SEOUL, Sept. 3, 2026 — Genesis has been recognized for its exceptional design and innovation at the 2026 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA). Highlighting the brand's achievements is a Silver Award for the Genesis Magma GT Concept in the Automotive & Transportation category, alongside finalist recognitions for the G90 Wingback Concept and the Magma User Interface (UI) Design in Automotive & Transportation and Digital Interaction categories, respectively.

Genesis Magma GT Concept (Silver, Automotive & Transportation)

The Genesis Magma GT Concept boldly reinterprets the brand’s “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy through the proportions and aerodynamics of a high-performance sports car. Featuring a low, wide body, a flowing roofline, and a distinctive boat-tail cabin, the concept expresses a commanding stance and latent power. By prioritizing restrained surfaces and sophisticated details over aggressive styling, the Magma GT Concept encapsulates Genesis' vision for luxury high performance, where athletic tension and refined composure coexist in harmony.

“The Magma GT Concept represents the pinnacle of our performance vision and stands as a symbol of our commitment to true motorsport capability,” said Genesis Chief Creative Officer, Luc Donckerwolke.

In addition to the Magma GT Concept, Genesis earned two finalist nods that further showcase the brand's expansive design vision and tech innovations.

Genesis G90 Wingback Concept (Finalist, Automotive & Transportation)

Reinterpreting the marque’s flagship G90 sedan as a grand tourer wagon, this concept explores the luxury high-performance potential of Genesis’ Magma program. It combines the G90 Long Wheel Base with an extended roofline and an elegant parabolic profile. Aerodynamic elements inspired by GT endurance race cars — including wide wheel arches, large air intakes, a rear wing, and a diffuser — are exquisitely integrated to embody both high-performance dynamism and the brand's characteristic restrained elegance.

Genesis Magma UI Design (Finalist, Digital Interaction)

Debuting as the digital interface for the first Magma production vehicle, the GV60 Magma, this UI enhances both information visibility and driver engagement during track and high-performance driving. It combines sophisticated chronograph-inspired graphics, the deep blacks of OLED displays, and a restrained Magma orange color palette. In the Magma-exclusive mode, the interface expresses a sense of speed and intense energy through angled typography and dynamic motion graphics.

The 2026 IDEA Award recognitions underscore Genesis’ ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design, solidifying its reputation as a global innovator in both luxury high-performance aesthetics and digital user experiences.

Presented annually by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the IDEA Awards are among the longest-running and most prestigious design awards programs in the world. Originally founded to recognize exceptional achievement in industrial design, the program has since expanded to highlight groundbreaking design across numerous disciplines, including automotive and transportation, digital interaction, strategy, and branding.

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 19, 2026 — Genesis is redefining the luxury flagship vehicle in the era of electrification, unveiling its first full-size flagship SUV, the GV90 (available in GV90 Neolun and GV90 variants), at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on Aug. 19.

The GV90 is a production model based on the NEOLUN concept revealed in 2024. It symbolizes the culmination of Genesis’ elevated hospitality ethos and expertise in thoughtfully applying technology.

“GV90 is not simply a new vehicle, but a new vision for luxury mobility that brings together inspiring design, AI-powered software and connectivity, and industry-leading safety,” said Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group. “Technology alone does not create luxury, and design alone does not define luxury. The value of innovation lies in transforming the customer experience in intelligent and intuitive ways to improve people's lives.

“True luxury is human freedom, and true luxury is beauty, expressed through craftsmanship, authenticity and commitment to excellence. Genesis will embrace these innovations to provide customers with differentiated value and experiences of distinction.”

The GV90 aims to make every journey more elegant and elevated, embodying Genesis’ unique “Son-nim” hospitality philosophy — to treat each customer as an honored guest — at the highest level.

Built on the eMP platform exclusive for the Genesis flagship, the GV90 sets a new direction for luxury electric flagship vehicles. It combines the highest level of safety, elegant driving dynamics and ride comfort, as well as a plethora of innovative technologies that offer an unprecedented in-vehicle experience — dressed in an exterior that commands attention.

The GV90 will be available in two variants: the GV90 Neolun, featuring the Neolun Arch Gate, the world’s first independently opening and closing hidden B-pillar coach doors, and the standard GV90 with conventional swing doors. It will also be equipped with an array of advanced technologies including the world’s first Roof Airbag, a 123.5 kilowatt-hour large-capacity high-voltage battery, Dual Electronic Limited Slip Differential (E-LSD), multi-chamber air suspension, a New Power Control System, a pop-up center OLED Cinematic Display, Pleos Connect, Remote Smart Parking Assist 3, Bang & Olufsen’s Premier 3D sound system with 25 speakers and Dolby Atmos, Ambient Glow mood lighting, Smart Vision Roof and a heated windshield.

“Today marks a landmark arrival for Genesis and for the future of luxury mobility. GV90 opens a new chapter for Genesis, building on our track record of bold innovation, elevated customer experiences, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “In less than eight years, Genesis became the fastest luxury brand ever to reach one million sales, built on distinctive design, class-leading innovation, and a relentless focus on our customers. Our new flagship SUV represents our vision for the future while embodying the very best of Genesis, staying true to the distinctly Korean values of hospitality and craftmanship that have shaped our journey.”

Neolun Arch Gate: A Symbol of Genesis’ Unique Hospitality Philosophy

The GV90 Neolun is fitted with the Neolun Arch Gate, the world’s first independently opening and closing hidden B-pillar coach doors, delivering a unique experience that embodies the brand’s hospitality philosophy when entering the vehicle. The hidden pillar design allows the front and rear doors to open in unison facing the other, providing an unparalleled sense of openness and a remarkably spacious area for entry and exit compared to conventional vehicles.

Genesis utilized a newly developed dual-motion hinge mechanism for the rear doors, optimized for the vehicle’s hidden B-pillar body structure which enables the rear doors to open and close independently without impeding the front doors. This mechanism works by first sliding the rear door slightly outward, then smoothly rotating it open. This enhances the convenience of entering and exiting the vehicle, allowing rear-seat passengers to get in and out with greater space and comfort.

Safety remains paramount in the GV90 Neolun, despite the absence of a B-pillar. Genesis engineered a new structure that seamlessly marries the doors to the vehicle body while maintaining the highest safety standards.

Additionally, replacing the conventional B-pillar, high-strength dual steel beams have been integrated for rigidity. This architecture that joins the doors and body effectively disperses collision forces.

A concealed yet robust roll cage is created by reinforcing the passenger cabin with a frame 1.5 times thicker than conventional vehicles and fortifying it with integrated high-strength steel tubes and structural foam. This hidden roll cage structure protects occupants while achieving crash safety performance equivalent to vehicles with conventional B-pillars.

Uncompromising Occupant Safety

The GV90 is equipped with a total of 12 airbags — including the world's first Roof Airbag, an in-cabin Monitoring System, a reinforced body structure, and an enhanced safety battery.

The Roof Airbag is designed to provide effective protection in severe rollover events. In case of a rollover, it deploys rapidly to cover the entire roof glass, preventing occupant ejection and mitigating injuries caused by contact with the roof.

Passenger seats feature a dual-depth airbag that deploys in two stages according to the occupants' posture. Airbags are also incorporated into the seat cushions to prevent occupants from sliding beneath the seatbelt during a collision. In addition, the curtain airbags have been extended to cover the third row, while the side airbags for the first and second rows as well as the driver's knee airbag have been enlarged to provide more effective protection for all occupants.

The vehicle is also equipped with an in-cabin monitoring system that identifies occupant type and seating status to optimize airbag and seatbelt control during collisions. It also detects and alerts occupants to improper seat belt usage or sitting posture.

Genesis has increased overall body rigidity while reducing weight, employing a skeletal structure of cast and extruded aluminum for the GV90's underbody and extensively using aluminum for the exterior panels. At the front of the body structure, a deflector guides vehicle behavior laterally during a small frontal overlap crash, reducing A-pillar deformation and maximizing occupant protection.

The application of ultra-high-strength steel to the sides of the car body further enhances safety and improves battery protection. The design also incorporates a slider structure in front of the battery, engineered to redirect components like the motor and subframe underneath the vehicle in a frontal collision, preventing direct impact to the battery.

Battery safety has been significantly enhanced with Thermal Runaway Protection (TRP) technology to prevent thermal propagation between cells. The battery system is engineered for effective heat dissipation, separating each battery cell to suppress the spread of heat to adjacent cells.

Additionally, a cloud-based Battery Management System (BMS) pre-diagnostic function provides not only real-time diagnostics but also preemptively identifies potential anomalies, promptly notifying the driver if any battery abnormality is detected.

Elegant and Serene Dynamics Befitting a Luxury Flagship

The GV90 delivers an elegant and serene driving experience befitting a luxury flagship model. Genesis developed the GV90 based on the eMP platform exclusive for the Genesis flagship, focusing on creating a spacious cabin layout, superior driving performance, and refined ride comfort suitable for a flagship SUV. The GV90 was developed by combining the unique specifications needed to create the definitive Genesis flagship.

With a 3,245mm wheelbase, the spacious interior features a flat floor and slim cockpit design, delivering passengers a more comfortable and relaxed mobility experience.

In yet another Hyundai Motor Group first, the GV90 Neolun introduces motorized swiveling front seats that elevate the interior experience to an entirely new level. While parked, a simple press of the button on the door trim rotates the front seats a full 180 degrees. Occupants can now engage in a face-to-face lounge-like configuration, ideal for socializing or conducting business.

Genesis has equipped the GV90 with a 123.5 kilowatt-hour high-voltage battery, the largest capacity among Hyundai Motor Group's electric vehicles. The GV90's high-voltage battery features cells with a high-density, high-output design which enhances energy density while simultaneously improving power and fast-charging performance. A Wireless Battery Management System (WBMS) maximizes the battery system's packaging efficiency, providing battery capacity fit for a vehicle of this scale.

On a single charge, the GV90 (7-seater) achieves an estimated range of approximately 500km (based on internal R&D tests). When using a 350-kilowatt fast charger, the battery charges from 10% to 80% in just 22 minutes.

Featuring a new motor system that delivers the most powerful performance among Hyundai Motor Group EVs, the GV90 comes with a combined maximum output of 490 kilowatts and 800 Newton-meters of torque from the front and rear motors, providing a relaxed and effortless flagship driving experience.

The GV90 is the first Hyundai Motor Group vehicle to be equipped with a Dual E-LSD, which precisely distributes the motors’ powerful output according to driving conditions. With E-LSDs mounted on both the front and rear motors, power is efficiently supplied to all four wheels during high-speed cornering for agile handling. It also suppresses wheel slip on snowy, rainy or uneven roads, ensuring more control when driving.

The Multi-Chamber Air Suspension effectively absorbs road impact and enhances driving stability by using air springs with adjustable stiffness, allowing ride height to adapt accordingly to road conditions. Mono-tube Dual Valve Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) absorbers create an optimal ride by dynamically adjusting the damping force, providing a softer response to absorb impact and stiffening to control significant body movement.

The vehicle also features active Rear Wheel Steering (RWS) which allows the rear wheels to turn up to five degrees, reducing the turning radius to that of a mid-size car. This makes U-turns and parking more convenient while also improving cornering stability at medium and high speeds.

In addition, Genesis equipped the GV90 with a 4-piston monobloc caliper with large-diameter pistons (front wheels) and a high-capacity brake disc system, delivering the stable braking performance required for a flagship electric SUV.

Genesis significantly enhanced cabin tranquility using world-leading acoustic glass exceeding 5 millimeters in thickness on all windows, from the windshield and Vision Roof to the tailgate. Noise and vibration transmitted through the vehicle's body have also been reduced by injecting high-expansion soundproofing fillers into cavities within the main structural frame. Cabin isolation is further improved through extensive application of reinforced sound-absorbing materials and modifications to the sealing structures of the hood and tailgate.

A Differentiated Vehicle Experience Through Interactive Technology

Genesis has outfitted the GV90 with a wealth of innovative technologies to provide a new dimension to the user experience for every moment spent with the vehicle.

The GV90 is the first Hyundai Motor Group vehicle to adopt New Power Control System, which eliminates the start button, ensuring a seamless transition from entry to driving.

As a passenger pulls the door handle, the vehicle powers on and the door closes automatically. Once the door closes, the Motion Column Shifter moves from the 12 o'clock to the 2 o'clock position, ready for gear selection. Simultaneously, the Crystal Sphere Controller rotates to reveal an integrated controller and the tweeter covers on the dashboard part gracefully to the sides, intuitively communicating to the driver that the car is ready to drive.

