LE CASTELLET, France, June 1, 2026 — Genesis Magma Racing has revealed the special livery that will be carried by the team’s pair of GMR-001 Hypercars for the team’s debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The design returns the team’s livery to the Magma-inspired livery shown at the Genesis area of the Manufacturer Village at the 2025 event.

Inspired by Korean Energy and Culture

The livery’s colors take inspiration from the lava at the heart of the Magma name, created in reference to the volcanic origins of the Korean peninsula and the energy that lies below the surface of South Korea. The presence of power below the surface is also present in Korean culture, embodied by the humble confidence shown by the country’s people in the public eye.

Like them, Genesis Magma Racing has high targets and confidence that it can achieve them, but also embodies a humble approach, especially in its debut year in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Despite surprising many by scoring points in just its second race in the championship at last month’s 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, Genesis Magma Racing remains focused on the reliability of the GMR-001 Hypercar and the challenge of reaching the finish in its first 24-hour race.

“For the entire Genesis brand, including of course Genesis Magma Racing, design is one of the foundational pillars,” said Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke. “Fans and supporters have been vocal in their love of the Magma Orange concept livery that was unveiled last year, and, as always, Genesis takes our supporters’ feedback into consideration by bringing it to reality with a bold evolution. More than a race livery, it’s an artful statement — where color and form convey the unique performance identity of Genesis.”

The gradual color shift over the length of the GMR-001 Hypercar flows from the signature Magma Orange at the front — a hue symbolizing Korea’s vibrant energy — to deep red at the rear, evoking a sense of speed and rising intensity, mirroring both the temperature of a high-performance engine and the acoustic shift of the Doppler effect as a car passes at full speed. The livery retains the hangeul lettering for “Magma” (마그마) over the length of the car, now in a contrasting gradient, running from red at the front of the car to Magma Orange at the rear.

The team’s two cars – #17 and #19 – will both carry the design for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The two liveries differ in the #19 sporting white Genesis and Genesis Magma Racing logos and additional highlights compared to the orange and black of the #17 entry.

Working With Technical Partner to Perfect Design

“The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the biggest weekend of our year,” said Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul. “It is the toughest test we face during the FIA WEC season, especially as a team in our first season, but it is also our biggest opportunity to show the identity of Genesis and Genesis Magma Racing to the world through racing.”

He added: “Since we launched the team in December 2024, Magma has been a key part of our name and our identity, so to be able to bring Genesis Magma fully to life on track is very important. The cars look fantastic, and as a team we will be working to make sure our performance matches the level of attention that has gone into creating the designs.”

Donckerwolke explained: “As we do for every production car, we will keep innovating and testing new solutions to always be recognized and unique. Genesis global design has worked hand in hand with the racing team to create a striking yet lightweight livery for the biggest race of the 2026 WEC season, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

To bring the design to life, Genesis Magma Racing has worked closely with Technical Partner HEXIS to perfect the gradient design to look its best both standing on the grid and racing at full speed. Drawing on the expertise of HEXIS and its latest generation of wrapping films, these ultra-conformable adhesives have been specially developed to enhance the colors from every angle. The specially engineered films are capable of enduring the harsh conditions of endurance racing, from high-velocity airflow and heat to track debris. To guarantee this, HEXIS’s BODYFENCE steps in as an invisible armor; this advanced paint protection film keeps the livery spotless and fiercely glossy, ensuring that gravel and track grit won't dull the design, all without adding unnecessary weight, while meeting the strict design brief for the livery. From the afternoon sun to the dead of night on the Mulsanne Straight, the GMR-001 Hypercar will catch the light in a unique way, ensuring a spectacular visual impact without compromising the car’s performance.

Genesis Magma Racing has kicked off an all-out push with its sights set on entering the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) next year. The program began with the unveiling of the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar and its V-8 engine, followed by a full team structure and talent acquisition. Now, with hard-earned race mileage already under its belt, Genesis is preparing to prove itself against the world’s strongest endurance competitors.

Genesis Magma Racing (GMR) has been moving full throttle toward its 2026 WEC debut. The team has revealed the Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh)-spec GMR-001 Hypercar and its brand-new V-8 engine, while driver and crew training is progressing under the Genesis Trajectory Program. Partnering with French outfit IDEC Sport, Genesis has entered the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), giving its drivers and engineers an intense baptism of fire. The campaign has already delivered a class win in Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) at the season opener, overall victory in Round 2 at Barcelona, and valuable lessons at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The GMR-001 Hypercar: Development at Full Speed

Genesis made WEC ambitions official last year, and by April 2024 a full-scale GMR-001 was on display at the New York International Auto Show. More recently, a video of the V-8 engine firing up in its chassis grabbed headlines worldwide.

Development of the dedicated V-8 began in June 2023 and hit its first milestone in February 2024, when the engine roared to life in Alzenau, Germany. On July 9, it was installed into the ORECA-built chassis at Le Castellet, France, marking the first complete GMR-001 prototype.

Hypercar engines typically come in V-6 or V-8 turbocharged layouts. Genesis based its new V-8 twin-turbo on Hyundai Motorsport’s proven 1.6-liter inline-four turbo engine from World Rally Championship (WRC), sharing around 60 percent of the components. Per LMDh regulations, the GMR-001 combines an ORECA chassis, an Xtrac gearbox, a Bosch MGU and a Williams Advanced Engineering battery pack.

Genesis Magma Racing Technical Director François-Xavier Demaison explained: "With the time we had available to develop the engine, we immediately knew we did not have enough time to completely design a new engine from scratch. For the main part of an engine, you need a long time to design, validate and, of course, to produce. Every part needs to be tested over many kilometers, and the inline-four engine from our World Rally Championship car has already been well proven. It became the logical step to carry over as many parts as possible from the four-cylinder engine."

Development has since accelerated. The first completed GMR-001 chassis was moved to GMR’s new Race Base facility at Le Castellet where it underwent its initial shakedown in bare carbon trim. Lead drivers André Lotterer and Luís “Pipo” Derani have already completed simulator sessions and baseline setup work ahead of full-scale testing.

With its chassis, V-8, hybrid system and gearbox now united, the GMR-001 will embark on a grueling test program across Europe, targeting its competitive debut in the 2026 WEC season. Engineers and mechanics will pore over data while drivers verify setups in the simulator, steadily sharpening the car into a race-ready weapon.

"We are at a time where we seem to be passing milestones every day, but this is exactly what we must be doing,” said GMR Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul. “After planning for and talking about these moments for the last eight months, to be able to see a finished car running exactly as we planned is incredibly exciting.”

The GMR-001 Hypercar has now moved beyond design and build, entering the critical phase of proving durability and performance in real-world conditions. Genesis is turning every step into a chance to accelerate development, laying the groundwork for its first attack on the world stage of endurance racing.

Entering the Arena of LMDh

The LMDh formula — short for Le Mans Daytona hybrid — was born from International Motor Sports Association (IMSA)’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, with technical regulations aligned with the WEC to allow crossover competition. While Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) manufacturers must design every element independently, LMDh was created for cost efficiency. Entrants select one of four chassis suppliers (ORECA, Dallara, Multimatic or Ligier) and pair it with a spec hybrid system: a Williams battery, a Bosch MGU and an Xtrac gearbox. Unlike LMH cars, which can temporarily run all-wheel drive, LMDh machines channel both engine and hybrid power solely to the rear axle.

Although LMH cars may hold a slight performance edge, LMDh offers clear advantages: lower costs and faster development timelines.

Importantly, LMDh also offers a major marketing advantage in the U.S., a crucial market for premium brands. Cadillac, Porsche, BMW, Lamborghini and Acura are already in. Even Alpine — without a U.S. sales presence — has committed, while Ford and McLaren are preparing LMDh entries for 2027.

Building the Team: The Genesis Trajectory Program

Developing the car is only half the battle; building the team is equally critical. Genesis organized GMR in Le Castellet, specifically at a test track adjacent to the Circuit Paul Ricard, rather than Hyundai Motorsport’s rally base in Alzenau, Germany.

To accelerate experience, Genesis partnered with endurance veteran IDEC Sport, launching the Genesis Trajectory Program.

Collaborations between automakers and racing teams are nothing unusual in motorsport. Specialist outfits born and bred on the circuit bring deep racing expertise, offering wide-ranging and detailed support from car development to team operations. For manufacturers, running a permanent in-house racing team can be a heavy burden, so they often partner with these experts to gain access to skilled personnel, facilities and hard-earned know-how.

The same applies to teams currently competing in the WEC. Endurance racing legends like Porsche are partnered with America’s powerhouse Penske, Aston Martin is aligned with Heart of Racing, BMW M relies on Belgium’s Team WRT, and Ferrari leans on AF Corse for its campaigns.

Founded in 2015 by Patrice Lafargue, IDEC Sport claimed the 2019 ELMS title and competes in LMP2, LMP3 and Michelin Le Mans Cup. Former Peugeot factory driver Nicolas Minassian serves as Sporting Director.

For this season, IDEC’s #18 LMP2 car has been repainted in GMR’s signature magma-orange livery, serving as a rolling testbed for Genesis drivers, engineers and mechanics.

The driver lineup is taking shape. Three-time Le Mans winner André Lotterer and Brazilian ace Pipo Derani anchor the squad. Supporting them are Jamie Chadwick, Mathys Jaubert and Daniel Juncadella. Endurance racing requires at least three drivers per car, so six or more drivers are needed across two cars. Rotation is common as drivers juggle commitments in multiple series.

Jamie Chadwick is a British driver who became the youngest-ever champion of the GT4 class in the British GT Championship at just 16 in 2015. She went on to win the inaugural W Series title in 2019 and has since notched a victory and two podiums in Indy NXT.

Mathys Jaubert, just 20 years old, is the youngest driver on the team. He finished runner-up in the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup France and first sampled LMP2 machinery during the ELMS rookie test at Portimão in 2023, marking him as a promising newcomer to endurance racing.

Daniel Juncadella is a seasoned 34-year-old Spaniard with experience across multiple categories. Starting in Master Junior Formula, he progressed through Formula BMW, GP3, European F3, and even tested as a young driver in F1 before serving as a reserve for Force India. Most recently, he claimed LMGT3 class victory in the 1,812 km WEC season-opener at Qatar with TF Sport.

Genesis has also adopted an advanced driving simulator from U.K.-based Dynisma. The high-end simulator is sophisticated enough to be used in Formula 1, delivering a near-real driving experience. It will be invaluable not only for collecting development data on the new hypercar but also for driver training. With real-world track testing limited, the simulator becomes an essential piece of equipment.

Real-World Training in ELMS and Le Mans

The partnership between Genesis and IDEC Sport got off to a strong start at the ELMS season opener, the 4 Hours of Barcelona, marking a successful launch of the Trajectory Program. The ELMS is organized by the ACO as the entry tier of endurance racing — if WEC is Formula 1, ELMS is Formula 2. The ACO’s endurance ladder runs from the Le Mans Cup and Ligier European Series at the base, through ELMS and Asian Le Mans Series, with the WEC sitting at the top.

In early April, 31 teams and 131 drivers lined up at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the season’s first ELMS round. IDEC Sport’s #18 LMP2, wearing GMR’s orange livery, was driven by Jamie Chadwick, Mathys Jaubert and Daniel Juncadella. The sister #28 car was piloted by Paul Lafargue, Paul-Loup Chatin and Job van Uitert.

