising lineup of emerging talent. Logan Sargeant (USA), Jamie Chadwick (UK), and 19-year-old Mathys Jaubert (France) will join forces for the ELMS campaign, supporting Genesis Magma Racing\u2019s preparations for endurance racing.<\/p>\n
Genesis Magma Racing will consolidate its operations at a permanent strategic base at Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France, leveraging its proximity to ORECA Motorsport and IDEC Sport to streamline collaboration.<\/p>\n
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