The vehicle is started by pressing the brake pedal, eliminating the need for a separate ignition button.

The GV90 features a pop-up center OLED Cinematic Display, offering a new user experience on the expansive screen. In normal driving situations, the wide 23.6-inch screen seamlessly integrates the instrument cluster, navigation, and media. When the vehicle is parked, pressing the display extension button on the center fascia raises the screen by 90mm, transforming it into a 24.6-inch display — approximately 1.7 times larger than when retracted — for occupants to enjoy a wide variety of multimedia content.

In place of a separate instrument cluster, the GV90 offers a 25-inch Head-Up Display (HUD), allowing the driver to check their speed, navigation prompts, and ADAS function at a glance over a much wider projection surface without taking their eyes off the road.

The GV90 also comes with Pleos Connect, Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation infotainment platform, providing an interface fit for a Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV). Pleos Connect is based on the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) and can freely download third-party vehicle apps via the Pleos App Market.

Occupants can also intuitively view and operate various functions on the display and seamlessly access controls and search for information through natural conversations with the onboard next-generation generative AI agent, Gleo AI.

Additionally, Remote Smart Parking Assist 3 (RSPA 3) helps with automatic parking and exiting maneuvers with a single touch. The complementing Memory Reversing Assist (MRA) remembers the vehicle’s path to easily guide it backward out of narrow alleys or parking spaces, providing a highly convenient mobility experience.

Sensory Features that Elevate the Cabin Experience

Genesis has developed a rich array of sensory features for GV90, each designed to engage every sense and add a profound layer of depth to the occupant experience.

Within the tranquil cabin, a Bang & Olufsen Premier 3D sound system with 25 speakers delivers auditory satisfaction rivaling a concert hall. Acoustic Lens Technology (ALT) tweeters at both ends of the dashboard, four headliner speakers, mid-range speakers, and subwoofers create a 7.1.4-channel Dolby Atmos sound that maximizes spatial presence and immersion.

Advanced audio capabilities elevate the listening experience. Virtual Venue recreates the signature acoustics of iconic venues including Boston Symphony Hall and Wembley Stadium, while Beosonic allows passengers to personalize sound atmosphere and tone. The result is a listening environment custom calibrated to each occupant's preferences.

The Ambient Glow mood lighting elevates the cabin atmosphere, enveloping passengers in a visually stunning experience. Expansive indirect lighting flows seamlessly from the dashboard to the doors, casting a gentle glow on garnishes crafted from leather, wool cashmere, stone and wood, optimizing the elevated cabin experience. With additional mood lighting integrated into the headliner and console, the cabin evokes the feeling of a private art gallery. The system also serves an intuitive function, interacting with the occupants by sequentially illuminating the door mood lamps upon entry or changing brightness during voice recognition to convey vehicle status and driving conditions.

The GV90's thoughtful consideration for its occupants extends beyond sight and sound, encompassing every surface and touchpoint with meticulous care. Upholstered in premium leather, the seats are crafted to maximize softness and comfort. Each one is equipped with 15 individual air cells and a pulse vibration function, offering an elevated massage experience beyond what Genesis has offered before.

A metal-coated heated windshield, a first for Hyundai Motor Group, enables the glass to generate its own heat to quickly remove winter frost and condensation while maintaining a pleasant cabin without relying on climate control. For added warmth and comfort, radiant heat warmers are integrated into the first- and second-row console armrests, side panels, and door trims.

The GV90 Neolun Executive Suite (4-seat configuration) delivers the ultimate VIP experience through a collection of exclusive, specialized features. The second row is furnished with a real wood veneer floor that greatly elevates the cabin's ambiance. Inspired by traditional Korean “ondol” underfloor heating, it incorporates a radiant heating system to provide further warmth to the interior.

A Comfort Partition separates the second-row seating from the trunk area, effectively insulating the cabin from noise in the luggage compartment to create a serene interior ambiance for occupants.

Roll blinds provide complete privacy from the outside when desired. The GV90 Neolun Executive Suite features a Smart Vision Roof which utilizes a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) film to allow the roof's transparency to be independently controlled across six distinct zones, maximizing visual openness.

Seats upholstered in the finest, soft semi-aniline leather come standard, alongside VIP-exclusive amenities such as a second-row tower console, a refrigerator and integrated tables to make travel time more meaningful.

Exterior: Restrained Elegance and a Commanding Presence

The exterior of the GV90 draws inspiration from the iconic moon jar — a symbol of traditional Korean aesthetics — exuding a majestic presence achieved through the porcelain vessel’s philosophy of restrained elegance.

By minimizing superfluous elements to emphasize the beauty of the essential, every aspect of the GV90’s design reflects the core tenets of the moon jar — its fundamental form of proportion and curve, the beauty of white space, and the spirit of exquisite craftsmanship.

Beneath the clamshell hood, the Wing Face Micro Lens Array (MLA) headlamps span the front fascia, projecting a distinctive and imposing presence apt for a flagship model. Genesis utilized an advanced laser-engraving process to seamlessly integrate the lighting element with the vehicle's bodywork. The jewel-like Two-Line design imparts a futuristic yet elegant flourish.

The lower bumper is accented with a three-dimensional, dual-layered G-matrix patterned chrome grille to deliver a sophisticated and elevated aesthetic.

GV90 embodies a timeless design through understated elegant proportions. The 5,285-millimeter-long body, bold yet gracefully sculpted fenders and prominent 24-inch forged wheels exude the authoritative stance of a luxury flagship.

The GV90 Neolun showcases its distinct identity through anodized aluminum accents applied between the first and second row windows, while the standard GV90 features frame-flush door glass for a seamless, clean look.

The rear design is the most emblematic expression of the GV90's design philosophy. By eschewing decorative elements, Genesis achieved a pure rear design reminiscent of the flowing curves from the elegant silhouette of a Korean moon jar.

This minimalist approach extends to avoiding unnecessary lines and omitting the rear spoiler entirely, while incorporating flush-mounted surface-emitting taillights and Genesis lettering to create a smooth, harmonious rear composition.

Offering unprecedented personalization for a Genesis model, the GV90 features 16 distinctive exterior color selections. 13 glossy finishes each tell a visual story: Seychelles Beige captures the radiant beauty of sun-kissed beaches and waves on sand, while Baena Green evokes the serene moment when light penetrates an olive forest. The gloss options continue with Sonoran Navy, Taupo Gray, Jaipur Rose, Vela Burgundy, Como Blue, Uyuni White, Saville Silver, Makalu Gray, Vik Black, Capri Blue, and Cardiff Green. Three elegant matte finishes — Monashee Silver, Matterhorn White, and Makalu Gray Matte — provide understated alternatives.

“GV90 is the embodiment of The Ultimate Majestic Presence, Genesis’ belief that true luxury is revealed not through addition, but through reduction, until only the essential remains,” said Luc Donckerwolke, President and Chief Creative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group. “Inspired by the Korean moon jar, we pursued a purity shaped by restraint, balance and an elegance that never fades. By removing unnecessary elements, we allowed timeless beauty to speak for itself. The Neolun Concept, unveiled in 2024, was not simply a vision, but a promise for the future. GV90 brings that promise to life, opening a new chapter for Genesis design, one shaped by extraordinary patience, care and dedication.”

An Elevated, Bespoke Living Space

Genesis has reimagined the GV90’s interior as a bespoke living space thoughtfully reflecting the personal tastes of its occupants.

The dashboard and door trims feature a sophisticated dual-layer structure with a recessed center section, allowing contrasting materials to define the inner and outer planes. The seats, console, and display are positioned intentionally like luxury furniture, evoking the refined atmosphere of a sophisticated lounge.

The futuristic centerpiece is a massive cinematic display that harmonizes with the cabin through crystal buttons using real glass. Complementing this forward-thinking design, motorized air vents eliminate traditional control knobs, contributing to an exceptionally clean and uncluttered interior.

Slim mood lamps concealed in the dashboard's chrome bezel work in concert with Ambient Glow to envelop the cabin in indirect light, intensifying the interior's premium character.

Athletic Elegance is added to the static cabin upon boarding the vehicle through the Motion Column Shifter, the rotating Crystal Sphere Controller, and sliding tweeter covers. Media, temperature and airflow are managed using the Center Knob Display.

Genesis has employed a thoughtfully curated selection of authentic material options for the GV90, each selected to maximize its inherent charm and deliver the attention to detail expected of a flagship. Customers can choose from trim materials that harmonize with their chosen interior palette such as natural wood for classic luxury, genuine stone for modern sophistication or wool cashmere warmth and coziness.

The GV90 is available in five interior color combinations: Veiled Indigo / Puglia Green, Folio Brown / Batiste Blue, Vault Black / Shadow Gray, Tyrian Purple / Travertine Beige, and Saddle Brown / Shadow Gray.

The GV90 Neolun on the other hand offers five exclusive interior color schemes: Regal Navy / Majestic Purple, Quince Brown, Vault Black / Shadow Gray, Tyrian Purple / Travertine Beige, and Saddle Brown / Shadow Gray.

GV90 First Edition: Exclusive Luxury for the Discerning Few

The same day, Genesis also unveiled the GV90 Neolun First Edition, an ultra-exclusive limited release for the marque’s elite customers.

The GV90 Neolun First Edition represents the pinnacle of the Executive Suite (4-seat configuration) lineup. Its two-tone exterior palette and body-color 24-inch forged wheels elevate the visual impact, delivering an exclusive, unparalleled appeal.

Inside, wool cashmere garnishes come standard, and First Edition-exclusive logo engraving on the Crystal Sphere Controller, headrests, and doorsteps add a subtle touch of prestige.

The GV90 Neolun First Edition debuts in three color combinations: two-toned Jaipur Rose / Seychelles Beige exterior paired with a Quince Brown interior, two-toned Vik Black / Baena Green exterior matched with a Veiled Indigo / Puglia Green interior, two-toned Vik Black / Sonoran Navy exterior blended with a Majestic Purple / Regal Navy interior.

GV90 & Marilyn Monroe: Icons’ Arrival

Genesis aligned Marilyn Monroe's ethos of challenge and innovation, establishing a new direction for luxury that defines Genesis' brand philosophy.

Driven by passionate ambition and visionary boldness, Monroe took control of her career trajectory and shattered conventional limitations. By building a life on her own terms, she transcended her time to become an eternal cultural icon — a symbol whose influence persists even a century later.

Genesis has embraced an equally audacious mission: to establish itself as a global Korean luxury mobility brand. In just ten short years, the brand has defied expectations, emerging as a global leader that fundamentally redefined luxury automotive standards.

Like Monroe, Genesis has forged a path uniquely its own. As a luxury brand deeply rooted in Korean cultural traditions, its journey reflects Monroe's own legacy, both rebelling against norms and achieving lasting impact.

To express this connection while exploring the untold narratives of Monroe’s legacy, Genesis launched “Manifesting Marilyn” at Genesis House New York in June and is supporting the production of the Maggie Gyllenhaal-directed short film “Flesh Impact”, which will debut at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival.

Genesis is poised for its next decade of growth, anchored by the GV90 flagship. Building on this momentum, the brand will strengthen its positioning and philosophical foundation while setting distinctive industry standards across design, engineering, technology, and customer experiences.

GV90 Specifications

SEOUL, July 14, 2026— Genesis has taken home two wins for its X Skorpio Concept and Magma GT Concept in the Cars and Motorcycles category in the Design Concept discipline at the 2026 Red Dot Awards. The double recognition once again proves the innovative luxury marque’s world-class design competitiveness against globally established legacy luxury brands.

This marks Genesis’ third Red Dot Award this year, after securing an earlier win in the same category with its first luxury high performance vehicle, the GV60 Magma.

Genesis X Skorpio Concept: Fearless Exploration Meets Extreme Off-Roading

Revealed globally earlier this year in the Rub’ al Khali “Empty Quarter” desert in the UAE, the X Skorpio Concept is Genesis' first extreme off-road vehicle. Inspired by the poised stance of a black scorpion, the concept is purpose-built to conquer demanding terrains without sacrificing the brand's luxurious identity.