The #18 started outside the top ten but clawed its way into the lead battle by mid race. Jaubert, driving the final stint, even surged into first place. A late call for used tires, however, opened the door for the chasing #83 AF Corse car on fresh rubber. Overall victory slipped away, but taking the LMP2 class win was still a milestone first step for Genesis Magma Racing. It was also the first-ever ELMS LMP2 class victory by a female driver, Jamie Chadwick.

Round 2, the 4 Hours of Le Castellet, was held at Circuit Paul Ricard in southern France, IDEC Sport’s home turf. On the team’s 10th anniversary season, the race was particularly meaningful. Pre-race rain created chaos at the start, and Chadwick’s bold call to start on slicks saw her spin at Turn 2 and drop to the back. A switch to wets dropped her to 18th, but she calmly fought her way back up the order. As the track dried, pit-stop timing became a high-stakes gamble. In the final hour, Jaubert seized the lead as rivals pitted and held off Nielsen Racing’s late charge to take the checkered flag.

The victory marked the first overall win in the partnership with Genesis, and also IDEC Sport’s first at its home track — a fitting moment in the team’s 10th anniversary year. For Chadwick, it was another milestone: the first overall ELMS win by a female driver. Thanks to that triumph, both the driver and team standings vaulted into the championship lead.

From mid-May into June, the ELMS calendar paused, but the team had no time to rest—because the biggest race in endurance racing, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, awaited. Every June, the world’s top teams and drivers converge on France’s Sarthe region, and for Genesis Magma Racing. Preparing for WEC meant targeting Le Mans as the ultimate goal.

Genesis lined up its IDEC Sport LMP2 contender with André Lotterer, Jamie Chadwick and Paul-Loup Chatin Jaubert on the entry list. Originally, it was supposed to be Dani Juncadella taking the seat, but with his prior commitment to another team in the LMGT3 class, it was Lotterer who ultimately took the wheel.

Early setup issues kept the team out of Hyperpole, leaving them to start 14th in class. But once the race got underway they wasted no time carving through the field. By the time opening driver André Lotterer handed the car over to Jamie Chadwick, they were already up to 8th, and at around 4 a.m. — the halfway point — the IDEC Sport duo was running 4th and 5th. Just two hours later, however, disaster struck: the right rear wheel came off, forcing Lotterer to retire the car on the long Mulsanne Straight.

Le Mans may have ended in a heartbreaking retirement, but Genesis stayed firmly on course with its long-term road map by announcing fresh additions to the team right before the race. Newly appointed team manager Anouck Abadie brought pedigree from the renowned GT outfit Kessel Racing, while chief engineer Justin Taylor arrived with experience across both WEC Hypercar and IMSA LMDh programs — an invaluable hire as Genesis eyes an IMSA entry in 2027. And there was also a familiar face: Italian veteran Gabriele Tarquini, the driver who once delivered Hyundai a WTCR championship, returned to the fold as sporting director.

Three weeks after Le Mans, the ELMS circus moved to Italy’s Imola circuit for Round 3. The Genesis Magma Racing entry showed strong pace in practice, but a sudden downpour just before qualifying meant they had to start from ninth on the grid. Jamie Chadwick navigated the early chaos brilliantly, using a fuel-saving strategy to climb as high as second. Daniel Juncadella gambled on slicks in the rain but slid off, damaging the car and limping back to the pits. A string of subsequent incidents kept the team from capitalizing on their pace, and they eventually finished 11th, missing out on points. The setback handed the championship lead to VDS Panis Racing — but only by a single point, leaving everything still wide open.

The first half of the ELMS season wrapped up with Round 4 at Belgium’s legendary Spa-Francorchamps on Aug. 24. From there, the series moves on to Silverstone in the U.K. before closing out in October at Portugal’s Algarve circuit. The championship fight remains critical, but for Genesis the bigger prize lies just ahead — an official debut in the FIA WEC. It’s the brand’s first-ever purpose-built race car taking on the sport’s top class, a battleground stacked with manufacturers who’ve spent decades in endurance racing and have cabinets full of Le Mans silverware. For Genesis, it’s still only the opening steps, but just as Hyundai proved in touring cars and the WRC, the charge of Hyundai Motorsport and Genesis Magma Racing isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

LE MANS, France, June 15, 2025 — Genesis Magma Racing drivers and team members learned important lessons from a positive performance on their first participation in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Trajectory Program drivers Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert were joined on their 24 Hours of Le Mans debut by three-time winner André Lotterer in the #18 IDEC Sport-entered car in the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class of the race.

Qualifying Struggles Give Way to Podium Pace

The trio struggled for pace in Wednesday evening’s qualifying session, failing to progress through to the Hyperpole sessions. However, with the support of the team, which included Genesis Magma Racing’s newly confirmed Chief Engineer, Justin Taylor, the drivers improved the handling balance of the car steadily through the remaining practice sessions.

Their efforts quickly paid off at the start of the race, when Lotterer immediately began to make progress from the team’s 14th in class starting position. By the time the German completed his race-opening triple stint to hand the car off to Chadwick, the #18 was firmly established within the top eight. Chadwick consolidated that standing during an exceptional quadruple stint — one run longer than originally planned — before Jaubert completed the cycle of drivers with a triple stint deep into the night.

As the race passed the halfway point at 4 a.m., the crew were firmly in the podium battle along with the sister #28 IDEC Sport car, especially with the field bunched up following the first safety car of the race.

Sadly, less than two hours later, just after taking over the car, Lotterer stopped on the Mulsanne Straight after losing the right-rear wheel. Unable to drive any further, he was forced to abandon the car, ending a promising performance by he and his rookie teammates after 206 laps. Working with IDEC Sport, Genesis Magma Racing personnel will analyze the cause of the problem in the coming days to avoid a repeat when they return to the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) at Imola next month.

Key Weekend in Creation of the New Team

Five new members of Genesis Magma Racing team management were announced by Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul at a press conference the day before the race. Alongside Taylor, Team Manager Anouck Abadie; Sporting Director Gabriele Tarquini; Driver Program Advisor Mia Sharizman; and Commercial, Marketing and Communication Manager Warren Scheckter all got their first chance to work with the team and drivers at the race.

Furthermore, over 40 members of Hyundai Motorsport were identified for the Trajectory Program to potentially join Genesis Magma Racing’s debut FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season. They were interested observers at Le Mans, gaining first-hand experience of the incredible atmosphere of the race weekend to prepare them to execute their future roles flawlessly 12 months from now.

Post-Race Quotes: #18 IDEC Sport Oreca 07

Chadwick said: “It's been an incredible experience. I don't think anything can fully prepare you for your first Le Mans. It’s been such a pleasure to be a part of it. It's funny, I think I would have taken your arm off to just be in the race at the beginning and then you suddenly start fighting for a podium position. Obviously disappointing in the end, but still incredible work by the whole team. I think our strategy and our teamwork has been really good and I learned a lot from André this week. In the race I just tried not to make any mistakes — not getting any penalties or anything like that. My teammates did a great job so when I got in the car, I was always in a really good position. It's a shame obviously not to continue to do that throughout the race, but I'm happy with the progress we've made. It's not easy to come to this place.”

Jaubert said: “I’m very frustrated for sure, but at least we take a lot of experience with Jamie for our first 24 Hours of Le Mans. We’re not happy about the result, but the pace was great. Like from the start of the year, we've made no mistakes, had good pace and good strategy. We were fighting for the podium, so it was a great race, but unfortunately, we had an issue on the car with the wheel. But at least we can take a lot of experience. Le Mans has been all about traffic management. Racing at night is all new for us. Also, the balance of sleeping and waking up — it's quite different, so it’s good to learn how to manage all these things.”

Lotterer said: “It was the race we wanted up until the point where we retired. I think we did really well. We had a good rhythm, staying out of trouble and not getting any penalties, so we were in the mix for the podium, but after the pit stop, we lost the right-rear wheel and there was no chance to come back with the way the differential works, so I had to park the car. It's sad for Jamie and Mathys for them not to be able to finish their first Le Mans. They were driving very steady and learning a lot. So, I think they would have deserved to be there at the end, but it's like this. It was great to be on board and represent Genesis Magma Racing colors and be with people for next year and start building team spirit already. Obviously, next year is going to be a completely different game with the GMR-001 Hypercar. The whole structure is going to be bigger, more complex and more sophisticated, but in terms of operations and human processes, we'll learn at many levels from this weekend.”

Abiteboul said: “10 months after the decision to enter endurance racing, Genesis' participation in Le Mans this year with our drivers and some of our first staff members was an achievement in itself, and another milestone of our Trajectory Program designed to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2026 in the strongest possible position. We wanted to accumulate useful experience for next year, and that's precisely what we've done ever since we arrived in Le Mans, and in the 14 hours of very competitive running during the race. It was an amazing progression through the field from the team. In their first time at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Jamie and Mathys were incredibly impressive in every circumstance, and we need to say a big thank you to André for sharing his experience of Le Mans with them. While we did not target a particular result, we obviously wanted to do well, and thanks to the relentless efforts of IDEC Sport, the car could progress during the first half of the race to run in solid podium positions. The retirement is a disappointment, but that should not overshadow [the fact] that it's been a very successful week where we’ve learned many things. It was also heart-warming to get such a positive response to our arrival in the WEC paddock, to the design of the GMR-001 Hypercar and the announcement of our new management structure at the event.”

LE MANS, France, June 13, 2025 — Genesis today held a press conference during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, outlining the brand’s bold vision for Genesis Magma Racing. Major highlights included the announcement of key team management roles, an update on vehicle development progress and new market entries for the Genesis brand.

The event was held at the Genesis Magma Racing booth in the Manufacturer Village at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

Genesis Magma Racing is also participating in the race itself, represented in the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) category with the #18 car driven by Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, joined by three-time Le Mans winner André Lotterer.

Accelerating Development and Market Expansion

Addressing the press conference, Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul provided an update on the latest progress of the development of the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar. He shared news of a successful endurance dyno test for the combined engine and gearbox.

This test validated the team’s decision to adopt a V-8 powertrain, a choice made to streamline development by leveraging Hyundai Motorsport’s existing World Rally Championship engine technology. The team based the V-8 on the Group’s competitive 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine, effectively combining two units to create a high-performance V-8 configuration.

Abiteboul also gave details on the expansion of Hyundai Motorsport as part of the creation of Genesis Magma Racing. The new team will operate from a race base at Le Castellet, close to ORECA’s factory, where parts continue to arrive in France for the building of the first two cars that will be used in development testing.

“The expansion of Hyundai Motorsport is essential to create a strong foundation for Genesis Magma Racing, and the establishment of a new subsidiary in France is an essential step,” said Abiteboul. “The team is being created from very strong parts. A strong chassis from ORECA, an ideal race base location in Le Castellet, an international, experienced team of people from around motorsport and, of course, the best of the influences from Korean culture to drive us all forward at Hyperspeed.”

Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke and Managing Director of Genesis Motor Europe Xavier Martinet also joined the press conference, revealing that the Genesis brand will officially enter four new European markets — France, Spain, the Netherlands and Italy — with first customer vehicles launching in 2027.

"With Genesis Magma Racing, we are turning our design philosophy into pure performance. Every line, every surface, every decision on the GMR-001 reflects the same discipline and emotion we bring to our cars,” said Donckerwolke. “As we enter more markets in Europe, Genesis Magma Racing becomes more than a motorsport initiative — it’s a powerful expression of who we are, engaging with a region that has long defined automotive excellence.”

New Team Members Bring Vital Experience to Team

In addition, three new team members were revealed during the press conference. Anouck Abadie will take the role of Team Manager, Justin Taylor becomes the Chief Engineer and multiple Touring Car champion Gabriele Tarquini will take up the role of Sporting Director.

The three bring experience in their roles from different realms of motorsport and will integrate into the existing team structure lead by Abiteboul and Technical Director François-Xavier Demaison.

Abadie has experience of working within the FIA and with leading endurance teams in both Team Manager and Sporting Director roles, most recently with GT squad Kessel Racing. “This new project with Genesis Magma Racing gives us the opportunity to start from a white board, and we can build a strong team of motivated people who share our vision. It will be challenging for sure, that’s why it’s even more exciting. I can’t wait to see our car in action on track,” said Abadie.

Taylor, from the United States, will arrive at Genesis Magma Racing having recently acted as Race Engineer in two of the leading teams in the Hypercar and Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) categories. “Joining Genesis Magma Racing is very exciting for me,” said Taylor. “Coming onboard in the Chief Engineer role allows me a chance to develop our team and the GMR-001 Hypercar from the ground up, to be ready for the 2026 WEC season and beyond.”

He brings crucial experience of not just WEC, but also IMSA competition — critical as Genesis Magma Racing sets its sights on entering the North American-based championship in 2027.

Sporting Director joins from Hyundai Motorsport’s Customer Touring Car squad

Tarquini is one of the most successful Touring Car drivers of all time. The Italian has won the British, European and World Touring Car titles, as well as the inaugural WTCR — FIA World Touring Car Cup title in 2018 with Hyundai Motorsport.

The three will fit into the team structure alongside the existing members of the team, including those coming from Hyundai Motorsport as part of Genesis Magma Racing’s Trajectory Program. Abadie and Taylor will take up their roles immediately to be in place for the first on track tests planned later this year.

“Anouck, Justin and Gabriele are fantastic additions to the Genesis Magma Racing team,” said Abiteboul. “They all have great experience in motorsport, which will be complemented by additional endurance racing expertise of the other team members we will recruit in the coming months. This mix, and the management structure we announce today, will be at the center of the team through our testing this year with the GMR-001 Hypercar and our race team in the FIA World Endurance Championship next year.”

Trajectory Drivers and First Le Mans Experience

On track in 2025, Genesis Magma Racing’s LMP2 entry — run by IDEC Sport — features the #18 Oreca 07 car, with Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert joined by endurance legend André Lotterer. Chadwick and Jaubert, both in their first full season of prototypes, are part of the Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program. They have already claimed LMP2 class victory in the ELMS season opener in Barcelona and an overall win in Le Castellet.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans provides both drivers and Hyundai Motorsport personnel from the Trajectory Program a valuable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the unique environment of Le Mans, further preparing the team for 2026.

On-site With Genesis at Le Mans

Genesis is hosting fans and media at the Manufacturer Village with a bold showcase:

• The full-scale GMR-001 Hypercar model — revealed in Europe for the first time — features an eye-catching livery inspired by Korean culture, with the word “Magma” written in the Korean alphabet of Hangeul (마그마).
   

• The Brand Wall details Genesis’ 10-year journey, connecting its luxury design legacy with the innovation behind Genesis Magma Racing.
   

• A selection of limited-edition Genesis and Le Mans merchandise is available for purchase and prizes, created exclusively for this event.

At Genesis, there just never seems to be an end to them.

“I’m an auto engineer, and I’m quite a passionate one,” says Harrer, Head of the Vehicle Development Tech Unit at Hyundai Motor Group (the Group). “With my roots in vehicle dynamics and performance, my latest mission to marry Genesis’ premium luxury approach with a performance approach is incredibly exciting.”

The Genesis Newsroom recently sat down with Harrer near his office at the Namyang R&D Center in Hwaseong, Korea, to learn more about the brand’s high-performance Genesis Magma initiative and plans to introduce hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and extended-range EVs (EREVs).

How is progress coming along for Genesis Magma?

The first Magma model to go into production will be the GV60 Magma, and our planning for this, to bring this to the market, is really very, very aggressive.

From a technical standpoint, what do you think Magma signifies for the Genesis brand?

The Genesis brand right now stands for premium luxury refinement. It’s optimized. It's a very comfortable experience, perfect for premium luxury. Magma is the performance bridge leading to more powerful engines, a bolder stance, a wider body and a lower ride height. Magma is aimed at the customer who wants more horsepower, higher top speed, and bold and sporty optics in each segment.  

How about Genesis’ entry into the realm of motorsports? What impact do you think it will have on the brand’s overall tech advancements?

Motorsports is the toughest testing environment you can find in the auto world. We’re talking about high speeds, aerodynamics, cooling strategies and durability enough to last 24 hours. The things we learn coming out of these races can create a great opportunity for all of us to further enhance our products.

What innovative technologies are currently being developed for future Genesis models?

We’re working day and night to build Genesis-dedicated technologies. Digital experience is super important for us, and so are next-generation propulsion systems, which will allow us to gain even more power and more fuel efficiency.

Is there anything a bit more specific you can share about the future lineup, for instance, the flagship G90?

We are currently enhancing the G90 with numerous ideas for new technologies, including digital experience and improvement to ride quality. We’re also looking forward to more powertrain variations, which go in tandem with our broader efforts to optimize our whole propulsion lineup encompassing electrified and hybridized solutions. 

So the G90, now based on an internal combustion engine (ICE), could have more variations in terms of powertrain?

Definitely. More variations are coming.

Let’s talk about EVs. How do global trends like the EV chasm influence your R&D strategies?

The EV chasm, with this gap between early adopters and the market, is really about the fact that completely transforming or transferring to EVs is taking longer than expected. It's a hard lesson for the whole automotive industry right now and we must react and innovate. We cannot push so hard and bring only EVs to the market. It was a bold goal from us years ago, but we must adjust and face the reality of differences in our customers — that not every customer is ready to go there.

What we’re doing in the meantime is developing hybrid and other hybrid-similar technologies for our customers before we can really go 100-percent EV, 100-percent zero emissions. We will soon offer a larger variety of new EV cars and updated or new Genesis models, with modern propulsion lineups, like the hybrid I mentioned already, or even alternative technologies like the EREV.

Speaking of hybrids and EREVs, when will the first Genesis production model of each hit sales?

Believe it or not, a couple of days ago we had a test drive of our future lineup with hybrid propulsion. This is going full steam, but now is not the right moment to reveal the exact date when we can really bring it to the market. But I promise you, we are working intensively to bring it sooner rather than later. And this is really advanced technology. It fits perfectly with the brand’s premium luxury approach and is the next step for our electrified propulsion.

How will EREVs improve the overall driving experience?

The beauty of EREVs lies in combining EV driving characteristics — instant high torque and serene cabin space — with a longer range. It’s kind of a modern hybrid: You can use it as an EV on a daily basis, but if you have to take a long trip, say, from San Francisco to Las Vegas, and you don’t want to carefully plan your route around EV charging stations, it provides seamless driving with the ICE generating electricity for you. This freedom is generating a lot of excitement around the world.

But there’s more to EREVs than range. There’s also the ample power for towing capacity — the energy to tow something like a horse trailer — which remains an unsolved issue with EVs.

How is Genesis collaborating with other companies in the area of EV batteries?

We’re a Korean brand, and the advantage I see here is that we have a strong network of Korean partners that thrive globally. They have battery know-how and technology, and we speak the same language and share the same culture, which allows seamless collaboration and innovation. It’s truly an outstanding environment for an OEM [original equipment manufacturer] like Hyundai to have these partners to work together on not only traditional cells but also on performance cells you will see in the future.

A couple of years ago, the Group announced it would develop a next-generation EV platform aimed at providing significant improvement in driving range on a single charge compared to the Group’s current E-GMP platform. Will this platform also be adaptable to HEVs and EREVs?

We are indeed developing an EV-focused platform dedicated to Genesis that’s aimed at improving driving range on a single charge. Furthermore, to overcome the EV chasm and respond to market conditions, we have begun upgrading this platform to make it adaptable to future tech like EREVs.

What strategies are being employed to maximize driving performance in this new EV/EREV platform?

We can’t do much about the weight of the underfloor batteries in EVs. What we can do, however, is modify weight distribution within the vehicles by optimizing the placement of various components and adjusting the balance of systems. For example, different types of tires could be used at the front and rear to enhance the grip level. Another way would be balancing the drivelines. In the future, you will see more drive-oriented, more powerful e-motors with a rear-wheel bias. This would bring balance by pushing the vehicle from the rear.

What’s really important is that we are now working on a new kind of torque vectoring system for future Genesis models, especially Magma, really cutting-edge, which will bring back agility at every speed. The combination of that with smart tire selection will bring dynamic and performance to the car, despite the mass.

It’s been a year since you’ve joined the Group. Compared to your previous roles working at other car companies in Europe, what particular strengths have you noticed so far in the way of working at Genesis?

What fascinates me most about the Group as a whole, not just Genesis, is the vertical integration. We have about 40 partners and affiliates with whom we work closely together in an intricate automotive value chain. It’s quite unique to see a deep understanding of practically everything — from customer requirements to the manufacturing of small components — and I think this is what makes a huge difference and gives us a lot of innovation power.

What excites you most about the future of Genesis?

I’d have to say combining Genesis’ premium luxury approach with a performance approach. We have really great products in the pipeline that will allow us to create a new foundation and open a new chapter. And most importantly, we have passionate colleagues who will help us get there.

FRANKFURT, Germany, May 28, 2025 — Genesis Magma Racing will be represented both on track and in the paddock at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans in a major event of the team’s Trajectory year in preparation for entering the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar.

The full-scale model of the car will be on display for the first time in Europe, forming a focal point on the Genesis Magma Racing booth in the Manufacturer Village inside the Circuit de la Sarthe. First revealed at the New York International Auto Show in April, the model will give fans and media an opportunity to examine the design that will take Genesis into motorsport for the first time.

A Key Week in a Year of Preparation

The 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans is a major point in the team’s Trajectory Program, with team members and potential drivers preparing for Genesis Magma Racing’s entry into the WEC.

Among those attending the race and working within the IDEC Sport team will be a number of Hyundai Motorsport personnel, covering almost all aspects of race operation and support staff within the team.

Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul explained, “It is a chance for our team members in our Trajectory Program to feel the atmosphere and excitement unique to Le Mans to be ready to perform in 2026. They will be able to see first-hand the extremely busy and competitive environment Genesis Magma Racing is stepping into and understand more of what is needed for a strong execution next year.”

The week at Le Mans will also host an announcement by the team at the Genesis Magma Racing booth, updating media and fans on the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar and the latest news about building the team.

Opportunity to Share Genesis Magma Racing’s Rapid Progress

“We are developing the GMR-001 Hypercar and building the team for next year,” said Abiteboul. “At Le Mans we can share our story and that of the Genesis brand, as well as our rapid progress as a team with the information and full-scale model to the passionate fans who attend the race.”

Sporting an eye-catching livery, inspired by Korea and featuring the hangeul characters of Magma (마그마), the GMR-001 Hypercar model will be the center of attention at the booth throughout its time at Le Mans.

A Brand Wall will tell the 10-year story of Genesis through video and text, from its origins and aims, up to the present with Genesis Magma and the race team, allowing the hundreds of thousands of passionate endurance racing fans who attend the 24 Hours of Le Mans to learn more ahead of the brand’s racing debut in 2026.