The vehicle pushes the boundaries of off-road capability, featuring an integrated tubular frame with a full roll cage, and a body constructed from a lightweight, durable mix of fiberglass, carbon-fiber, and Kevlar. It is powered by a high-performance V8 engine delivering 1,115 PS (1,100 horsepower) and 117.6 kilogram-force meters (850 pound-feet of torque), grounded by 40-inch custom off-road tires on 18-inch beadlock wheels. The exterior pairs defensive, armor-like panels inspired by its namesake with Genesis’ signature Two-Line design, while the cabin redefines off-road luxury with ergonomic performance seating and a unique sliding cockpit display that adapts to both solo and co-pilot off-road navigation.

Genesis Magma GT Concept: A New Era of Luxury High Performance

Unveiled in its evolved form at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Genesis Magma GT Concept represents the pinnacle of the brand’s high-performance ambitions and a clear vision for its next decade of motorsport-inspired luxury. Conceived as a two-passenger luxury grand tourer, the concept blends athleticism and elegance through a low-slung, race-ready silhouette, wide muscular fenders, and dynamic mid-engine proportions that optimize aerodynamic efficiency.

Acting as a bridge between open-road luxury and closed-track capability, the Magma GT prioritizes a tactile, driver-centric experience over purely digital interfaces. This philosophy comes to life in the twin-cockpit interior, which celebrates analogue drama through an exposed mechanical shift gate, premium materials, and an instrument cluster inspired by motorsport timekeeping. It stands as a true halo model for the brand, perfectly translating Genesis' "Athletic Elegance" design philosophy into its high-performance Magma program.

“We feel a tremendous sense of honor to receive acknowledgment from the 2026 Red Dot Awards for these significant vehicles and innovations,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Genesis Global Design. “This recognition serves as a testament to the exceptional dedication exhibited by our team of visionary designers, who poured their unwavering passion and commitment into this project, alongside our collaborative engineers at the R&D center. It highlights the remarkable competitiveness of Genesis’ design identity within the global market.”

As one of the world's most distinguished design competitions, the Red Dot Design Award is acclaimed as a hallmark of design excellence. The Design Concept discipline honors cutting-edge and innovative design concepts and varying stages of product development each year. This year, the bold and forward-looking designs of two distinct Genesis concept cars stood out in the highly competitive Cars and Motorcycles category to take home the win.

SAO PAULO, July 12, 2026 — Genesis Magma Racing can take valuable lessons and experience from the 6 Hours of São Paulo, the first fly-away event in its debut season in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Both GMR-001 Hypercars showed strong reliability to complete a race without technical issues for the first time, but penalties and small mistakes limited the results the team could achieve.

Strategy Showed Potential; Cut Short by Penalties

In a busy first stint, the difficulty of racing through traffic on the WEC calendar’s shortest track was clear. Both Genesis Magma Racing entries, started by André Lotterer and Daniel Juncadella, lost ground navigating around the GT-class runners. More costly, however, were the early penalties collected by both cars, including a drive-through for the #19, that dropped them down the order.

In response, the team chose to extend the stints of both cars. The energy advantage gained saw both cars rise up the order as they were among the last cars to pit. Lotterer briefly assumed the lead in a fleeting GMR-001 Hypercar 1-2 before pitting to complete the opening drivers’ double stints after just over two hours.

As the race ran without the interruption of anything more disruptive than a short Full Course Yellow, however, the team was never able to make the most of the good strategy despite the flawless reliability of both cars. The potential for rain, as clouds lowered around the circuit in the final two hours of the race, largely held off — even as the GMR-001 Hypercar’s Two-Line design headlights cast an increasingly prominent beam.

The #17 crew was unable to make up for the time lost in the first half of the race, despite the choice to shorten Mathys Jaubert’s second stint to install home hero Pipo Derani. Derani — the only Brazilian driver in the top class — pushed all the way to the checkered flag on his home track, though could only be rewarded with a 15th place finish.

After a strong middle stint from Mathieu Jaminet, where the #19 car again climbed as high as second, Paul-Loup Chatin took the final double stint for the trio still waiting for their first WEC points. The team’s strategy brought him to the pits for the final time with 45 minutes remaining, and though some of the teams running ahead were forced into an extra, late, stop, it was not enough to allow Chatin to gain any places from 13th.

Though the team was always aware of the challenge of the unique Interlagos track, to leave Brazil without a second haul of points is a frustrating end to the weekend. Both GMR-001 Hypercars showed strong pace during the Free Practice and Qualifying sessions, including when Mathieu Jaminet topped Friday afternoon’s FP2 before he qualified the #19 entry seventh on Saturday.

Genesis Magma Racing Team Management Quotes

Cyril Abiteboul, Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal, said: “The 6 Hours of São Paulo was quite a different race from the previous ones for us. The biggest positive was clearly the level of reliability. Getting both cars through the race without any technical issues was a main target coming here after all the data accumulated in Le Mans. It's great to see that in a limited amount of time, we've been able to react and address issues from the first part of the season. On the other side, this good reliability exposes more directly our overall performance and, unfortunately, we've seen clearly our current limitations in different aspects of our operations and package. The positive is that we accumulated more data on a very specific track, with lots of opportunities to learn and build upon for what's coming next. If we can carry this reliability, then the next focus will be on cleaner race execution so that we can start climbing up into the classification.”

Gabriele Tarquini, Genesis Magma Racing Sporting Director, said: “We cannot be happy about the race result. There were small mistakes that came from the team and drivers cost us some penalties during the race. But there are some big positives. The car was reliable from the first corner until the end. No problem coming from chassis, engine or systems. That's very good. It's the first time that we haven’t faced a problem with reliability. This track is unique and we don't have any data from previous years, and we never tested on this track. That has probably cost us some performance, because our pace was a little bit up and down. To finish out of the point is a shame after a very good Qualifying and Free Practice, but we need to learn from mistakes and keep improving race by race, session by session.”

Justin Taylor, Genesis Magma Racing Chief Engineer, said: “It was a difficult race. Interlagos is a tight circuit, and we saw a lot of contact and penalties throughout the field, and we weren't immune to that. Despite the result, it was another important step forward for us. For the first time, both cars completed the race without going into the garage, and that's a significant milestone for the team. Everything we focused on worked as expected, particularly in terms of reliability and reacting better to changing conditions. We still have work to do, but we're continuing to move in the right direction. Of course, we wanted to finish in the top 10 and add to the points we scored earlier this season, but that will have to wait until Austin.”

Anouck Abadie, Genesis Magma Racing Team Manager, said: "This is the first time that both cars have finished without any major issues, so that's a big first step. We can be happy about that. Weekend after weekend, we keep taking positives away. We learn a lot every race, and that's really important for the future. I think we've shown that both the team and the car are capable of delivering. We've improved the reliability of the car, which is a very good step forward, and as a team we've proved that we can do it while continuing to learn. Of course, it's not the result we were hoping for, but from our own perspective it's already a positive outcome. We'll use the summer break to train, come back stronger in Austin, and see if we can improve again."

Driver Quotes - #17 GMR-001 Hypercar

André Lotterer said: “It was a tough day because we were actually doing well. We were in the mix, but it was just one of those races with too many little issues. It was one of those days where we could have achieved more. The car felt good, but there are still a few things we need to understand. I also got a penalty after racing aggressively with the Toyota, but that was just one of several issues. Some of them were self-inflicted, but the potential of the GMR-001 Hypercar was good. The positive is that both cars finished reliably. Now we just need to look at the issues, learn from them, and come back stronger. Still, I had fun in the car. It’s all part of our journey. Sometimes you don’t have a perfect day, but we keep learning and moving forward.”

Mathys Jaubert said: “So, the race is done here at the 6 Hours of São Paulo. Overall, it was another weekend where we learned a lot as a team. Once again, it showed that the car is very strong over one lap, but we still have a lot of work to do over long stints and in race conditions. Overall, we expected to score points, and that was the target. We didn’t achieve that, but we still finished the race without any issues with both cars, which was another big target for the weekend. We had a few penalties and an issue with one tire, but overall it was a productive weekend. Now the focus shifts to the next step, with the test in Austin followed by the race there.”

Pipo Derani said: “It was nice to be back at home driving at Interlagos. It’s a privilege to drive in front of my home crowd. And the whole energy that the Brazilian people bring, it's amazing. Unfortunately, we couldn't give them a better result. We were a bit out of the race for my stints with everything that had happened up until then. Nevertheless, we were trying to bring the car home with no issues, which is a big step for the team, and I got to have fun in the last two stints. It was a good team effort. I'm looking forward to coming back here next year. We learned a lot this weekend. We showed some promise, but we have things to learn still. That's part of the game. And the positive is that I got to drive at home.”

Driver Quotes - #19 GMR-001 Hypercar

Dani Juncadella said: “Obviously, it was a disappointing result. My stint was probably about the wildest two hours I’ve ever had in a race car. I had a really good start and made a few positions, but we kept finding ourselves in the wrong place at the beginning of the race in traffic, and then we received a penalty for a Full Course Yellow infringement, which dropped us even further back. I also had contact with an amateur Ferrari that was completely lost, and that really killed our chances today. Unfortunately, all of that put us a lap down, and we stayed there for pretty much the rest of the race. From then onwards, the final four hours were actually quite okay, but we had simply lost too much time earlier in the race to recover.”

Mathieu Jaminet said: “Finishing P13 is not ideal when you’re starting from P7, but it’s only our fourth race, so I’m not too disappointed. It was one of those days. We had a few issues here and there, and there are a lot of things to improve. We made a few mistakes as a team, and it shows just how competitive this championship is. I feel this is a race where we have a lot to learn. There’s plenty to analyze and a lot of data to go through. It’s only our fourth race, so at the end of the day I’m not too disappointed. There are a lot of lessons to take away from both cars, in the way we approached the race and how we operated throughout the weekend. It’s all part of the process. We keep learning, we keep growing, and we’ll come back fighting stronger next time.”

Paul-Loup Chatin said: "It was a difficult race, honestly. We decided to double-stint the tires to try and gain track position, but the grip was really poor and I was never able to switch the tires on. The conditions were tricky. There was a lot of drizzle, but the track remained dry, which made it difficult to find the right balance. I tried a lot of different things, but in the end we learned a lot today. Now we need to understand what happened and come back stronger. There are still plenty of positives to take away. Overall, we've shown that the car has strong reliability and performance, but we were missing some pace in the race. We'll analyze why, learn from it and come back stronger in Austin."

LE MANS, France, June 12, 2026 — While Genesis Magma Racing’s debut in the 24 Hours of Le Mans is an undoubted milestone for the team in its first-ever year of competition, the squad and Genesis as a manufacturer offered invited media a first glimpse at one potential future project, unveiling the Genesis Magma GT3 Concept at a press conference at the Circuit de la Sarthe.

New Concept Shows One Potential Future

Speaking at a press conference hosted at Genesis’ corporate hospitality unit overlooking the final corners of the circuit, Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul introduced the Genesis Magma GT3 Concept alongside Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke.

“The Genesis Magma GT3 Concept is one potential future direction for Genesis Magma Racing, alongside our FIA WEC Hypercar entry, as we grow to support the entire Genesis brand,” said Abiteboul. “Since the very start, we have stated that Genesis Magma Racing is a long-term project, and here we have one possible direction we can take. Like Hypercar, GT3 is another of the recent success stories in motorsport.”

He added: “Having Genesis and Genesis Magma Racing represented there would closely link the road-going and racing sides of the brand and add further to our profile in world motorsport.”

The Genesis Magma GT3 Concept has been developed in alignment with GT3 technical regulations, reflecting a performance-led approach shaped by motorsport requirements. Conceived as an independent study, it explores how race-driven architecture, aerodynamics and engineering principles could inform future Genesis performance vehicles, rather than being derived from an existing road-going model.

During the same press conference, the Magma GT Concept — first revealed in November alongside the GV60 Magma — was presented with an all-new interior, illustrating a parallel exploration of how race-inspired thinking could translate into a refined road-going grand tourer. Together, the two concepts highlight one potential pathway for connecting Genesis’ motorsport ambitions with its evolving performance portfolio, without confirming specific production or racing plans.

“The Magma GT Concept and Magma GT3 Concept represent two distinct yet connected expressions of Genesis performance,” explained Donckerwolke. “The Magma GT Concept embodies our vision of luxury and athleticism on the road, while the Magma GT3 Concept translates that philosophy into the race environment, where every element is driven by performance, efficiency and purpose. Together, they demonstrate how Genesis is exploring the full spectrum of high performance — from refined grand touring to uncompromising motorsport.”