Fans will also be able to purchase — or even win — exclusive Genesis and 24 Hours of Le Mans merchandise. Each item is especially created for the event, underlining Genesis’ design-led philosophy, while giving fans a way of showing their support for Genesis Magma Racing.

First Le Mans Experience a Key Part of Trajectory for drivers

On track in 2025, Genesis Magma Racing’s interest is in the LMP2 class where Trajectory drivers Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert are joined by André Lotterer in the #18 IDEC Sport-run Oreca 07. Chadwick and Jaubert, together with Daniel Juncadella, have made an excellent start to their first full season in prototypes, winning the LMP2 class at first two rounds of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS).

However, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which does not count towards the ELMS standings, is a brand new challenge for Chadwick and Jaubert on a weekend where they can focus on their own development. Just as for the team members with them in the Trajectory Program, Le Mans is a key part of the year the two drivers. “In their first starts in the race,” said Abiteboul, “the objective is for Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert to gain valuable experience without the pressure of fighting for championship points.”

As they aim to take advantage of the opportunity to race at Le Mans, Chadwick and Jaubert will be supported by Lotterer, a three-time overall Le Mans winner and part of Genesis Magma Racing’s driving line-up for the 2026 WEC season. The race will be the longest either Trajectory driver has contested in a prototype, with the obvious additional test of driving in the hours of darkness, as well as the changing conditions throughout the race.

“The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a key point in the year for Genesis Magma Racing,” Abiteboul summarized. “It is the biggest endurance racing event of the season and a major part of the FIA World Endurance Championship, where we will be racing with the GMR-001 Hypercar in 2026. The 2025 event starts our countdown — 365 days until the next 24 hours.

FRANKFURT, Germany, May 20, 2025 — Genesis Magma Racing has begun working with Dynisma, purchasing one of the company’s groundbreaking DMG-360XY simulators to aid in the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar as part of preparations for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

The choice is a clear sign of the team’s serious intent not just to enter the WEC but to be immediately competitive in the series. The initial sessions for drivers Andre Lotterer and Luis “Pipo” Derani on the simulator come as work continues to build the foundations of the Genesis Magma Racing team.

Time in Simulator Crucial to Early Development of GMR-001 Hypercar

“Simulator work is key in developing a new car,” said François-Xavier Demaison, Genesis Magma Racing Technical Director, “and with the Dynisma DMG-360XY, we are working with the best in the business.”

The F1-bred DMG-360XY features high stiffness, ultra-low latency, high bandwidth and unlimited yaw capability with a five-meter ground plane excursion, providing the most realistic racecar experience possible. 

Lotterer and Derani, the two drivers currently confirmed to take on the testing of the GMR-001 Hypercar later this year and race in WEC next year, have had sessions in the simulator at Dynisma’s UK base.

“The feedback is immediate and natural,” said Lotterer. “It feels like driving the real car. You’re not adapting to the simulator; you’re getting a one-on-one response that allows you to focus on true vehicle development and performance.”

Derani said, “Right now, our focus is on getting used to the simulator and validating the software for the systems, like, for example, the Hybrid system, MGU [motor generator unit] and brakes as well as confirming the tire and car model. The hardware gives us exactly what we need, so it will be essential to the development of the car and our race preparation.”

Purchase of Simulator Supports Development and Beyond

Sessions on the simulator, supported by Dynisma’s technicians, will allow Genesis Magma Racing’s drivers and engineers to begin to develop the set-up for the car’s first on-track test sessions and work between test days.

A DMG-360XY will be installed at Genesis Magma Racing’s Le Castellet base in France in early 2026 as part of establishing the team’s headquarters.

When the team’s focus turns from the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar to the 2026 WEC season, the simulator will become a vital tool for drivers and engineers to prepare for each round of the championship.

“The simulator is going to be an important tool when you're limited in testing like we are because we have a short time to develop the GMR-001 Hypercar and also because the number of test days are strictly limited during next season,” said Demaison.

Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul stressed that in order for the team to be successful in the 2026 WEC season, it needs to take every opportunity to gain experience and gather data for the GMR-001 Hypercar.

“The purchase of a Dynisma DMG-360XY gives Genesis Magma Racing’s engineers and drivers an important head start in developing the GMR-001 Hypercar,” said Abiteboul. “It shows we want to be serious competitors in the World Endurance Championship and puts us in the best possible position when on-track testing begins later this year.”

LE CASTELLET, France, May 4, 2025 — Drivers Jamie Chadwick, Mathys Jaubert and Daniel Juncadella added to their sensational start in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) season. The trio scored overall victory by two seconds at the 4 Hours of Le Castellet at Circuit Paul Ricard in France to add to their Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class win at the season opener in Barcelona, Spain. The pace of Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory drivers Chadwick and Jaubert, and Juncadella combined with intelligent strategy decisions made in changing weather delivered the stellar result.
 

Team Avoid Trouble in Difficult Conditions to Take Victory
 

The 4 Hours of Le Castellet got off to a dramatic start. The formation laps were completed on an already greasy track, but the rain intensified just as the green flag flew. Chadwick, starting the race from the fourth place earned by Jaubert in Saturday’s qualifying session, got an almost immediate taste of how difficult the conditions were. Under acceleration from turn two the #18 IDEC Sport-run car broke loose. Chadwick, who became the first female overall winner in the ELMS competition, held on to the car, rejoining the race.
 

Called in by the team, led by a race engineer from Genesis Magma Racing, she was one of the first drivers to switch from slick to wet tires. Avoiding the chaos that afflicted many others in treacherous conditions, the strategy decision lifted Chadwick into fifth where she kept pace with the lead group.
 

The rain remained for the start of Juncadella’s middle stint, but the latter laps of the Spaniard’s time in the car was complicated as the track began to dry. At a first stop, the team refueled the car but kept the same increasingly worn set of wet tires on the car. The decision looked like a mistake, as those teams stopping a few laps later for slicks were soon faster than Juncadella on track, and when he did pit to hand over to Jaubert on dry weather tires, it dropped the team from the podium battle, to fifth.
 

However, the earlier call paid off. When the teams ahead were all forced into a pitstop just before the final hour of the race due to the regulations governing a driver’s minimum drive time, Jaubert took a lead that he refused to relinquish over the remaining quarter of the race.
 

From the front he managed his pace to minimize the stationary time during the final stop, allowing him to return to the lead after pitting with 39 minutes remaining. He had to withstand late pressure after losing critical time overtaking slower cars, but once in clear air was able to add to his lead, taking the checkered flag just under two seconds ahead of his nearest challenger.
 

The result puts Chadwick, Jaubert and Juncadella, and IDEC Sport at the top of their respective championships on a total of 50 points. The victory at Le Castellet was IDEC Sport’s first LMP2 triumph at the circuit and the perfect end to the team’s home round of the championship, where the squad celebrated their 10th anniversary at their headquarters just outside the track.  
 

Post Race Quotes - #18 IDEC Sport Oreca 07
 

Chadwick said: “It was a really tricky race conditions-wise, so it was a bit of a gamble which tires to go on. We chose the slicks initially and I had a big moment at the exit of turn two and dropped back. It became quite clear that this race was going to be about avoiding mistakes. We called the stop of the wets at the right time. I enjoyed my stint — the car was nice, and I knew we could make a little bit of ground up from where we were. I was just trying to stay out of trouble. I knew the race would be later on for Dani [Daniel] and Mathys. We’ve had good performance all week here at Le Castellet. Another win is a bit surreal; it’s a bit beyond our expectations. The IDEC Sport team did an amazing job today with a really good execution of the strategy. I’m just so happy for them. What a perfect start to the year.”

Juncadella said: “It’s incredible. Two wins out of two in the European Le Mans Series. The 4 Hours of Le Castellet was another race where we executed perfectly as a team. There were no mistakes — we always made the right call even when it was very difficult with the weather, my teammates did an amazing job, and we made it happen. The conditions were tricky out there. It was my first time driving this car in the wet. It was difficult, for sure, but I really enjoyed it. I felt very confident in the car straight away. Already on my out lap, I was able to make some moves and when I knew we were third, I didn’t want to take any risks. I had to stay a bit longer on the wet tires to maximize the stint time and make sure we had one stop less to the end, which was the right call from the team to give the chance to win.”
 

Jaubert said: “Honestly, I feel like I did nothing in my stint, I just had to finish the race. My teammates and the team gave me the car in a perfect position. I had new slick tires. I was able to save a bit of fuel and the car, and in the end, I could push because I saw second place gaining behind me. I had a few issues with my radio, so sometimes I had no information on the gap behind me, so the end was a bit tricky, but the car was incredibly fast and now we are leading the championship with a good advantage. Now we have to see for our next race, which is the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
 

Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul said: “This weekend was another great job by everyone on the team — Genesis Magma Racing staff, IDEC Sport and all three drivers — Jamie, Dani and Mathys. Two wins in two races is a great start for everyone in the Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program. From the outside, it could look easy, but I promise it has not been the case. In both races, and especially in the 4 Hours of Le Castellet, every strategy decision had to be right, and the drivers had to handle some very difficult conditions on track, which they did really well. Everyone is working perfectly together, and we are achieving the results to show for it.”
 

2025 European Le Mans Series LMP2 Drivers’ Championship
After Round 2:

2025 European Le Mans Series LMP2 Teams’ Championship
After Round 2:

FRANKFURT, Germany, April 17, 2025 — The V-8 twin-turbo engine that will provide power to the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar has completed a successful first fire-up at Hyundai Motorsport’s headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany, passing a major milestone for Genesis Magma Racing.

Hyundai Motorsport Experience Behind Engine Development Process 

Overseen by Hyundai Motorsport’s Head of Powertrain Julien Moncet and Engine Workshop Leader Rob Benson, the fire-up procedure went exactly as planned in late February, greeted by applause from the gathered engineers and designers responsible for bringing the engine to life. 

The event — described by Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul as the first “heartbeat” of the project — marked a key milestone in the development of the engine and for the entire GMR-001 Hypercar that will take Genesis Magma Racing into the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026. 

The engines for Hyundai’s FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) cars have been produced in-house by Hyundai Motorsport since 2017. Having begun as a handful of engineers in 2013, the team’s powertrain department has grown to encompass design, workshop, testing and software departments, giving them the breadth of knowledge and experience necessary to design and build the engine for Hyundai Motorsport’s first steps in endurance racing. 

“Hyundai Motorsport is the backbone of Genesis Magma Racing," said Abiteboul, "and the development of the engine for the GMR-001 Hypercar is the perfect demonstration of this. We have a huge wealth of expertise at Hyundai Motorsport, so to develop the powertrain for the GMR-001, it was only natural to call on the people we have.” 

Moncet added, “We have a very strong team in Hyundai Motorsport. We have everyone working on the powertrain all together, so the communication is very good between the departments, feeding information back between simulations. This can speed up the development process and it means we can immediately adapt as soon as we see something, without losing time.” 

Engine Design Drawn From WRC Strengths 

The basic architecture of the V-8 powerplant is derived from the inline-four cylinder motor that powers Hyundai Motorsport’s WRC challenger, the two units sharing roughly 60 percent of their parts. The inline-four engine, in turn, is based on the FIA’s Global Race Engine regulations, providing a strong and thoroughly tested foundation for the GMR-001 Hypercar’s engine. 

“The inline-four engine is a very, very sophisticated, very efficient engine,” said Hyundai Motorsport Technical Director François-Xavier Demaison. “It's a proper race engine, so it's a very good base for developing an engine for WEC. Rallying is a sort of endurance race, so for an engine to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it’s a good place to start from.” 