Continued Expansion at Le Mans and Across Europe

Alongside its motorsport ambitions, Genesis continues to accelerate its European growth strategy. After announcing last year its expansion into new markets in Italy, France, the Netherlands and Spain, the manufacturer is now preparing for further entry into Poland, Austria, Portugal and Denmark as part of its long-term global vision.

Genesis’ presence at the 24 Hours of Le Mans has also expanded, one year on from the first European showing of the GMR-001 Hypercar design — then only a show car. Now a fully-fledged Hypercar team, a Le Mans debut makes them the first Korean manufacturer to participate in the famous race, as well as providing the toughest examination of the team operations and the reliability of the GMR-001 Hypercar while still at a very early point in the life of the team and car.

Further underscoring its presence at Le Mans, Genesis will showcase two evolved X Gran Convertible Concept models — originally introduced at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show — during the Drivers’ Parade in Le Mans city center later today. Building on the earlier concept, these latest iterations represent a refined and more visually striking evolution, further aligning the model with Genesis’ expanding Magma portfolio. As an architectural study rooted in the G90, the updated concepts embody a more pronounced expression of Magma design, reinforcing Genesis’ commitment to continuous enhancement and progressive luxury.

Both vehicles feature distinctive color and material selections while exploring a more open, emotional and human interpretation of Genesis luxury. One model, finished in Liquid Titanium, expresses the dynamic qualities of the racing environment through its GMR-inspired colorway, while the other — in Midnight Teal — embodies a calmer, more sophisticated palette, complemented by tartan-inspired textiles for a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

The X Gran Convertible Concepts will be driven by Genesis brand ambassador and race advisor Jacky Ickx, alongside reserve driver and Genesis Magma Racing trajectory driver Jamie Chadwick.

These enhanced concept models further explore an emotional and approachable form of Genesis luxury, where racing energy, hospitality, elegance and quiet refinement coexist through materials, colors and atmosphere. Their appearance highlights the brand’s evolving design identity and its growing connection with global motorsport audiences beyond the circuit.

LE MANS, France, June 12, 2026 — Building on its previous Le Mans participation, Genesis steps up to the Hypercar class at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking a defining new chapter in its global motorsports journey.

At a press conference held within the Genesis Hospitality inside the famed Circuit de la Sarthe, the brand unveiled the Magma GT3 Concept, outlined a potential future vision for Genesis and Genesis Magma Racing, and shared plans to expand its presence into new European markets as part of its broader global growth strategy.

Through their entry with the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar in the Hypercar class at the race, held June 13-14 (local time) in Le Mans, France, Genesis Magma Racing aim to mark a new milestone in Korean motorsports history while demonstrating their brand competitiveness in the global market.

José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said, “Genesis has grown faster than any other luxury automotive brand, and we’re thrilled to be competing in the world’s toughest endurance race where we’ll be able to validate our performance under pressure. We’re humble, but we’re hungry, and we know there is hard work ahead. We’re bringing lessons from the track to our Magma performance vehicles and in how we run the business. In a 24-hour race where anything can happen, the team needs to be seamless in how we support each other and find creative solutions to win. It’s a perfect analogy for how we’re managing uncertainty and focused on delivering exceptional vehicles, technology and service for our customers.”

Early Momentum in WEC Debut Season Sets the Stage for Le Mans

Genesis Magma Racing have already demonstrated competitiveness in their debut season in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).

Notably, the team secured points in Round 2 at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, proving its stable driving performance and operational capability despite being in its inaugural season.

Building on this experience, Genesis will prioritize completing the 24-hour race at Le Mans, while also striving to deliver competitive results.

Magma GT and Magma GT3 Concepts Signal Next Evolution in Performance Vision

At Le Mans, Genesis unveiled the Magma GT Concept and Magma GT3 Concept, outlining a clear vision for the brand’s future across luxury performance and motorsport.

While an earlier version of the Magma GT Concept was revealed in November 2025, the model has since been reintroduced at Le Mans with an all-new interior, reflecting the evolution of the Magma program. Conceived as a two-passenger luxury grand tourer, the Magma GT Concept blends athleticism and elegance in a manner distinctive to the brand. Its design is defined by a low-slung front end, wide fenders and dynamic mid-engine proportions, while sculptural surfaces and aerodynamic detailing highlight the brand’s Athletic Elegance philosophy.

Inside, the concept combines a twin-cockpit layout with a driver-centric architecture, centered around an analog instrument cluster inspired by motor racing timekeeping instruments and complemented by tactile controls that emphasize precision and engagement. The result is a refined yet immersive cabin that reinterprets the modern luxury GT experience — balancing performance, comfort and craftsmanship.

Making its global debut at Le Mans, the Genesis Magma GT3 Concept outlines a potential future direction for Genesis Magma Racing as it expands beyond its FIA WEC Hypercar program. Conceived as part of a long-term motorsport strategy, the concept reflects the growing relevance of GT3 competition and its potential to strengthen the connection between Genesis’ road cars and racing activities, positioning both the Genesis and Genesis Magma Racing brands within this category to more closely link road-going and racing portfolios while further elevating their profile in global motorsport.

The Genesis Magma GT3 Concept has been developed in alignment with GT3 technical regulations, reflecting a performance-led approach shaped by motorsport requirements. As an independent study, it explores how race-driven architecture, aerodynamics and engineering principles could inform future Genesis performance vehicles, rather than being derived from an existing road-going model.

Optimized for performance, the GT3 Concept features widened tracks, a prominent front splitter, enlarged ducts and a door-mounted fin to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and cooling. Advanced thermal management strategies, along with a race-focused rear structure incorporating a fixed wing and diffuser, support durability under endurance racing conditions.

Developed in collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport, the GT3 Concept remains under exploration, with architecture, components and potential development pathways yet to be defined. As one of several possible scenarios, it demonstrates how Genesis is exploring opportunities beyond LMDh.

Together, the Magma GT and GT3 Concepts illustrate a cohesive approach, where motorsport serves as both inspiration and testing ground for future Genesis performance and design.

Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis, said, “The Magma GT Concept and Magma GT3 Concept represent two distinct yet connected expressions of Genesis performance. The Magma GT Concept embodies our vision of luxury and athleticism on the road, while the Magma GT3 Concept translates that philosophy into the race environment, where every element is driven by performance, efficiency and purpose. Together, they demonstrate how Genesis is exploring the full spectrum of high performance — from refined grand touring to uncompromising motorsport.”

Motorsport as a Catalyst for Global Expansion

Alongside its motorsport ambitions, Genesis continues to accelerate its European growth strategy, expanding into new markets including Italy, France, the Netherlands and Spain, while preparing for further entry into Poland, Austria, Portugal and Denmark as part of its long-term global vision.

The brand’s presence on the world stage — through both endurance racing and market expansion — reflects a unified strategy to elevate Genesis as a modern, performance-driven luxury brand.

A Presence Beyond the Track

Further underscoring its presence at Le Mans, Genesis will showcase two evolved X Gran Convertible Concept models — originally introduced at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show — during the Drivers’ Parade in Le Mans city center later today. Building on the earlier concept, these latest iterations represent a refined and more visually striking evolution, further aligning the model with Genesis’ expanding Magma portfolio. As an architectural study rooted in the G90, the updated concepts embody a more pronounced expression of Magma design, reinforcing Genesis’ commitment to continuous enhancement and progressive luxury.

Both vehicles feature distinctive color and material selections while exploring a more open, emotional and human interpretation of Genesis luxury. One model, finished in Liquid Titanium, expresses the dynamic qualities of the racing environment through its GMR-inspired colorway, while the other — in Midnight Teal — embodies a calmer, more sophisticated palette, complemented by tartan-inspired textiles for a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere.

The X Gran Convertible Concepts will be driven by Genesis brand ambassador and race advisor Jacky Ickx, alongside reserve driver and Genesis Magma Racing trajectory driver Jamie Chadwick.

These enhanced concept models further explore an emotional and approachable form of Genesis luxury, where racing energy, hospitality, elegance and quiet refinement coexist through materials, colors and atmosphere. Their appearance highlights the brand’s evolving design identity and its growing connection with global motorsport audiences beyond the circuit.

LE MANS, France, June 12, 2026 — Genesis Motor Europe today announced its expansion plans into four additional European markets: Austria, Denmark, Portugal and Poland — marking a significant step forward in the brand’s long-term European growth strategy. 

Following the brand’s initial launch in Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom in 2021, Genesis has expanded into France, Italy and the Netherlands so far in 2026, with Spain set to follow in Q4. As the brand continues to grow and evolve in Europe, Genesis confirmed its plans to expand into five key European markets by 2027, strengthening its footprint in Northern, Eastern and Southern Europe and building its presence in Western Europe and the Iberian Peninsula. 

The announcement made at the Circuit de la Sarthe during the 24 Hours of Le Mans race weekend increases Genesis’ European presence to 11 markets and comes after significant growth on the continent in the first half of 2026. So far this year, the brand has opened two dedicated European dealerships in the Netherlands and Italy, with new locations to follow in Q3. By 2027 the brand also plans to have more than 50 sales locations operational across Europe. 

Peter Kronschnabl, Managing Director of Genesis Motor Europe, said, “Genesis’ expansion into Austria, Denmark, Poland and Portugal confirms our commitment to Europe and our ambition to redefine the premium automotive segment. We are excited to bring the Genesis line-up to more customers across Europe, supported by strong and committed retail partners. Each new market represents a unique opportunity to connect with customers who value our distinctive Korean vibrancy, ‘Son-Nim’ hospitality ethos and distinctive design.” 

Another Step Forward for the Genesis Brand 

The legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race provided the backdrop for Genesis’ expansion announcement. The brand also used the opportunity to unveil its new Magma GT3 Concept, reflecting a performance-led approach shaped by motorsport requirements. 

The weekend also marks the official debut of Genesis Magma Racing at the iconic track. As the first Korean team to compete in the World Endurance Championship, the team has already achieved a two-car finish at the 6 Hours of Imola and scored points at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps this season. 

Milanese luxury, a style epitomized by Larusmiani for over a century, is defined by its focus on timeless elegance over fleeting trends. It champions superior quality, meticulous craftsmanship and an unwavering attention to detail. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the core principles of Genesis, especially the concepts of “Athletic Elegance” and the “beauty of white space,” where every line and surface is intentional and minimalistic.

Genesis Debuts in Italy

The partnership celebrates two new milestones for Genesis. It officially launched in Italy on Jan. 22 with two retail locations opening this spring in Rome and Padua. Genesis also made its racing debut with its motorsport team Genesis Magma Racing (GMR). GMR drivers competed in the GMR-001 Hypercar at the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) World Endurance Championship (WEC) season opener, the 6 Hours of Imola 2026 at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy.

The Genesis X Larusmiani collaboration kicked off during Milan Design Week, blending the heritage of Italian fine lifestyle goods with Korean automotive design, creating a new vision for the modern “gentleman driver.” It is a story of two cultures finding common ground in the pursuit of understated luxury.

Genesis x Larusmiani

The Genesis x Larusmiani collaboration is part of The Automotive Gallery project by Larusmiani, stemming from the passion for cars of the brand’s president, Guglielmo Miani. It is a multifaceted initiative that celebrates both fashion and automotive design. The partnership centers around the GMR-001 Hypercar, which symbolizes a bold step in Genesis’ global motorsport ambitions and translates Genesis’ Athletic Elegance design philosophy into raw racing power.

Leaning into the Athletic facet of the brand’s defining design aesthetic, the GMR-001’s sweeping parabolic line creates a sleek yet aggressive visual while optimizing airflow to improve performance. The sculpted form houses a mid-mounted turbocharged V8 engine, framed at the rear by an active spoiler that adjusts to balance drag reduction with stability for high-speed racing. The GMR-001 Hypercar also features Genesis’ signature Two-Line headlamps, which it shares with the luxury marque’s road car range, making it instantly recognizable.

The GMR-001 Hypercar’s livery marries intensity with subtlety, dominated by the signature Magma orange — a hue symbolizing Korea’s vibrant energy. Integrated into the design is the Korean lettering for Magma (마그마), with its consonants “ㅁ,” “ㄱ” and “ㅁ” forming geometric motifs that are echoed in the team’s insignia. This visual language reflects Genesis’ fusion of cultural authenticity and innovation, ensuring the GMR-001 Hypercar stands out as a moving emblem of Korean identity.

The GMR-001 Hypercar prototype is on display in Larusmiani’s historic boutique from April 17-30, in the heart of Milan’s luxury shopping district during Milan Design Week, the same time as the WEC’s Imola race weekend. This places Genesis at the intersection of automotive performance and luxury living, creating appeal for both global motorsport enthusiasts and international design connoisseurs during one of the most culturally relevant moments of the year.

“The GMR‑001 Hypercar represents more than our entry into global motorsport — it embodies Genesis’ belief that performance and beauty should never be separated. Bringing this car into Larusmiani’s world during Milan Design Week places racing, craftsmanship and culture on equal footing, and reflects our ambition to build a brand that moves fluidly between the track and the wider creative landscape,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis.

A Translation of Design

For the Larusmiani creative team, translating the Genesis design language was an exercise in shared philosophy. The maison’s approach began with identifying the essence of Genesis’ design — the surface tensions, the way light flows across the bodywork and the coherence between form and function. The team transformed those elements into wearable design.

The process begins with direct observation of the vehicle, focusing on its physical presence. A hand-drawn sketch captures its essence, which is later adapted to the final product. Screen printing is used for the limited-edition T-shirts, while skilled artisans in Milan hand-paint the image of the GMR-001 onto the French Limoges porcelain pocket emptier, or “svuotatasche” in Italian. The goal is not to represent the car precisely, but to evoke it, ensuring that the owner of the object perceives in it the same formal care found within the bodywork of every Genesis.

The collection draws inspiration from the vehicle’s most intentional details: the texture of carbon fiber, the pattern of the air intakes and a color palette calibrated with tailored precision. Larusmiani team members recognize the same care in the vehicle design that they take with every stitch; choices that serve to signify, not just to fulfill a function. It is this layering of intention — design, craft and cultural — that elevates an object to a luxury piece. In this way the collection finds its meaning as a dialogue between two cultures of precise detail and overlapping design codes.

Larusmiani imagines the person using their capsule collection as someone who has no need to announce themselves. This modern gentleman driver is curious, not nostalgic. This individual appreciates tradition as a method to be applied to the present and does not hesitate to pair a Milanese tailored jacket with a Korean-designed car. This collaboration says it clearly: luxury is no longer a matter of origin or accumulated heritage, but of shared intention. And the one between Larusmiani and Genesis is a conversation between equals. 

Celebrating Heritage and Innovation

To mark the significance of the collaboration, Genesis and Larusmiani co-hosted an exclusive gala dinner within the breathtaking halls of the iconic Bagatti Valsecchi Museum. Contrasting beautifully with the classical architecture were the Genesis X Gran Racer Concept and GV60 Magma on display in the museum courtyard.

This juxtaposition was not about creating a clash between old and new, but about revealing a shared spirit. “The dialogue between the neo-Renaissance surfaces of the museum and the lines of the Genesis cars generates not contrast, but recognition,” explained Larusmiani President Guglielmo Miani. “Both things are born from the same intention, that of those who create with permanence in mind, not the impression of the moment.”

Through their embodiment of Athletic Elegance, the two Genesis models on display told a facet of this story of modern permanence. The Genesis X Gran Racer Concept, derived from the standard of excellence set by the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept, merges purposeful racing derived elements with a refined aesthetic. The GV60 Magma beside it commands attention with its bold Magma Orange exterior, symbolizing the hidden potential energy bubbling unseen beneath the earth’s surface. The GV60 Magma is Genesis’ first production vehicle of its luxury high performance Magma Program.

Placing these vehicles in such a historic setting was a deliberate statement about the evolution of luxury and art. “The Bagatti Valsecchi Museum is a place built on the conviction that beauty deserves to be preserved regardless of the era,” Miani reflected. “Placing the Genesis X Gran Racer and the GV60 Magma in that space is not a provocative gesture — it is a question: does a brand capable of bringing a hypercar to Imola and these models to Milan in the same month, weaving motorsport and design culture together with equal ease, deserve the same gaze reserved for things that endure?”

The Unexpected is Most Interesting

For Miani himself the most interesting collaborations arise from the unexpected. He believes that Genesis embodies this; it arrives not with the weight of motoring mythology, but with something rarer — an aesthetic philosophy built from scratch, free from legacy expectations and full of raw determination.

“It is this convergence between track and culture, between performance and formal beauty, that Larusmiani recognized as an authentic hallmark,” Miani explains. “Not a commercial operation, but an act of shared identity.”

The Automotive Gallery was born from Miani’s conviction that the automobile, when designed with true intention, is art, and he immediately recognized in the GMR-001 Hypercar that Genesis spoke that language too. “Larusmiani’s clients are people who read details,” Miani notes, “and what convinced them, as it convinced me, was precisely that integrated vision: a brand that designs racing cars with the same care it devotes to luxury interiors.”

This approach also addresses how to introduce a futuristic marque to a clientele steeped in classic heritage. The answer lies in the method. The capsule collection pieces are made like every other Larusmiani item, with first-choice natural materials and established techniques, yet they draw inspiration from the carbon fiber surfaces of the GMR-001 Hypercar.

In a world where heritage often dictates the rigid rules of luxury, the collaboration between Genesis and Larusmiani offers a compelling vision of the future. This partnership is more than a mere intersection of automotive design and high fashion; it is a testament to a shared philosophy. Both Genesis, with its audacious challenge to the automotive hierarchy, and Larusmiani, with its legacy of innovation, have proven they are not content to simply participate in the status quo. They are here to disrupt it.

By weaving together their respective crafts, they have created a narrative of a new kind of luxury — one that is defined not by adherence to tradition, but by the courage to innovate and the relentless pursuit of a different, more dynamic, standard of excellence. This collaboration doesn't just place a car next to a suit; it places two forward-thinking manifestos in dialogue, leaving us with the resounding impression that the most exciting frontier of luxury is the one still being designed.

Gangho Yoon, Research Engineer of the Genesis Total Vehicle Evaluation Team, emphasized that “the exterior of the GV60 Magma has been honed for both visual distinction and improved aerodynamic performance.” The wider tires of the vehicle are housed under newly designed quarter and fender garnishes that accentuate the car’s athletic stance. Air breather garnishes have been strategically integrated to optimize airflow around the body.

A defining element is the refined winglet-type rear spoiler, intended to enhance the vehicle’s aesthetic while improving both drag and lift characteristics, ensuring stable downforce during high-speed driving.

A Magma-Exclusive Interior

Inside, the driver is greeted by a suite of bespoke features designed to create a deeper connection between the driver and the vehicle. The seats, steering wheel and interface are all designed to facilitate the dynamic driving that the GV60 Magma’s capabilities encourage.

Bucket seats are engineered to directly convey the vehicle's driving feel to the driver. These exclusive seats provide a seating posture optimized for dynamic driving and high-speed stability. The design balances firm support with a refined softness, featuring a dual-curvature cushion that enhances thigh support while lowering the center of gravity.

Suede-finished side bolsters offer exceptional grip during cornering, while carefully adjusted foam hardness ensures comfort on long drives. The seats include a 10-way power adjustment function with cushion extension, delivering a configuration that supports both everyday driving and spirited performance, satisfying both daily and sporting needs, unique for a high-performance vehicle.

The Magma steering wheel is designed to blend luxury with adrenaline. A smaller circular horn cover and Magma-colored switches create a focused, sporty feel. The circular rim is designed for natural movements during dynamic steering maneuvers, while the cross-section is optimized for solid, stable handling.

The steering wheel includes paddle shifters designed to minimize hand fatigue while giving the driver more control, enhancing the enjoyment of high-performance EV driving.

The entire infotainment experience has been reimagined with a Magma-exclusive Graphical User Interface (GUI) applied across the cluster, central screen and head-up display.

The Genesis Magma interface aims to enhance driver focus and responsiveness by delivering essential information concisely and intuitively, ensuring optimal engagement behind the wheel. This digital cluster capitalizes on the true black capabilities of its OLED display, contrasting it with Magma Orange to create a minimalist design inspired by the look of a watch face that enhances immersion.

In the specialized Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) mode, the display provides crucial performance data, including an indicator light for optimal gear shifting, a G-force meter, a performance timer and remaining boost timer. This digital interface delivers both the thrill of high performance and the refined elegance unique to Genesis.

Curated Performance: GT and Sprint Modes

Accessible via a dedicated button on the left side of the steering wheel, the two Magma-exclusive drive modes, GT (Grand Touring) and Sprint, allow the driver to instantly tailor the vehicle’s setup to desired driving characteristics.

GT Mode embodies the core Magma ethos of harmonizing comfort and performance. It calibrates the acceleration response for smooth, relaxed dynamics ideal for high-speed, long-distance cruising, yet powerful performance remains instantly accessible if the driver depresses the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor. The electronically controlled suspension adjusts to provide continued stability and a comfortable ride even at high speeds. all -wheel-drive control and front-rear power distribution are also optimized to enhance efficiency and driving range.

Sprint Mode adjusts all electronically controlled components — steering, suspension, motor and electronic-Limited Slip Differential (e-LSD) — to their most aggressive, sporty settings for an intensified driving experience. Also, traction is maximized by adjusting front-rear power distribution and e-LSD control. In this way, Sprint Mode realizes the best interpretation of Magma’s vision of uncompromising high performance.

Intelligent Integration for an Immersive Experience

A key distinction of the GV60 Magma’s drive modes is the ability to interpret driver intent and automatically integrate various performance functions.

For instance, in GT Mode, when the accelerator is fully depressed, an Auto Boost Function is activated, providing instantaneous access to peak acceleration without any additional input required.

Sprint Mode works in conjunction with Auto Boost and several additional hidden functions to further enhance the GV60 Magma’s performance. For instance, pressing both the brake and accelerator pedals simultaneously when not moving activates a Launch Control function. This switches the High-Performance Battery Control to Race Mode, actively regulating battery temperature to ensure optimal power output at all times. It also sets the Virtual Gear Shift function to its most dynamic setting to deliver sportier shift responses, sound and shifting logic to maximize the high-performance driving experience.

Virtual Gear Shift: A Tactile Connection

The GV60 Magma introduces a more sophisticated Virtual Gear Shift (VGS) function that recreates the feel of shifting gears in a high-performance internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. Using realistic sound, the system simulates the experience of a V6 engine paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

This function is highly adaptive, with shift patterns, feel and sound fine-tuned for each drive mode — from luxurious and smooth in Comfort to dynamic and thrilling in Sprint. To complete the simulation, an RPM Fuel Cut feature adds a layer of realism during manual shifting via the paddle shifters. This feature simulates a common mechanism in an ICE that disables fuel injection when the engine reaches a specific RPM limit.

e-Active Sound Design Plus

Complementing the VGS is the e-ASD+, an enhanced virtual sound technology. To deliver a richer auditory experience that aligns with the expectations for a high-performance vehicle, two additional exterior speakers have been installed.

Drivers can select from two exclusive soundscapes. The first is a powerful, futuristic EV sound inspired by the audio revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The second is a newly developed sound designed specifically for the VGS function, realistically replicating the powerful acoustics of a high-revving engine redlining at 9,000 RPM.

SEOUL, March 26, 2026 — Genesis today announced that it has been recognized with two prestigious iF Design Awards for 2026, honoring the marque’s dedication to creating refined, meaningful connections with its customers through both digital and physical experiences. The Genesis Magma User Interface (UI) and the Genesis Tea Experience were awarded in the User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) disciplines, respectively. 

Genesis Magma UI 

Genesis Magma UI, honored in the Product Interfaces category, is the graphical user interface for the high-performance GV60 Magma. Its design concept, inspired by the intricate beauty of a mechanical watch face, expresses the unique identity and refined luxury of the Magma high-performance program. 

It capitalizes on the true black capabilities of its OLED display, contrasting it with Magma Orange to create a minimalist design. The interface changes based on the driving mode to display crucial performance data such as a G-force meter and the remaining boost time of the car’s Boost Mode. It provides a dynamic and intuitive experience, seamlessly blending sophisticated aesthetics with rewarding, driver-focused functionality. 

Genesis Tea Experience 

The Genesis Tea Experience, a winner in the Retail/Banking UX category, is a quiet and immersive moment of mindfulness designed to build lasting relationships that go beyond the transactional. Rooted in Korean tea culture, where warmth and thoughtful hospitality are paramount, the experience engages the senses with intention. 