Demaison continued: “With the time we had available to develop the engine, we immediately knew we did not have enough time to completely design a new engine from scratch. For the main part of an engine, you need a long time to design, validate, and of course, to produce. Every part needs to be tested over many kilometers, and the inline-four engine from our World Rally Championship car has already been well proven. It became the logical step to carry over as many parts as possible from the four-cylinder engine.” 

Design work on the V-8 engine began in June 2024 and was completed four months later. The assembly of the first engine was undertaken early this year in time for the scheduled fire-up. 

“The first part of the project was to extrapolate what we knew from the WRC engine into endurance racing," said Moncet, "and then we focused on making improvements to aspects like efficiency and reliability, design and simulation, working hand-in-hand to define the engine. The assembly of the first engine always takes a bit more time, as we pay extra attention to the details because we don't know the engine. We had to learn and build the documentation together. It took about three or four weeks, but we completed the first fire-up exactly as scheduled.” 

Further technical details of the engine and powertrain will be revealed later in the development process. 

Next Stage of Engine Testing 

The successful first fire-up marks the end of the first phase of development while simultaneously kicking off the next stage. Hyundai Motorsport engineers, working with their Genesis Magma Racing colleagues, will now focus on completing a series of bench tests with the engine, before connecting it first to the car’s gearbox and finally to the hybrid unit common to all Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh)-specification cars. 

Abiteboul expanded on the future steps for the engine development, saying, “After the first crank and the first revs in a steady state, we will progressively add more heat into the system, performing long runs. Then with different dynos, we can test in a more dynamic way, reproducing closer the cycles that the engine will do around a race track like Le Mans. We can test equipped to the gearbox and the hybrid system until we have the full powertrain.” 

Facing a relatively short period of time before the planned competitive debut for the GMR-001 Hypercar at the start of the 2026 WEC season, these tests will prove critical in developing the powertrain — and solving any minor issues — before the start of on-track testing later this year. 

FRANKFURT, Germany, April 14, 2025 — Racing legend and Genesis Brand Partner Jacky Ickx has returned to the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Stavelot, Belgium, in a high-performance showcase with the G70 Track Taxi Nordschleife.

Ickx, a six-time Le Mans winner who also achieved his first Formula One podium at the circuit in 1968, returned to put the G70 Track Taxi Nordschleife through its paces, marking a break from the car’s usual duties at the Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.

Exciting New Era

The 3.3-liter modified G70, sporting a new livery for the 2025 season, received an outstanding review from Ickx, who praised its responsive handling and formidable performance across more than 20 laps of the historic 7-kilometer circuit. Unleashing the turbocharged, 365-horsepower global specification model on a closed course, Ickx noted the car’s athletic performance represents an exciting new era for the brand.

“While it is a unique car, it points to the exciting future of high-performance Genesis models in Europe,” said Ickx. “The Genesis DNA is clearly visible from the moment you climb into the driving seat, retaining a refined sense of luxury alongside performance.”

Exclusive Motorsport Celebration

Spa-Francorchamps Revival, now in its third edition, celebrates the heritage of some of the most exciting racing disciplines, hosted across circuit, rally stage and hill climb.

The prestigious platform allowed Genesis to further showcase its dedication to high-performance engineering and engage with luxury automotive enthusiasts.

Track Taxi Returns to the ‘Green Hell’

The G70 Track Taxi Nordschleife has returned for its second season at one of the most legendary auto-racing circuits in the world, the Nürburgring.

The adapted model offers a thrilling experience for both drivers and passengers alike, with high-performance brakes and cooling tires delivering an exhilarating track experience around the Green Hell’s 73 corners and 300 meters of altitude change.

The Genesis Track Taxi Nordschleife program is open till November 2025. To make a booking, click here.

BARCELONA, Spain, April 6, 2025 — Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program drivers Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, and Daniel Juncadella scored a stunning class win today on their debut in the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) category of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in Spain. Chadwick, who completed a double stint to start the race, became the first female winner in the premier category of the championship, joining her teammates on the podium after Jaubert brought the car home second overall at the end of the four-hour season opener.

Strategy, Experience and Race-Craft Played a Role to Secure Victory

All three drivers in the #18 IDEC Sport-run Oreca 07 played a vital part on the path to the win — a historic start to the on-track presence of Genesis Magma Racing.

Jamie Chadwick started the car from the fifth place secured by Jaubert in Saturday’s qualifying session. By her own admission, Chadwick struggled in traffic though her double stint, particularly on the first time while the pack remained tightly bunched after the start. The team, including the race engineer who was one of nine staff from Genesis Magma Racing integrated into the IDEC Sport team for the weekend, began to focus on strategy, opting to extend Jamie’s second stint. Excellent work to stretch the fuel bought the team a crucial few laps, putting the team in the perfect position to pit during a virtual safety car and vault up the order to fourth.

After the restart, Juncadella continued the progress, quickly moving up to second to cement the #18 car’s place among the front-runners. Also completing a double stint and having to retake second place, the Spainard and the team were able to take advantage of another virtual safety car to pit for Mathys Jaubert to take over for the final 1:17 of the four-hour event.

In the midst of the tightly packed lead group, the 20-year-old Frenchman had to both defend and attack, taking advantage when the leader was held up by a GT car to make an opportunistic move into the penultimate corner to take the top spot. He held the position until half a lap from the chequered flag when a car from the LMP2 Pro-Am class, on far fresher tires than Jaubert, made the pass for the overall victory. Still, second overall and victory in the LMP2 class delivered a historic result to begin Genesis Magma Racing’s presence on the racetrack.

Post Race Quotes — #18 IDEC Sport Oreca 07

Jamie Chadwick said: “Starting off in this position is fantastic. I’m really impressed by the job that my two teammates and the IDEC Sport team with the execution of the strategy. It was incredible. I knew what we were doing with the strategy after my pace started to drop off, but I was thinking ‘we’ve missed the window now, we’re going to be way off’ and just I got the fuel alarm the virtual safety car came out. It couldn’t have been better timing. From a personal point of view, it doesn't mean so much to be the first female winner in ELMS’ top class, but it's great for the sport. That’s four female winners in ELMS today [with Iron Dames winning LMGT3]. I’m very proud to be a woman in motorsport today.”

Daniel Juncadella said: “I’m obviously over the moon with this result, it's unreal. I didn't come in with too many expectations to be fair. This is a new series for me, a new car, a new team. Winning at home in front of family and friends, It's just unreal. My stint was great, I enjoyed it out there. I think I keep learning every time, learning new things and loving it. Jamie is making really good steps. She made an amazing start, then struggled a bit in the traffic, which is the hardest part of endurance racing, where she’s still inexperienced, but she kept her foot down. We got lucky with the VSC and then I gave the car in P2 to Mathys and he did just what he knows best. I think not many people know him yet, but what a little star he is. He gave us the first win. A great start to the ELMS season.”

Mathys Jaubert said: “What a result. I didn't realize at the time but it's so amazing for us and Genesis Magma Racing. A first race and a first win with three rookies in the car. My last stint was mega. After the safety car everyone was fighting, but it's very, very hard to overtake, because when you are behind you have so much understeer in fast corners. So, you are just waiting with traffic and to take the opportunity to overtake. And this is what I did. A GT car blocked the leader, and I took the risk to overtake. I looked for the gap and I went for it. After that I had really good pace. Then it was just to manage the tires and fuel for the end. Unfortunately, one car had two new tires, but I knew that he was in a different class, so if I finished in front or behind him, we would take the points for the championship, so I didn't block him too much.”

Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul said: “We couldn't have wished for a better start to Genesis’ endurance adventure. The Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program drivers delivered an exemplary, error-free race. The team provided them with a high-performance, reliable car, and a particularly inspired race strategy from their race engineer, who is one of the team members from Genesis Magma Racing integrated into IDEC Sport to learn about endurance racing. While this start is a good sign, we must remain realistic about the level of competition.”

FRANKFURT, Germany, March 27, 2025 — Genesis Magma Racing will be represented on this year’s European Le Mans Series (ELMS) grid in the first step for the team on track. 

The #18 Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) car will be shared by Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert from the team’s Trajectory Program, alongside Daniel Juncadella, in an opportunity for all three to learn about Prototype racing. 

Working in partnership with IDEC Sport, Genesis Magma Racing team members will have the opportunity to learn their roles and experience the demands and stresses of endurance racing in preparation for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season with the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar. 

2025, a Learning Year 

Competing in the ELMS is a vital first step in the Genesis Magma Racing project, creating the foundations of the team that will run the GMR-001 Hypercar when it debuts in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2026. The ELMS season offers Genesis Magma Racing mechanics, engineers, strategists and other team members the opportunity to learn and experience endurance racing, preparing them for the next stages of the project. 

For Chadwick and Jaubert, 2025 will be their first full season in endurance racing Prototypes. The Trajectory Program aims to support drivers’ development, working toward promoting them to the driver lineup for the GMR-001 Hypercar in the FIA WEC. The experience of top-class endurance racing with a season in the ELMS provides a key part of that development, giving the drivers the opportunity to prove themselves while learning the unique requirements of endurance racing. 

“The idea of starting with Genesis Magma Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship in 2026 from nothing, with no exposure to endurance racing, quickly became very scary,” said Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal of Genesis Magma Racing. “The ELMS is a place for the drivers to prove their talents and make their claim to be a part of the 2026 GMR-001 Hypercar driver lineup. It is also an opportunity for everyone involved within Hyundai Motorsport to learn about endurance racing, its code, its requirements, its community, and understand what we need to succeed when we enter WEC in 2026.” 

The Target on Track: Prioritizing Development Over Results 

“Of course we want Jamie, Mathys and Dani to deliver strong results,” said Abiteboul, “but more than immediate results, it is the general direction in the course of the season we are interested in. For everyone, this is a year for learning because we selected the Trajectory Program drivers with an aim of a potential promotion to Hypercar.” 

For the drivers, the goal is clear. “I want to learn as much as possible,” said Chadwick. “The aim is to develop as much as possible as a team and lineup, and hopefully that will pay dividends by the end of the year. We have a great team and can fight for results. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want a podium.” 

Jaubert said, “Podium finishes would be incredible, but in endurance racing consistency is key. My main goal is to establish myself as a strong LMP2 driver and contribute to the team’s success.” 

Chadwick and Jaubert will be supported by Juncadella, who will play an important role in the team as a more experienced driver. “It’s their first contact with endurance racing,” Juncadella said about his teammates. “I am way ahead in terms of experience, but they are very talented. I don’t think I can teach them much to make them faster, but I will help them any way I can so that they can move forward in their careers.” 

Further support for the pair of Trajectory drivers will come from Genesis Magma Racing driver André Lotterer. The German will join the driver lineup for June’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. A three-time overall winner of the famous race, his knowledge of what is required for success at the event will aid the team in their toughest test of the year. 

Visibility of Genesis Magma Racing Key to Aims of 2025 Season 

A key motivation for working with IDEC Sport in the ELMS this season is to build the fame of Genesis Magma Racing amongst the endurance racing community. To support this goal, the #18 car will carry the unmistakable branding of Genesis Magma Racing. 

The signature Magma orange — symbolizing Korea’s vibrant energy — will instantly make the car stand out on track, even as part of a tightly packed field. The team’s geometric logo, inspired by the Korean Hangeul lettering for “Magma” (마그마), with its consonants “ㅁ, ㄱ, ㅁ,” appears on the car’s nose and rear haunches, with Genesis Magma Racing proudly written across the rear wing. The same elements will also be featured in the driver’s race overalls and team clothing seen around this season’s paddocks. 