Every detail — from the aroma and flavor of the signature tea blends to the bespoke teaware inspired by traditional Korean motifs such as Hanbok ribbon ties, the fortune pouch (Bokjumeoni), folding screens (Byungpung) and the Bojagi fabric wrap — is intentionally crafted. Through subtle storytelling, each element guides guests into a state of calm. Instead of relying on spectacle, this refined, sensory approach transforms brand spaces and proves that stillness can leave the deepest impression. Its presence elevates hospitality and sets a new emotional standard in luxury automotive communication, inviting guests to reconnect and feel truly seen. 

Genesis has been recognized by the prestigious iF Design Awards for two distinct, yet equally important, aspects of its brand experience guided by its “Son-nim” value of hospitality, where every customer is treated as an honored guest. The dynamic Magma UI and the serene Genesis Tea Experience fully embody the design philosophy of “Athletic Elegance,” showcasing an audacious and progressive approach. This demonstrates that the Genesis journey transcends mere driving experience. 

The iF Design Award, hosted by iF International Forum Design GmbH, is one of the world’s most celebrated and valued design competitions. For 2026, the awards attracted over 10,000 submissions from 68 countries, which were evaluated by a panel of 129 expert jurors. 

Mastering Aerodynamics and Road Noise

Sounds such as wind and road noise become more noticeable against the inherently quiet nature of the electric powertrain. This effect is heightened in a performance vehicle, which operates at higher speeds and utilizes high-performance tires that naturally transmit more noise and vibrations from road surfaces. 

To counter this, engineers focused on two key areas: minimizing wind noise at speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour and reducing road noise transmitted through the high-performance tires and lightweight wheels. 

Genesis worked rigorously to clearly establish NVH performance standards for the GV60 Magma. Research engineers evaluated the GV60 Magma in extreme crosswind simulations and real-world testing on Germany's Nürburgring and Autobahn, pushing the car to its top speed of 264 kilometers per hour. 

The tests revealed that the most noticeable noise during high-speed EV driving is airflow around the vehicle. To combat this airflow noise, the engineering team reinforced the vehicle’s overall sealing structure, redesigning the cross-sectional design of the door seals and optimizing compression force distribution. 

In addition, the thickness of the driver’s side insulating glass film increased by 7%, and soundproof film was added to the rear door glass as standard, creating a multi-layered barrier against intrusive noise. Finally, the team added sound-absorbing materials inside the door trim to more effectively suppress any transmitted airflow noise. 

To address road noise, the engineering team conducted a detailed analysis of the vehicle structure and noise transmission paths to determine the optimal composition and placement of additional sound-absorbing materials. As a result, sound-absorbing pads were installed inside the tires and the sound-absorbing materials in the floor were reinforced. 

The team also integrated Active Noise Control-Road (ANC-R) technology for any sound that gets through these reinforced barriers. The ANC-R system uses accelerometers and microphones inside the vehicle to detect low-frequency road noise in real time, then generates an opposing sound wave through the vehicle's speakers to effectively cancel it out. 

Refining the Electric Powertrain 

Beyond the cabin, significant attention was paid to the GV60 Magma’s high-performance Power Electric system. To mitigate the high-frequency noises that can result from a motor and inverter with enhanced output, engineers optimized the torque ripple compensation logic, reducing the electrical excitation forces generated during motor operation without impacting efficiency. 

Furthermore, the inverter control logic was specifically designed to minimize voltage distortion, another potential source of high-frequency noise during high-load driving. Additionally, to reduce gear noise, the machining quality of the reducer gears was improved, and the press-fit force was meticulously tuned to ensure uniform, quiet meshing. 

The result of all these improvements is that the GV60 Magma maintains a tranquil, refined cabin environment even during high-speed driving, a new type of driving sensation even for experienced drivers. 

Predictive Handling Through Advanced Torque Vectoring

At the core of the GV60 Magma's dynamic character is a state-of-the-art torque vectoring system. The primary objective is to ensure the vehicle’s movements remain predictable and intuitively controllable, even under extreme driving conditions. This is achieved through the seamless integration of the dual electric motors, an electronic Limited-Slip Differential (e-LSD) and the braking system.

The system actively distributes drive power between the front and rear motors to naturally mitigate understeer and oversteer, promoting fluid, continuous cornering behavior during both normal and extreme driving conditions. The rear-mounted e-LSD optimizes the tire grip of the inner and outer wheels as loads shift during cornering, delivering a precise balance of stability and agility. This is further enhanced by brake-based torque vectoring that directly aligns with the driver’s steering inputs even during sharp cornering.

The entire system, which includes the front and rear drive motors, e-LSD and brakes, is configured with refined settings for each electronic stability control (ESC) mode. “Genesis refined the system via rigorous winter testing in Sweden and New Zealand to ensure stable yet playful motion control, even on low-grip surfaces like snow,” explained Gwichul Kim, Senior Research Engineer of the Genesis Chassis Test Team.

The GV60 Magma also introduces a new Drift Mode. Genesis engineered this feature to make the thrilling dynamics of drifting accessible and controllable in an all-wheel-drive electric vehicle. By employing drift-specific torque vectoring logic and a unique acceleration map, the system induces natural, sustained oversteer, allowing the driver to more easily maintain the vehicle’s attitude during a drift.

Uncompromising Braking Performance

The GV60 Magma is equipped with a braking system equal to the demands of its high-output electric powertrain and optimized regenerative braking control. Large 400-millimeter disc brakes, monoblock calipers and high-performance Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) control work in concert to produce enough stopping power to, in just 33.8 meters, bring the vehicle to a full stop from 100 kilometers per hour.

The system maximizes the use of regenerative braking from both front and rear wheels, even during intense braking or ABS activation. This effectively combats brake fade, a phenomenon that occurs during intense driving of a temporary reduction in braking power due to too much heat in the braking system. Furthermore, a regenerative braking slip control function ensures that stability remains uncompromised if wheels slip.

Drivers can also select their preferred braking feel, as different parameters correspond to the different drive modes of the GV60 Magma. Comfort Mode provides a smooth, linear response with an initial free stroke area for everyday driving. Sport Mode eliminates the free stroke area and increases hydraulic control for immediate, powerful responsiveness suited for the track. Braking power is also increased by approximately 15 percent at high speeds in Sport Mode, delivering an enhanced level of confidence and control.

“To achieve this unique feel when driving a GV60 Magma, the ride and handling was refined with four key concepts in mind,” said Kangwook Jeon, Senior Research Engineer of the Genesis Ride and Handling Test Team. The first concept is the idea that the GV60 Magma should be easy to control, meaning it is tailored for intuitive handling. The second, yet equally important, concept is that the car should be fast and stable, engineered for agile cornering and smooth body movement. The third is that the car should be precise in handling, designed to manage movement dynamics with fine accuracy. Fourth is selectable sportiness, allowing drivers to adapt the driving characteristics of the car to their specific preferences for a personalized experience.

Building the Foundation: A Reimagined Suspension System

These concepts have been brought to life through a completely reimagined next-gen suspension geometry. Genesis engineers redesigned the parts of the car directly linked to the wheels — the lower arms, hub carriers and link structures — to amplify precision and agility, culminating in enhanced cornering performance.

The next-generation suspension adjustments extend to the roll center, the virtual axis around which the vehicle tilts. The GV60 Magma’s roll center has been significantly lowered compared to the current GV60 — reducing the front roll center from 122.3 to 41.6 millimeters and the rear from 169.6 to 80.1 millimeters. This change maximizes tire grip during high-performance driving. Additionally, the caster trail was increased by 16 millimeters and arm length by 2 millimeters, enhancing both steering and straight-line stability. These optimizations improve the vertical tire load by 10% and cornering force by over 18%.

The driving performance of the GV60 Magma is also augmented by new damper specifications. Genesis engineers have introduced stroke-sensing Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) technology, which responds in real time to road conditions to adjust damping force. This system minimizes noise and impact, even on uneven surfaces like potholes, ensuring a tranquil drive while maintaining vehicle stability.

Additional enhancements include the End-of-Travel (EoT) system, which detects roll angles and instantly adjusts damping, refining cornering precision and stability. The front axle incorporates Hydro G-bushings for sharper steering responsiveness. Dual-layer member bushings in the rear enable separate control of vertical and longitudinal vibrations. Together these components create a harmonious balance between high-limit road performance and cabin quietness.

Finally, any road impacts that get through these complex systems are further mitigated by the vehicle’s high-strength components and urethane insulators, completing Genesis’ signature driving refinement.

Sophisticated Design Meets Practical Performance

Genesis also modified several components of its wheel design for the GV60 Magma. Ultra-wide 275-millimeter tires, paired with lightweight forged wheels, further enhance grip and responsiveness. To match the vehicle's new geometry, the hub carrier design was revised, widening the wheel track by 5 millimeters per wheel, 10 millimeters total. New fifth-generation P-ZERO tires were chosen, as they offer improved structure, comfort, cornering force and better performance across wet and snowy conditions.

These GV60 Magma's chassis component refinements benefit further from meticulous adjustments to spring stiffness, shock absorber length and stabilizer bar specifications, tuning the entire system to ensure a driving experience that feels both controlled and effortless.

Body Rigidity: Elevating Stability

Genesis engineers reinforced the GV60 Magma's body for heightened stability at ultra-high speeds. With an additional 0.65 meters of structural adhesive and 20 extra welding points, the body absorbs shock and vibrations more effectively. L-brackets integrated within the wheel housings improve torsional rigidity by 9.7%, sharpening steering responsiveness and driving stability.

Every element of the GV60 Magma is designed to deliver a dynamic driving experience without compromising refinement. With its ride and handling technology, enhanced geometry, and advanced suspension systems, the GV60 Magma stands as a flagship model in Genesis' EV lineup. These technical details combine to create a thrilling high-performance drive.

“In a very short period of time, our engineers achieved something truly remarkable,” said Manfred Harrer, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D Division. “They created a car that is not only fast, but truly Genesis; a car that inspires confidence and provides a true emotional connection.” 
 

Extensive enhancements to the powertrain, including upgraded electric motors and refined rotor speed development, enable the GV60 Magma to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 3.4 seconds and from 0 to 200 kilometers per hour in just 10.9 seconds — offering the most powerful performance within the Genesis lineup. Its front and rear motors generate a maximum speed of 20,920 rotations per minute delivering 790 Newton-meters of torque, a peak output of 650 PS (641 horsepower) and a top speed of 264 kilometers per hour, making it the fastest EV Genesis has ever made.

This remarkable performance isn't just about hardware; Genesis has also introduced advanced software refinements. The GV60 Magma employs next-generation two-stage motor control, overcoming the high-speed power limitations typically found in conventional EVs. Boost Mode gives the driver up to 15 seconds of maximum output, unleashing even more torque and power even at high speeds.

Luxury and Driving Dynamics in Perfect Harmony

The GV60 Magma also offers precision-tuned driving dynamics tailored for any situation. The vehicle features five distinct drive modes: Range, Comfort, Sport and the Magma-exclusive Sprint and GT modes.

• Range Mode prioritizes efficiency and maximizes driving range with seamless responsiveness.

• Comfort Mode strikes a balance between performance and fuel economy for everyday use.

• Sport Mode quickens responsiveness, offering a spirited driving experience for routine journeys.

• Sprint Mode unleashes aggressive torque and accelerator sensitivity ideal for track settings.

• GT Mode delivers the performance of a luxury grand tourer, blending effortless cruising with commanding acceleration when needed.

Innovative Pedal Response for Enhanced Control

A key element in delivering this dynamic range is the specially configured accelerator pedal. “The pedal resistance was increased across all ranges to enhance control over acceleration,” said Taejun Kang, Senior Research Engineer of the Genesis EV Performance Test Team. Resistance has been adjusted to elevate control and reduce fatigue, offering lower resistance in light pedal applications for daily driving and greater resistance for high-depression inputs during sporty maneuvers. This ensures a smooth and intuitive connection between the driver and the vehicle's subtle power.

FRANKFURT, Germany, March 3, 2026 — Genesis has today announced the European debut of the X Gran Equator Concept as part of the Car Design Event at Motorworld Munich – an annual event that invites international manufacturers and designers to present exciting vehicle concepts and design studies to media from across the globe. The X Gran Equator Concept exemplifies Genesis’ efforts to redefine luxury high performance by combining on-road sophistication with off-road resilience. 

The concept car was recently awarded the prestigious Red Dot Design Award – an international seal of quality for design excellence – receiving a distinction in the Design Concept category alongside the X Gran Coupe and X Gran Convertible concepts. 