“When we arrive in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship next year, we already want people cheering for us,” said Abiteboul. “To do that, they have to know who we are, they must know Genesis Magma and Genesis Magma Racing. In 2025, we need to introduce ourselves to endurance racing fans at every opportunity and that’s what we will do through this partnership with IDEC Sport, during all the races of the ELMS championship, including the amazing 24 Hours of Le Mans.” 

First Steps in Endurance Racing 

The entry into the ELMS will be Genesis Magma Racing’s first steps in endurance racing. However, the series will immediately drop the team and their drivers into a highly competitive environment. Already this season, there are 14 entries in the LMP2 category, in addition to a further seven contesting the LMP2 Pro/Am category. All LMP2 teams use the same combination of Oreca 07 chassis, V-8 Gibson engine and Goodyear tires. The Prototype racers share the track with the slower LMP3 and LMGT3 classes. 

The result is an incredibly competitive grid, the perfect introduction to the demands of endurance racing and a high-speed classroom for Chadwick and Jaubert to develop their skills. 

“I think the biggest challenge will be how competitive the series is,” said Chadwick. “All the ELMS races are only four hours, so they will be flat out from start to finish. This year will also be my first time in the top category in multi-class racing, so I will have to get used to the speed differential and traffic management.” 

Juncadella chimed in, saying, “Everything is new. I’ve never really raced in the ELMS before. It’s my first time racing the car and my first time with the team, but I’m sure that everything I’ve learned through the years will give me a head start at the start of the season.” 

Iconic Circuits All the Way on Six-Stop Calendar 

The six race weekends of the 2025 ELMS will take the drivers to a succession of iconic tracks. Starting with the opening race of the year in Barcelona, Spain, each circuit hosts a four-hour race, and each provides its own test of drivers, car and team. From the high-speed sweeps of Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium and Silverstone in the U.K. to the technical challenges of Imola in Italy and the season finale in Portimão, Portugal, via a home race for the IDEC Sport team at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, every track promises a thrilling contest. 

“Paul Ricard feels like a home race for me,” said Jaubert. “I live in the south of France, so I’ll have a lot of support from family, friends and partners. Having that energy around me will make it a special event.” 

“It’s a highlight of the year to be racing in Barcelona, my hometown,” said Juncadella. “I haven’t raced there in a few years, so that just adds to the excitement to get the season going.” 

2025 European Le Mans Series Calendar 
April 4-6: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Spain 
May 2-4: Circuit Paul Ricard, France 
July 4-6: Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Italy 
Aug. 22-24: Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium 
Sept. 12-14: Silverstone Circuit, United Kingdom 
Oct. 16-18: Algarve International Circuit, Portugal 

1. Driver profile: Jamie Chadwick 

Place of birth: Bath, U.K. 
Date of birth: May 20, 1998 
FIA driver grading: Silver 

Career highlights: 
2024 7th – Indy NXT Series (1 win, 2 podiums) 
2023 12th – Indy NXT Series 
2022 1st – W Series (5 wins, 6 podiums) 
2021 1st – W Series (4 wins, 7 podiums) 
2019 1st – W Series (2 wins, 5 podiums) 
         1st – Nürburgring 24 Hours - SP8T class 
2015 1st – British GT Championship - GT4 class (2 wins, 6 podiums) 

2. Driver profile: Mathys Jaubert 

Place of birth: Salon-de-Provence, France 
Date of birth: March 3, 2005 
FIA driver grading: Silver 

Career highlights: 
2024 2nd – Porsche Carrera Cup France (3 wins, 9 podiums) 
2024 3rd – Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (11 podiums) 
2024 10th – Porsche Supercup 
2023 4th – Porsche Carrera Cup France (2 podiums) 

3. Driver profile: Daniel Juncadella 

Place of birth: Barcelona, Spain 
Date of birth: May 7, 1991 
FIA driver grading: Platinum 

Career highlights: 
2023 2nd – IMSA SportsCar Championship – GTD Pro class (3 wins, 5 podiums) 
2022 1st – GT World Challenge Europe Endurance – Pro class (1 win, 3 podiums) 
2012 1st – FIA Formula 3 Europe (6 wins, 12 podiums) 
2011 1st – Macau Grand Prix 

That’s how Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul describes the momentum behind Genesis’ ambitious new motorsports program. From developing a V-8 engine to preparing for the highly anticipated debut of the full-scale GMR-001 Hypercar, Abiteboul recently sat down with the Genesis Newsroom to discuss the team’s next bold steps.

This exclusive interview follows Genesis’ announcement of its entry into motorsports late last year, with plans to compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026 and the IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA) in 2027.

It’s been three months since Genesis officially launched its racing program. What challenges have you encountered so far?

I think the biggest challenge is really the time we have available. Building a path is a challenge, but also finding the right facility and building a team. We need to have a group of 60 people who do not yet exist. We also need to have the right equipment for them to operate.

Another big challenge, from a timing and engineering perspective, is the powertrain. And anyone who knows about engines will appreciate that we only had six months to develop a complete engine. We elected to go with a V-8, precisely because the V-8 was a great opportunity not to have to redesign a complete engine from scratch and instead take inspiration from our [Hyundai Motor Group’s] existing WRC [World Rally Championship] engine, a very competitive 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four that we've been using for several years. We took that engine and made it two times four in line, which gives us a V-8.

Also, we are working with partners, and one key partner is a French company called ORECA, which is not new to this business. They have been designing endurance racing cars for decades. We are also very lucky to have them as a partner to help us and guide us in the development of the design and the performance of the car.

It sounds like you’re assembling everything quickly.

Yeah, building the team together and putting the different building blocks together is a challenge because nothing existed at first. It's not just a car that we need to build. It's a racing team. An organization. A new identity.

Genesis’ entry into motorsports was kind of a surprise to the racing world. What really happened behind the scenes?

Hyundai Motorsport has been involved in the World Rally Championship for the past 12 years, during which I’ve served as Team Principal since January 2023 and President since January 2024. Early last year, we started to look at different options for a new venture, as we thought it was the right time to assess what could be the next chapter for the Hyundai Motor Group in motorsports. Around summertime last year, we thought that endurance racing was an interesting next step, and ever since then, things moved very, very quickly and very suddenly.

But why endurance racing?

It’s one of those classic heritage racings. We’re not just trying to build the here and now, but also a legacy. Racing in this type of championship against legacy brands allows us to immediately connect the brand with the best of the best in the most iconic racing venues in the world.

Genesis takes pride in its distinctly Korean identity. How is the racing team showcasing its Korean DNA?

We try to be as Korean as we can in both how we look and how we perform. First and foremost, we have the logo design, which is a direct reference to Korean characters. We also reference our connection to Korean culture in the team's identity.

And as for how we perform, one of the things that indeed we like to insist upon is the speed at which we do things. There will be the car testing on tarmac a few months from now, and the car will be racing at the start of 2026. By all standards, we really compressed the timing of what is normally done to an extreme, because we also want to show the speed of Korean culture — or what I’d like to call, Genesis hyperspeed.

About the GMR-001 Hypercar: As an engineer, what’s the relationship between design and performance?

One of the most famous French aero designers used to say that a nice airplane flies well, too. And I tend to believe that. Sometimes, technical regulations can induce you to design cars that are not necessarily very nice-looking because they are extremely sophisticated. I keep thinking of Formula One because that’s where I spent the largest part of my life. There was a period of time when cars were packed with aerodynamic surfaces: lots of wing legs, shark legs and so on and so forth. But in the end, I believe there is no opposition between aesthetics and functionality. In any case, the car that wins is always the more beautiful one.

The GMR-001 Hypercar unveiled last December in Dubai was a half-scale model. When will the world get to see it full-scale?

It has to be released this year because the car will be tested in August. So the car will be revealed a bit before then, around April. We will find a great spot to introduce the car to the world.

What about the people? Where are you searching for members for the racing team?

We are looking for talent on a worldwide basis. I can already tell you that we have secured a chief engineer. I cannot disclose his name yet, but I can tell you he previously worked with some of the most successful brands in motorsports. We are only looking at the best of the best who can bring us not just talent, but also their culture, their background and their network of people.

You must be excited about your two drivers, André Lotterer and Luis “Pipo” Derani.

I'm super, super excited. I was just talking about culture, and from my experience no one's more important than the drivers for building that culture. It’s essential for all of us to bring people who are not just drivers but can also embody the brand and be leaders of the team.  Both André and Pipo are exactly that. André is coming from being the world champion in WEC last year, and Pipo has lots of IMSA experience. It is a great opportunity to get people behind our own steering wheel who have experience with other types of cars.

When the car starts racing in 2026, what are the immediate goals that you have in mind?

Year one will be about system and reliability checks, making sure that the performance is there. And, frankly, if we do that, we can be a regular top-five finisher. And if you are a regular top-five finisher, you can, on some occasions, be on the podium.

After that, we will take it step by step to show that we are a professional, credible force in the races, and that there is a long-term plan. There’s no point in trying to rush or burn the steps. It's not sprint racing, it's endurance racing. It's a totally different philosophy.

It’s been a quick beginning for the team, but have you had any memorable moments?

I think one great moment was Dubai. What's great about Genesis is that it's part of a truly international group, and so many people had worked hard to get ready for the debut and announcing all the things that we announced. When I was on stage at the beautiful location of Burj Khalifa and looked at all the people, and the tower, at that sunset moment, that was really something.

But I'm very sure that there will be other great moments coming up. Every single moment where the team will be feeling that this is becoming more and more real will be exciting. I'm very sure that in a few weeks from now, if everything goes to plan, the first fire-up of the engine will be even more of a moment. We will also have the opening of our new base, which will be very nice also.

FRANKFURT, Germany, Feb. 25, 2025 — Genesis Motor Europe has donated over €53,000 to the German children’s charity Aktion Kinder-Unfallhilfe e.V. 

The donation was made possible by the success of the Genesis Track Taxi Nordschleife program and marks a crucial step in the ongoing development of the brand’s corporate social responsibility initiatives in Europe. The program, which returns to the Nürburgring in Germany on March 8, offers passenger rides to the public in a modified G70 at one of the world’s most thrilling racetracks.

“We are incredibly proud to support Aktion Kinder-Unfallhilfe e.V.” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis. “Safety is paramount at Genesis. This commitment extends far beyond the driver and passengers to include pedestrians and other road users. We hope this donation will help young accident victims and their families and create a positive impact in road safety initiatives in local communities.”

Founded in 1998, Aktion Kinder-Unfallhilfe e.V. provides support to the youngest road users by helping young accident victims and promoting a variety of road safety projects. The association funds therapy facilities in clinics and rehabilitation facilities as well as horse riding therapy, trips and adventure weekends.

With a child being involved in a traffic accident every 19 minutes in Germany, the donation from Genesis will also go toward accident prevention campaigns and training sessions for children and drivers. These will include teaching children about the dangers of blind spots, the importance of high-visibility clothing and safety equipment, and educating transport companies on safer driving practices in residential communities.

“It is a pleasure to accept Genesis Motor Europe’s donation to our organization,” said Stefan Windgätter, Chairman of the Board of Aktion Kinder-Unfallhilfe e.V. “The entire donation amount will go directly to our initiatives across Germany. It will go a long way in delivering crucial services and support programs for young people throughout Germany, for which we are incredibly thankful.”

For years, Genesis has actively contributed to local communities worldwide. This commitment includes enhancing access to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and youth sports initiatives in under-resourced communities across North America through the Genesis Gives initiative. Additionally, the non-profit Genesis Inspiration Foundation provides grants to support talented young artists. By 2024, the foundation had reached a remarkable milestone, bringing its total contributions to $10 million in just six years.

Here are the highlights.

The Genesis Sydney opening event on Jan. 29. Genesis has expanded its presence in Australia ever since entering the market in 2019, today running two flagship studios and five metro showcases.

Among the displayed vehicles at the opening event was the GV60 Magma Concept, marking the first time the model was shown in Australia.

Genesis Sydney goes beyond traditional car showrooms and embodies the brand’s Korean aesthetic philosophy emphasizing the “Beauty of White Space.”

Mike Song, Global Head of Genesis, told local journalists that the brand's aim isn’t restricted to sales. “We want to be recognized as a luxury brand that builds authentic connections with customers,” he remarked. “It’s not about selling one million or two million cars a year. We’re dedicated to building the brand in our own unique way — the Genesis way.”

The exterior of the Genesis Sydney showcase. Regarding Australia, Song noted that it’s a highly valuable market essential to the brand’s global success strategy. "With a deep-rooted motorsports culture and a consumer base that shows a strong interest in automotive technology and performance,” Song said, “Australia provides the perfect environment to effectively promote Genesis' high-performance models."

Jacky Ickx, left, a Belgian racing legend and Genesis Brand Partner, presented the winning trophy from his 1967 Bathurst 1000 victory to Bathurst Mayor Robert Taylor at the Bathurst racetrack on Jan. 30. Behind them, from left, are the X Gran Berlinetta Concept and the Ford Falcon XC V8, the car that Ickx drove to triumph 58 years ago. Delivered at the request of Ickx’s then-co-driver Allan Moffat, the trophy will be permanently displayed at the National Motor Racing Museum in Bathurst.

An iconic member of the high-performance Genesis Magma family, the X Gran Berlinetta Concept, featured at front above, was initially unveiled in December 2023, created as part of Polyphony Digital’s Vision Gran Turismo series. Before last week, it had never been seen in action. In the back is the GV60 Magma Concept, which made its dynamic debut on July 11, 2024, at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, winning that year’s four-seater production car category in the Sunday Shootout.

“It’s not an easy place to drive racing cars,” Ickx said after completing several laps on the Bathurst racetrack in the X Gran Berlinetta Concept. “But it was an excellent decision to showcase Berlinetta here, as the Australian people have such a strong passion for Bathurst and motor racing. This place is truly one of a kind.”

After driving nearly 6,000 kilometers across the Saudi desert last month in the GV80 Desert Edition, Ickx said Genesis is undoubtedly taking bold strides into the unknown. “Even though Genesis makes luxury cars for the road, they still aim to have the energy and capability to perform on racetracks or in the desert,” he said. “What a privilege to be a part of that journey.”

BATHURST, Australia, Jan. 31, 2025 — International motor racing legend and 1977 Bathurst 1000 victor Jacky Ickx has returned to Mount Panorama, thrilling the crowds and reliving past glories by cutting some laps in the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept as it made its global racetrack debut.

Ickx, whose epic motorsport career spans both many formulae and eras, took the wheel of this stunning Genesis concept car for some spirited laps during the build up to the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race, giving the vehicle a fitting first dynamic outing. 

Known within the world of Genesis as the “Gentleman Disruptor,” the Brand Partner also drove the famous Bathurst track in the GV60 Magma Concept, an all-electric luxury vehicle that represents a new and exciting era for the Korean luxury brand. The GV60 Magma is on track to enter production later this year, becoming the first Genesis Magma model to go on sale. 

Genesis ultimately aims to develop a high-performance Magma model for each production vehicle in its lineup, maximizing both aesthetics and performance. 

Despite not having seen the globally revered Mount Panorama circuit for more than 45 years, Ickx was always going to remember his way around. 

“It’s been a while but what I felt and noticed was that, like all the world’s greatest motor racing circuits — Monaco, Nürburgring or Spa — it has barely changed over the years. They’ve put a kink in that giant Conrod Straight to slow people down, but it’s still a fantastically challenging track with plenty of rise and fall,” said Ickx. 

“I was blown away by the X Gran Berlinetta Concept, which was a wildly powerful and loud machine to drive. I could tell the crowd really enjoyed both the sight and the sound as I went by. 

“Being an EV, my laps in the Genesis GV60 Magma Concept were quite different, and a lot quieter, but the torque and the thrust you get from a modern electric vehicle like that… truly, it’s quite something. The GV60 Magma Concept feels a long way from the Ford Falcon I drove here last time, and quite a lot faster. 

“It was a real honor and pleasure, to show off these two very special vehicles for the public. And I loved the opportunity to tackle The Mountain again.” 

Ickx, who turned 80 on New Year’s Day, started out racing motorcycles in 1960 before accelerating into the world of Formula One in 1967, winning eight Grands Prix and scoring 25 podiums. The Belgian simultaneously tackled the world of endurance racing, winning the grueling 24 Hour race of Le Mans a then-record six times, and in 1977 achieved his famous Bathurst 1000 win at his first visit to the track, co-driving for Allan Moffat in the mighty Ford Falcon XC V8. 

He was united with that vehicle again on Jan. 30, and he was kind enough to hand over the winning trophy from 1977 to Bathurst Town Mayor Robert Taylor. 

At the request of Moffat, the trophy will now be permanently displayed in the National Motor Racing Museum (Mount Panorama), next to the 1977 Ford Falcon XC V8 both he and Ickx drove to victory that year. 

X Gran Berlinetta Concept 

The stunning X Gran Berlinetta Concept was created as part of Polyphony Digital’s Vision Gran Turismo series and first shown at the 2023 Gran Turismo World Series World Finals in Barcelona, Spain. It has been available to race in the virtual world of the game since January 2024. 

GV60 Magma Concept 

The bold-looking GV60 Magma Concept had previously demonstrated its exceptional capabilities on the famous Goodwood Hillclimb, claiming a class win in the four-seater production car category and taking an impressive 16th place overall in the weekend's Shootout. 

Genesis Magma Racing 

Genesis recently announced its intention to enter the world of endurance motorsport with the launch of the Genesis Magma Racing team and will compete in the prestigious World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026, followed by the IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA) in 2027. 

This exciting venture will put Genesis on the world’s most challenging tracks, showcasing the brand’s engineering expertise and endurance capabilities while bringing the Genesis notion of “Athletic Elegance” to the world of motorsport. 

By entering the LMDh sports prototype category, Genesis joins an elite group of manufacturers vying for success on the world’s most prestigious racing stages. Iconic endurance events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Daytona 24 require teams to balance peak performance with durability and efficiency, testing both machinery and drivers to their limits.

1. GENESIS UNVEILS GV80 BLACK AND GV80 COUPE BLACK

On Oct. 2, Genesis added two more models to its Genesis Black lineup, the GV80 Black and the GV80 Coupe Black, presenting an all-black finish that permeates every intricate detail with refinement. 

2. GENESIS UNVEILS NEOLUN AND GV60 MAGMA CONCEPTS, SHOWCASING FURTHER EVOLUTION OF THE BRAND

At an exclusive event held in New York on March 25, Genesis revealed its first full-size electric SUV concept, the Neolun, and launched the high-performance Magma program, marking a critical milestone in the brand’s evolution. 

3. GENESIS UNVEILS LUXURY PERFORMANCE VISION WITH GENESIS MAGMA RACING, BACKED BY HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT

Genesis officially launched its motorsports program, Genesis Magma Racing, on Dec. 4 in Dubai, pledging to compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026 and the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2027. 

4. GENESIS UNVEILS X GRAN RACER VGT CONCEPT AT BUSAN INTERNATIONAL MOBILITY SHOW

The Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo Concept was unveiled for the first time ever at the Busan International Mobility Show 2024 in Busan, Korea, on June 27, also marking the first time that a Magma vehicle was shown to the Korean public. The model became Genesis’ fourth vehicle developed for the Gran Turismo digital racing game series. 

5. WHY GENESIS DROPPED FOG LAMPS

Fog lamps have become a rarity in the luxury auto landscape thanks to technological advancements, and Genesis is no exception. 

6. MAKING CAR SEATS MORE COMFORTABLE (WITHOUT COMPROMISING SPACE)

Achieving the right balance of comfort and space in car seats can be challenging, as enhancing one often compromises the other. The “Ergo Motion Seat” developed by Genesis aims to tackle this very conundrum. 

7. GENESIS LAUNCHES NEWLY DESIGNED GV70 IN KOREA 

The first-ever redesign of the Genesis GV70 was launched in Korea on May 8, completed with a more refined silhouette and enhanced product appeal. 

8. INSIDE THE REDESIGNED GENESIS GV70: RIDE AND HANDLING

Research engineers from the Namyang R&D Center gathered with local media in June, a month after the redesigned Genesis GV70 was launched in Korea, to introduce the host of enhancements in ride and handling. 

9. GENESIS LAUNCHES TRACK TAXI NORDSCHLEIFE PROGRAM AT NÜRBURGRING

The Genesis Track Taxi Nordschleife program was launched at the world-famous Nürburgring in Germany on June 18, offering passenger rides in a specially modified Genesis G70, dubbed the G70 Track Taxi Nordschleife.

10. INSIDE THE REDESIGNED GENESIS GV70: NOISE, VIBRATION AND HARSHNESS

The June tech event with research engineers from the Namyang R&D Center on the redesigned GV70 also touched upon the model’s noise, vibration and harshness improvements. 

DUBAI, Dec. 4, 2024 — Genesis today unveiled its bold new vision for the future of high-performance luxury. In an exciting debut in Dubai, the brand introduced Genesis Magma Racing, marking its first major milestone in the motorsport arena. The event showcased Genesis’ ambitions in endurance racing, illustrating the brand’s dedication to innovation, speed and passion. 

Bringing ‘Athletic Elegance’ to Endurance Racing 

Hyundai Motorsport GmbH (Hyundai Motorsport) underpinned the global race and rally activities for Hyundai Motor Group for over 10 years and will now support the Genesis motorsport operations in the prestigious World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026, followed by the participation in IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA) in 2027. This venture will position Genesis on the world’s most challenging tracks, showcasing the brand’s engineering expertise and endurance capabilities. 

Endurance 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. 

At the heart of endurance racing is the Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) class — a 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. 

By entering the LMDh category, Genesis joins an elite group of manufacturers vying for success on the world’s 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. 

“This entry into motorsport is a natural evolution for Genesis,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis. “As we look to push the boundaries of our brand, motorsport allows us to bring the spirit of hyperspeed — which drives how we create and innovate — in a way that aligns perfectly with our core values: Audacious, Progressive and Distinctly Korean.” 

Introducing the GMR-001 Hypercar 

The centerpiece of Genesis’ 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’ commitment to “Athletic Elegance” in a high-performance, endurance-ready package. 

Another highlight of the event included the reveal of the Genesis Magma Racing logo, which draws direct inspiration from the Korean alphabet (hangeul) spelling of "Magma" (마그마). The design incorporates the consonants “ㅁ,” “ㄱ,” and “ㅁ” as its foundational elements, creating geometric shapes that serve as a dynamic visual representation of Genesis’ heritage. 