"The X Gran Equator Concept is an exercise in harmonizing contrasts – it combines elegance and ruggedness and the spirit of exploration with refined comfort," said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis. “It represents the orchestration of true off-road competence and uncompromising luxury, designed to enable the discovery of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.” 

As the brand's first adventure concept, X Gran Equator reimagines Genesis' Athletic Elegance design philosophy while embracing the rugged spirit of overlanding. Inspired by reductive design principles, the exterior is characterized by clean lines and calm, expertly curated surfaces. 

The long bonnet, slim cabin and strikingly designed C-pillar give the vehicle a powerful, distinctive silhouette that goes beyond classic SUV styling. Pronounced wheel arches and 24-inch wheels emphasize its off-road capabilities and underline its confident stance on or off the road. 

Inside, the X Gran Equator Concept balances contrasts between analogue architecture and digital technologies, crafting a space that feels both functional and evocative. At the center of the cabin is a four-circle display cluster on the center stack, inspired by the dials of vintage cameras. The interior design features contrasting colors and shapes, with a preference for geometric over organic elements. The dashboard's linear, minimalist architecture focuses the driver's attention on the journey ahead, while swiveling front seats and modular storage solutions enhance practicality. 

With the European debut of the X Gran Equator Concept in Munich, Genesis reaffirms its commitment to the region as the brand embarks on its next stage of expansion with the launch of four new markets in 2026: Italy, France, the Netherlands and Spain. 

LE CASTELLET, France, Feb. 23, 2026 — Genesis Magma Racing will work with HEXIS for the production and application of self-adhesive film to create the team’s livery on the GMR-001 Hypercars for the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season. The French company will become a Technical Partner for the team.

Hexis Quality Products Play Vital Role for Team’s Identity

Livery is a critical part of the identity of any race team, and even more so for a team introducing a new manufacturer to the world of motorsport, which is Genesis Magma Racing’s exciting role in 2026.

To have maximum effect, especially in the face of the unique demands of endurance racing, the material applied to the car needs to be durable while not compromising the aerodynamics and efficiency of the race car. To match this complex set of demands, HEXIS’ solutions are developed to perform under intense mechanical stress, high-speed airflow, extreme temperature variations and demanding race-weekend logistics.

Genesis Magma Racing Chief Engineer Justin Taylor said: “The FIA World Endurance Championship is very demanding on every detail of the car, inside and out. The film on the car needs to be extremely light but very strong to resist the force of the air at high speed and impacts of stones and other small debris so the GMR-001 Hypercar looks its best throughout each race weekend.”

Genesis Magma Racing’s partnership with HEXIS gives the team the benefit of the company’s more than 35 years of experience, innovation and expertise in motorsport, honed through work with teams at every level of racing, from national series up to World Championships. That innovative expertise has come to the fore in HEXIS’ work with Genesis to develop a custom film that will be used on the GMR-001 Hypercar specifically for the team.

Shared DNA Joins Partners Together to Meet Challenge

Entering the FIA WEC as a brand-new manufacturer in motorsport is an enormous challenge for Genesis Magma Racing but one that the team is determined to work hard to overcome to earn the right to compete for podiums and victories. The same DNA runs through HEXIS, prompting the company to continually push itself through partnerships with leading motorsport teams.

“We search for performance together. We solve challenges together. We aim to win together,” said Clément Mateu, CEO of the HEXIS Group. “The world of motorsport remains a fantastic laboratory for testing and developing new technologies. HEXIS Group is fully committed to working alongside some racing teams and pro race drivers in this race for innovation and technological challenges.”

LE CASTELLET, France, Feb. 20, 2026 — Genesis Magma Racing has partnered with award-winning outdoor furniture brand Helinox for the upcoming FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season, bringing practical, design-led solutions to the circuit for the 2026 campaign. The partnership with Helinox brings together two major South Korean brands with a shared commitment to high standards and beautiful design.

Partnership Provides Solution to Important Issue

Throughout its debut season in the FIA WEC, Genesis Magma Racing will be supplied with chairs and cots designed with the team’s signature Magma orange and Hangeul-inspired logo.

The Helinox products will solve one of the most obvious problems of endurance racing – making sure the team and drivers can rest between the intense moments of competition. To succeed at the highest levels of motorsport, everyone needs to be at their best. “A comfortable work environment is essential to have every person working to their full potential,” said Genesis Magma Racing Team Manager Anouck Abadie. “Having chairs and cots for the team might seem like a small thing, but at events where teams can work into and through the night, making sure people can rest and sleep is very important to minimize mistakes and keep everyone focused on our shared goal of winning.”

Helinox products in the team’s pit garages and private areas will allow team members to rest and recharge in comfort but still provide the flexibility to be easily moved, packed and stored during and between race weekends of the global series.

As a result of the partnership, the public will also be able to purchase Genesis Magma Racing-branded Helinox products, giving fans of the WEC’s newest Hypercar team the chance to show their support in the trackside spectator and camping areas of the 2026 season.

Helinox and Genesis Combine Function and Aesthetics

Helinox prides themselves on building the world’s lightest, strongest and most comfortable outdoor furniture designed to make any space – whether mountain trails, snowy slopes or the surroundings of the World Endurance Championship paddock – feel like home.

However, just as the mythological figures of Helios and Nox, who inspired the company’s name, represented the complementary contrasts of day and night, Helinox holds a balance between two seemingly contradictory qualities. The company aims for the space between function and aesthetics, becoming a hub of culture and creativity. In this pursuit the brand frequently partners with creative leaders, including names from fashion and contemporary art.

Genesis also seeks to blend function and form, including in the design of the GMR-001 Hypercar that will make them the first Korean manufacturer to enter the FIA WEC. The car combines key traits of Genesis’s road car range – including the instantly recognizable Two-Line headlamp design – with the requirements of a machine intended to take on one of motorsport’s toughest challenges.

“We are proud to partner with Genesis Magma Racing for the FIA World Endurance Championship,” Helinox’s Marketing, Innovation and Design team stated. “What connects our brands is a shared belief in purposeful, performance-driven design. At Helinox, we create lightweight, high-strength solutions that balance action and recovery because performance is sustained not only through intensity, but through rest. In endurance racing, where focus must be maintained over long hours and through the night, that balance becomes essential.”

LIWA OASIS, United Arab Emirates, Jan. 27, 2026 — Genesis today unveiled its new X Skorpio Concept, an off-road concept vehicle designed to perform across demanding terrain including deserts, in the Rub’ al Khali “Empty Quarter” desert in the United Arab Emirates. The X Skorpio Concept, inspired by a black scorpion, is Genesis’ first extreme off-road vehicle, purpose-built to conquer harsh terrain with cutting-edge performance and luxurious design, driven by a spirit of fearless exploration.

Genesis also announced its new concept car strategy at the world premiere and showcased the X Skorpio Concept’s groundbreaking performance in real-world conditions alongside other concept models optimized for rugged environments, including the GV60 Outdoors Concept, GV70 Outdoors Concept and GV80 Desert Edition.

A Bold Symbol of Genesis' Limitless Potential

The X Skorpio Concept is an extreme off-road recreational vehicle that celebrates the depth and emotional range of the Genesis brand. Its name, Skorpio, draws powerful inspiration from a black scorpion, known for its resilience and ability to thrive in harsh environments. This ambitious creation represents Genesis’ vision to blend daring innovation with luxury, marking the next chapter for Genesis as it connects with the active lifestyle of off-road enthusiasts.

Developing the X Skorpio Concept was a complex and meticulous process, requiring a team of skilled experts with a deep understanding of off-road vehicle design. Every element — from engineering to craftsmanship — was thoughtfully considered to deliver unparalleled capabilities while maintaining the hallmark elegance Genesis is known for.

“The X Skorpio concept is an extreme off-road vehicle designed to be driven across the toughest and harshest terrain,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis. “With a tubular frame, a full roll cage and many components sourced directly from off-road endurance racing specialists, the X Skorpio Concept explores yet another facet of the Genesis brand and highlights our intent to inject emotion and adrenaline into different segments.”

Inspired by a Black Scorpion

The uncompromising exterior design of the X Skorpio Concept is built to overcome all potential obstacles in its path. The iconic arching tail of a scorpion inspired the vehicle’s tension-filled curves, which flow seamlessly across its sculpted body. The segmented armor-like panels not only evoke the protective nature of a scorpion’s exoskeleton but also enhance practicality, allowing for quick and efficient repairs in extreme environments. The sleek and functional roof air intake completes the sense of power and resilience. The design embodies readiness, with its poised and balanced stance — a visual metaphor for a scorpion’s defensive posture, its tail raised in tension. Genesis’ signature Two-Line design is expertly integrated into the front and rear lamps, offering fully functional lighting, emphasizing harmony and symmetry while creating a striking focal point that symbolizes strength and confidence.

Luxury Meets Off-Road Functionality

Stepping inside the X Skorpio Concept reveals an interior that redefines luxury in the off-road segment, far surpassing the stripped-down utilitarianism of traditional Trophy Trucks. Genesis designed the cabin with a singular focus: ensuring driver performance and passenger comfort during the physically demanding challenges of off-road adventures.

Driver comfort and safety was central in its design. Off-roading is an intense sport requiring constant alertness and physical endurance. To meet this demand, Genesis incorporated ergonomic seating, intuitive controls and climate control systems to enhance performance and reduce driver fatigue.

The instrument cluster is incorporated into the steering wheel so drivers can conveniently view it without losing sight of the landscape ahead. The interior is also equipped with a sliding display, which reconfigures between solo-rider and co-piloted modes — a centered position for the driver or sliding to the passenger for copilot navigation. Safety grab handles are prominent touchpoints, ensuring stability during rough movements, while unlimited display adjustability keeps drivers and co-pilots focused on navigating the terrain. Advanced communication systems complete the setup, ensuring seamless coordination even in the most remote environments.

Embodying a Scorpion’s Bold Character

The color palette and materials of the X Skorpio Concept were carefully chosen to capture the bold and daring essence of a black scorpion. The exterior features a deep black base infused with a vibrant blue tint, creating a striking visual effect that comes alive under sunlight, mimicking a scorpion’s natural hues while ensuring an unforgettable presence in any setting.

The interior materials reflect a scorpion’s serious and aggressive nature. Luxurious suede with intricate gradient patterns — crafted using state-of-the-art laser cutting techniques — is paired with leather that features unique stitching inspired by the segmented legs of a scorpion. To further enhance depth and movement, Genesis combined matte and glossy finishes and painted interior trim pieces to match the exterior, creating a harmonious interplay of texture and color that embodies a scorpion’s duality of strength and agility.

Built for Extreme Conditions

Equipped with a high-performance V8 engine delivering 1,115 PS (1,100 horsepower) and 117.6 kilogram-force meters (850 pound-feet of torque), the X Skorpio Concept sets new benchmarks for off-road driving. The vehicle is equipped with 18-inch beadlock wheels paired with custom 40-inch off-road tires, providing superior grip and durability for rugged terrain. It is also outfitted with Brembo Motorsport Brakes, providing enhanced stopping power and optimal responsiveness, ensuring the driver retains full control.

With generous approach and departure angles, a short wheelbase and a high break-over angle, the X Skorpio Concept sits on a finely tuned suspension with extreme ground clearance, allowing it to traverse the roughest terrains without compromising the vehicle’s integrity. High-clearance fenders, durable skid plates and precision-engineered components work together to prevent the vehicle from getting stuck or damaged.

The X Skorpio concept is tailored to the automotive culture and lifestyle of the Middle East, where off-road racing and recreational driving — often at high speeds while navigating airborne jumps — are a favorite pastime. In these vast desert environments, the vehicle reveals its full capability, riding up the dunes and surfing on sand with remarkable confidence and control. The X Skorpio Concept’s aerodynamically optimized design minimizes drag while maximizing stability, keeping the vehicle steady both on the ground and during moments of elevation. This innovative approach balances performance and control, ensuring safe landings and reliable handling.

Safety is a cornerstone of the X Skorpio Concept’s design. Genesis incorporated critical safety features such as an integrated roll cage, a four-point harness system and reinforced structural components to ensure maximum protection for drivers and passengers.

Additionally, the vehicle is constructed using an innovative combination of fiberglass, carbon fiber and Kevlar, achieving a perfect balance of durability and reduced weight.