“The logo seamlessly blends innovation with cultural authenticity, symbolizing the brand’s distinctly Korean identity and its bold entry into motorsport,” said Donckerwolke. 

Accurately styled with Genesis’ 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’s flowing bodywork, underscoring Genesis’ minimalist design principles while enhancing visual impact in any environment. 

Meticulous surface design characterizes the body, with each panel crafted to evoke movement, even when the vehicle is at rest. Inspired by the Genesis Magma lineup, the exterior combines subtle sculptural details that underscore the car’s athleticism and high-speed agility. Smoothly contoured surfaces guide airflow across the body, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency while emphasizing the car’s assertive character and confident stance. 

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. 

Reflecting Genesis’ forward-thinking design, the GMR-001 Hypercar was developed at Genesis Design Europe under the guidance of Donckerwolke. The car’s 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’ design DNA and a forward-looking inspiration for upcoming models, embodying a balance of elegance and raw racing capability. 

“The GMR-001 Hypercar and our Magma models represent a fusion of Genesis’ performance ambitions with our design-driven DNA," said Donckerwolke. "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.” 

Genesis Magma Racing to Rollout in Hyperspeed 

Hyundai Motorsport will play an integral role in driving Genesis Magma Racing’s 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. 

“The official launch of Genesis Magma Racing is a momentous occasion,” said Cyril Abiteboul, President of Hyundai Motorsport GmbH and Team Principal of Genesis Magma Racing. “As the backbone of Hyundai Motor Group’s 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’s most challenging series.” 

Driving the Future of Genesis Magma Racing 

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. André Lotterer and Luis “Pipo” 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. 

“I am beyond thrilled and thankful to join the Genesis brand for its entry into endurance racing,” said Lotterer. “After winning the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Drivers’ 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.” 

Lotterer’s enthusiasm is echoed by his teammate, Derani, who shares the same drive and commitment to the Genesis endurance racing project. 

“The ambition behind Genesis’s endurance racing project and the track record of those involved was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse,” Derani said. “As 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.” 

Preparing Solid Foundations 

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 (U.S.), Jamie Chadwick (Britain), and 19-year-old Mathys Jaubert (France) will join forces for the ELMS campaign, supporting Genesis Magma Racing’s preparations for endurance racing. 

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. 

A Magma Showcase 

The unveiling of the GMR-001 Hypercar and the announcement of Genesis’ bold motorsport strategy are part of the brand’s broader vision to redefine high-performance luxury. This vision extends beyond the racetrack and is embodied in the five unique Magma concept models that were displayed at the event, each representing the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence in design and innovation since the introduction of the GV80 Coupe Concept in April 2023. 

The five models on display were: the GV80 Coupe Concept, G80 EV Magma Concept, GV60 Magma Concept, X Gran Berlinetta Concept and X Gran Racer VGT Concept. These concept models highlight the evolution of Genesis’s high-performance capabilities and showcase Genesis Magma's impact on the brand’s direction for its next phase.

Zurich, Dec. 3, 2024 — An immersive, multisensory installation showcasing the inspiration and spirit of Genesis Magma, the brand's high-performance program, will be open to the public from Dec. 6 at the Genesis Studio Zurich in Switzerland.

Created in collaboration with the Seoul-based Korean art studio OMA Space, “Inner Power” is a meditative art installation designed to awaken, amplify and revive each guest’s inner power, energy and vitality. Throughout a 15-minute barefoot journey, a spiral path leads participants across lava stones, pebbles and diverse organic floor textures that warm throughout. The installation combines lighting, video and sound to create an entirely multisensory experience.

The GV60 Magma Concept, the brand's first Magma model to officially enter production next year, will be displayed on the ground floor of the Genesis studio following its Swiss debut at Auto Zurich last month.

“We are delighted," said Oma, artist and Founder of OMA Space, "as true believers in the transformative power of art, to collaborate with Genesis and to be able to bring our art to Zurich to offer a Magma-inspired experience that reconnects people to their inner power and the pure energy of nature.” 

Michael Cole, Managing Director at Genesis Motor Europe, said, “We are passionate about creating unique and rewarding guest experiences both in and outside of the car. I hope guests will enjoy this immersive journey to discover the inspiration and spirit of Magma as well as our brand’s warm hospitality at the Genesis Studio Zurich.” 

“Inner Power” is part of a global program led by Genesis that includes an immersive light installation called “STARSCAPE,” opened at Genesis House New York last month. Each activation underlines the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries of performance, luxury and design in Genesis studios across the world with a distinct Korean twist. 

“Inner Power” is slated to run through Jan. 31, 2025. Bookings can be made here.

NEW YORK, March 25, 2024 — Genesis today unveiled two new concept vehicles and officially launched a high-performance program at Genesis House New York, marking a critical milestone in the brand’s evolution. 

As the brand’s first full-size electric SUV concept, the Genesis Neolun Concept embodies the ultimate Genesis hospitality behind the wheel with an array of state-of-the-art technological features. The Genesis GV60 Magma Concept, within the wider Genesis Magma program, redefines the boundaries of performance and luxury, delivering an experience that ignites passion and exhilaration with every ride. 

Neolun: Futuristic Innovation Meets Warmth of Korean Hospitality

The name “Neolun” is derived from the Greek “neo,” or new, and the Latin “luna,” which means moon. Together, it encapsulates Genesis’ technological innovation that exceeds conventional standards and sets forth the brand’s vision for the future. 

“The Neolun Concept was inspired by Korea’s iconic moon-shaped porcelain jars,” said Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke. “It’s the epitome of timeless design and sophisticated craftsmanship.” 

The Neolun Concept’s exterior revolves around the principle of “reductive design” — characterized by clean, refined lines that deliberately eliminate any unnecessary details. 

The most prominent exterior feature are the distinctive coach doors, without any B-pillars connecting the vehicle’s body and roof. Compared to conventional vehicle structures, this layout provides a much more open interior space and maximizes convenient passenger access. Development of the B-pillarless coach doors has reached a level where its application to production vehicles is now feasible. 

The electric side steps are automatically deployed when the doors open, making it easier for passengers to step in and out of the vehicle. When the doors close, the side steps integrate back into the vehicle to maintain a seamless exterior design. 

The body-integrated lamps seamlessly blend with the vehicle’s front and rear design, conveying strength and grandeur. In line with reductive design, the center high-mounted stop lamp is incorporated within an intricately detailed perforated pattern. The pop-up type roof rack accentuates the SUV identity of the Neolun Concept while harmonizing with the vehicle’s sleek body line. 

The Neolun Concept stands out with a captivating two-tone scheme called “Midnight Black” and “Majestic Blue,” which takes after Korea’s serene night sky and enhances the vehicle’s elegant design. 

Interior-wise, the Neolun Concept’s cabin represents a modern reinterpretation of Korea’s distinct hospitality culture. From the moment passengers step through the B-pillarless coach doors, they are greeted by a spacious cabin that accentuates comfort and relaxation. 

Inspired by Korea’s traditional “ondol,” the radiant heating system allows for efficient heating throughout the vehicle, with heating films applied to the dashboard, door trims, floor, seatbacks and console sides. Ondol is a Korean heating method that utilizes direct heat transfer underneath the floor to provide warmth, often found in traditional and modern homes throughout the country. 

The swiveling function of the front-row seats maximizes space and practicality for passengers, as the large adjustable display screen and the flexible display that unfolds from the rear-seat headliner offer a sensory-stimulating experience. 

The cashmere in the shade of “Royal Indigo” blends seamlessly with the vintage-inspired “Purple Silk” leather, which has been naturally dyed with organic pigments, setting a deeply relaxing mood. Completing the luxurious finish is the dark-colored real wood floor. 

The Neolun Concept’s sound system features an advanced “sound architecture” that optimally places tweeters, midrange speakers, woofers and subwoofers for an immersive audio experience. Each speaker is strategically positioned to create a concert hall-like feel, ensuring that passengers enjoy unparalleled sound quality. As the speakers are activated, the crystal sphere at the front, designed to create an emotional connection between the driver and the car, rotates into a tweeter. 

Magma: High-Performance Meets Fun to Drive 

The Magma program adds a new dimension to Genesis, marking the brand’s expansion into the realm of high-performance vehicles. Genesis ultimately aims to develop a high-performance Magma model for each production vehicle in the existing lineup, maximizing both aesthetics and performance. Revealed for the first time today, the GV60 Magma Concept will be among the Genesis Magma program models headed for production. 

“Genesis Magma presents an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of performance and luxury for new interpretations in high-performance vehicles, with the ultimate goal of developing models exclusive to Genesis,” said Donckerwolke. “The brand will continue to reveal experimental concepts with careful consideration of both technological and aesthetic elements. While speed and performance are important, the Genesis Magma program will look beyond, prioritizing the driving experience to kindle the joy of sporty driving with effortless comfort.” 

The GV60 Magma Concept elevates the design and performance of the existing GV60, Genesis’ first dedicated EV model, with improved battery and motor technology. The concept car is the first step toward creating a deeper emotional connection between the driver and the vehicle. 

The GV60 Magma Concept’s exterior design harmonizes aesthetics with considerations for chassis, aerodynamics and thermodynamics. To enhance stability during sporty driving, the car has been widened and lowered, giving it a more dynamic stance and allowing for a lower center of gravity. 

At the front, a wider and lower main air intake in the bumper effectively cools the batteries, motor and brakes, while the air curtains enhance the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. Three stamped holes above the main air intake, inspired by the GV80 Coupe Concept and the G80 Magma Special, provide additional cooling. Added canards assist in generating downforce on the front axle. 

The enlarged fenders and integrated wheelhouse outlets help reduce kinetic energy and improve cooling for the brakes. The titanium-colored flow-formed 21-inch wheels feature integrated aero discs, which also help cool the brakes. On the roof, fins have been strategically placed to control the aerodynamic flow and channel it to the rear wing, generating rear downforce and ensuring aerodynamic fluidity. 

The GV60 Magma Concept’s distinctive exterior design extends into the luxurious and sporty interior. It features elements including bucket seats with body-colored seatbacks, upholstered in nappa and suede leather featuring double-diamond stitching patterns in Magma’s iconic orange color and titanium grey. 

“The GV60 Magma Concept will deliver ample power, instilling customers with the confidence to drive with pure excitement and exhilaration,” said Donckerwolke. 

Displayed alongside the GV60 Magma Concept today at Genesis House New York were the three other vehicles in the Magma program: GV80 Coupe Concept, G80 Magma Special and X Gran Berlinetta Concept. 

Unveiled for the first time in April 2023, the GV80 Coupe Concept is Genesis’ first coupe SUV, and the first Genesis vehicle to have been presented in the Magma color. It was the vision for the production GV80 Coupe, launched last November. 

A select number of partner companies with expertise in high-performance vehicles have come together to develop the G80 Magma Special, an enhanced version of the G80 with improved driving performance. The G80 Magma Special will be exclusively available in the Middle East. 

Revealed last December in Barcelona, Spain, the X Gran Berlinetta Concept is the ultimate expression of the brand’s high-performance car design potential. 

Racing legend Jacky Ickx, who was appointed Genesis Brand Partner in February, said he looks forward to lending his expertise to the Magma program during today’s event, adding that he has always admired Genesis for its cultured elegance and design aesthetics. 

The GV60 Magma Concept, G80 Magma Special, X Gran Berlinetta Concept and Neolun Concept will be displayed alongside other Genesis production models at the 2024 New York International Auto Show, slated to open to the public on March 29 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.