A Glimpse into Genesis’ Next Decade

In addition to unveiling the X Skorpio Concept, Genesis announced a comprehensive concept car strategy, highlighting its commitment to innovation and customer engagement. The current concept car lineup includes iconic models like the X Gran Coupe, X Gran Convertible G90 Wingback and the adventurous X Gran Equator Concept.

Since the launch of the marque’s first concept vehicle in 2016, the New York Concept, Genesis has introduced several concept vehicles, using them as platforms for experimentation and inspiration. These models reflect Genesis’ integration of its design philosophy, “Athletic Elegance,” through three emotional facets:

• Luxury: Rewarding experiences exemplified by Korean refinement through intricate craftsmanship, understated beauty and meticulous attention to detail.

• Sport: Represents quiet confidence equipped with ample power for those who enjoy challenges while balancing speed and composure.

• Cool: Embodying adventurous and lifestyle-driven designs driven by individual taste and self-expression.

Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke said, “We create concept cars to inspire and ignite authentic passion for our vision. They are designed to deepen the emotional connection with our customers by showcasing the ultimate desirability they’ve always dreamt of. At Genesis, we craft cars that drive emotional expansion, showcasing not only our design philosophy but also the future technologies that personalize and elevate lifestyles.”

“By aligning our designs with these qualities, Genesis aims to foster emotional connections with customers, generate valuable feedback and solidify our position as an industry leader in luxury automotive innovation. Each concept is a signal of what’s possible, a glimpse into the DNA of Genesis’ future."

Genesis’ innovative concept car launches, including the X Skorpio Concept, reflect the brand's deep understanding of evolving customer lifestyles. By crafting bold designs enriched with cultural and emotional underpinnings, Genesis is paving the way for a future of limitless possibilities in the luxury automotive space.

The strategic debut of the X Skorpio Concept in the UAE, the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, enables Genesis to not only reach a diverse audience of enthusiast-driven customers, but also taps into the UAE’s rapidly growing market for luxury cars. The demand for the latest models and technological advancements in the Middle East continues to grow, making it a vital market for Genesis to establish a strong brand presence and connect with its expanding customer base.

The X Skorpio Concept cements Genesis’ position at the forefront of extreme off-road luxury vehicles, offering an unparalleled combination of performance, innovation and elegant design.

Genesis recently unveiled its first high-performance car that embodies this spirit, the GV60 Magma — inspired by the hidden potential energy of magma bubbling unseen beneath the earth’s surface. Sharing this DNA trackside is the GMR-001 Hypercar that will be piloted by the Genesis Magma Racing (GMR) team when Genesis makes its official motorsport debut at the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in Qatar this March.

Both the GV60 Magma and GMR-001 will be making a joint appearance at Davos, Switzerland, during the annual World Economic Forum from Jan. 19 to 23. The display will take center stage at the entrance of the Ameron Hotel.

The exhibition follows the Genesis Magma World Premiere in November 2025 and celebrates the start of sales of the GV60 Magma in Korea, which began on Jan. 13. By showcasing both the production model and the Hypercar together, Genesis reinforces the inseparable relationship between its luxury road cars and its elite racing program.

The Genesis Trajectory: Luxury Meets High Performance

Since its inception, Genesis has cultivated a reputation for luxury and innovation. At the 10-year anniversary of the brand in November 2025, Genesis unveiled the GV60 Magma, a car engineered to reflect Genesis’ strategy of luxury high performance.

At the Genesis Magma World Premiere on Nov. 20, 2025, José Muñoz, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said, “Magma represents our declaration that the next ten years will be even more significant. We're not just building high-performance vehicles; we're redefining what a luxury high performance brand can be when Korean innovation meets global ambition."

This trajectory is about more than just endurance and performance — it’s about legacy.

Shared DNA On and Off the Track

Motorsport serves as the ultimate proving ground for advancing automotive innovation in mass-production vehicles. The extreme conditions encountered during high-speed racing — such as advanced aerodynamics, demanding cooling requirements and the sheer durability needed to endure grueling 24-hour competitions — create the perfect environment for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in vehicle technology.

Through Genesis Magma Racing’s entry into motorsport and subjecting vehicles like the GMR-001 to the rigorous testing needed to succeed in racing, Genesis can uncover new ways to elevate performance, resulting in meaningful, long-term advancements across its entire product lineup.

These track-bred innovations are seamlessly integrated into the Magma DNA, establishing a strategic pathway for enhancing performance, driving technological breakthroughs and setting new benchmarks for luxury vehicles.

Manfred Harrer, Head of the Vehicle Development Tech Unit at Hyundai Motor Group, explained this at the Magma World Premiere: "The GV60 Magma stands as the bridge between Genesis and our Genesis Magma Racing team. What we learn from GMR feeds back into Magma Road cars, and future Magma models will help power our racing future. It’s a continuous loop of improvement."

From aerodynamics to handling precision, everything learned through racing refines the vehicles that customers bring home.

To illustrate the Magma DNA shared on and off the track, Genesis has produced a short film titled “Le Switch” featuring GMR drivers Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani. It depicts the seamless relationship between the GV60 Magma production car and the GMR-001 Hypercar.

The video begins with Derani driving a GV60 Magma through the scenic coastal roads of the French countryside. Meanwhile, Lotterer finishes a test drive of the GMR-001 Hypercar overseen by GMR Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France — the home base of the GMR team. Derani arrives at the circuit and parks in one of the pit lane garages at the same time Lotterer pulls over in the pits after completing his laps. Both men exit their vehicles, and the pit crew begins preparing the GMR-001 for Derani’s stint. Lotterer spots the GV60 Magma and grabs the key fob. As Derani steps up to the Hypercar to take over racing test duties, he notices the GV60 Magma is already gone. Lotterer is already enjoying the drive to a villa for much-needed rest and relaxation. Le Switch is seamless.

The GV60 Magma introduces a new expression of the Magma identity, bringing a more defined performance character to the Genesis lineup while maintaining the brand’s commitment to luxury, refinement and progressive design. As the first production model in the Magma program, it reflects Genesis’ approach to high performance across both road and race.

Genesis Magma Racing drivers Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani will lead the brand’s Hypercar effort in the 2026 WEC season. As key figures within the program, they represent the performance expertise and competitive mindset that connect the GV60 Magma with the GMR-001 Hypercar, reinforcing the shared intent behind both production innovation and top-level endurance racing.

Together, the GV60 Magma and the GMR-001 Hypercar signal the future direction of the Magma program as Genesis expands its presence across performance, design and global motorsport.

As José Muñoz, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said, "What we learn on the track will continue to shape not just Magma, but the future of our brand as a whole."

LE CASTELLET, France, Dec. 19, 2025 — In the year since Genesis Magma Racing was launched in Dubai in December 2024, the team has been incredibly busy. Over the last twelve months an entirely new team has been created, with staff and drivers recruited from across the motorsport spectrum. The team took its first racing steps as part of the Trajectory Program with the European Le Mans Series, while building and developing the GMR-001 Hypercar it will take into next year’s FIA World Endurance Championship. Reflecting on all the work that has been done, but also that which remains, Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul looks back on 2025. 

Can you sum up how 2025 has been for Genesis Magma Racing? 

“It's been a positive, busy and constructive year, in which we have not only delivered a great looking sports car but also built a racing team and established a team base that will be crucial in preparing ourselves over the winter. So, in all these areas, it's been busy, it's been productive, but also very rewarding to orchestrate so much change in just one year.” 

What has been the most difficult part about building a team from scratch? 

“Building up a group of people is tricky, especially as we were creating a brand-new team in a new location. We had to find the people we wanted to bring in, but most of them were busy doing something else, so we had to give them the prospect of not just what we are now, but what we can become together by explaining what the project is about and getting them to believe in the project.” 

“The other big challenge was clearly on the powertrain side. We had very limited time to design the specific parts needed to adapt our WRC engine to the specific requirements of endurance racing to create the Genesis G8MR 3.2l Turbo V8. It was clearly a race against the clock. Everything happened very quickly, but we've been able to comply exactly with the schedule we set, from the very first crankshaft revolutions in the dyno in February, to, last week, hitting the 8,000-kilometer target that we had set ourselves.” 

How essential do you think the Trajectory Program and our partnership with IDEC Sport have been in preparing the Genesis Magma Racing team? 

“It was a good tool for us to get to know endurance racing and for endurance racing to get to know us. The ELMS season was also a great opportunity to assess drivers, and that certainly influenced our decisions about our lineup next year. It was also an opportunity for some team members to build a transition from rally into circuit racing.” 

“On track it was very positive. Usually, I'm a big fan of setting targets, but coming to ELMS, actually we had few sporting targets. Then, when success started to come, for sure, it was a great feeling and it began to draw more attention externally and internally, which was precisely the objective. I remember already after race one in Barcelona when we had the first win, I received lots of messages, almost surprised at what we could already achieve. With IDEC Sport, we clearly did well with three wins out of six races, but you still always want a bit more, so we were all a little frustrated of the final championship outcome, but again, it was never the main target for this season.” 

Can you summarize the on-track development we have done with the car? 

“From shakedown onwards, it was a succession of tests with clear plans and targets, and an action plan between each session. It's been busy, but it's been very structured. Our approach was ambitious and pragmatic at the same time – focused on problem resolution and we've done exactly that. What's been great is the number of things that were right straight out of the box. The chassis in particular. The behavior of the car and the reaction to setup change were immediately very good. ORECA gave us a very sound platform from which to build reliability and performance. There has been a good level of cooperation between us and ORECA, from the first test where Genesis Magma Racing staff were clearly outnumbered by ORECA but then came a tipping point as our team was growing. The transfer of responsibility took place very professionally, another demonstration of the very strong planning and execution this year by the team management, Chief Engineer Justin Taylor and Team Manager Anouck Abadie in particular.” 

What was the high point of the year, or a crucial point in the development of the car? 

“There were a few points, I think. First, in the test at Circuit Paul Ricard in summer, when the first feedback from André and Pipo about the general behavior of the car was positive. That was certainly good – there is nothing worse than having to fight for the balance of the car, but the development is far from being linear. We've been making some steps forward, but it's a very, very long process and we know that we are still very far from being able to extract all the lap time that is possible from the package.” 

How important of a milestone is the engine passing 8,000 kilometers during the Barcelona test? 

“It's a big milestone because it shows that it's possible, that there is nothing fundamentally wrong in the engine and in our development decisions. It's a clear demonstration of the capacity of our powertrain group to deal with very short timelines, but also some challenging early days and issues for which measures were developed successfully, and in time.” 
“It's obviously a motivation, because we know we have a product that has the capacity to reach the level we need. Quality control will be essential to make sure that it's not just a one off, but something that we can fully reproduce, and that powertrain technology becomes one of the recognized strengths of Genesis Magma Racing.” 

How does what the team has achieved compare to the goals that were set at the start of the year? 

“If I look at what we had to deliver, I think we delivered extremely well, but it will always be relative to where the bar is placed by our competitors, and we will only be able to find that out next year. In the GMR-001 Hypercar we have a car that has clearly strong potential. The team is maybe new but filled with individuals with huge amounts of experience in various categories. And finally, our lineup of drivers is a very strong balance of three champions – André Lotterer, Pipo Derani and Mathieu Jaminet, an exciting rising star in Mathys, and very established professional drivers with Paul-Loup and Dani. We have exactly what we need – now it's up to us to make the best out of it.” 

What are the next steps for the team and the car development in the first part of 2026? 

“There will be more test days before the first race. It's about trying to do as much as we can before the car goes through homologation, because then any changes will be more limited. That's why the start of the year will be extra busy. We need to have many more iterations on the software side, so that will be very much the focus, as well as working on all the procedures that will be critical when the season starts.” 

“Our target for the start of the year is for us to have both a car and team – including the drivers – that are reliable, making no mistake, focus on completing the race. If we can do that, then it will be about building competitiveness. Once again, it is all about planning for building the very solid foundations we will need in the years to come.”

Showing that Genesis has accomplished in a short ten years what has taken legacy brands decades, the G90 Wingback Concept’s striking presence represents the diverse forms Magma can take.

Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke personally drove the G90 Wingback Concept for its reveal, highlighting the brand’s commitment to its luxury high-performance vision. Its design characteristics visually mark it as a Magma product, while the variations on familiar lines from the production G90 model hint at the customization that Genesis offers to its customers. As Donckerwolke put it, the G90 Wingback Concept is a “bridge between Magma and the One of One bespoke program.”

The Concept

Built on an unmodified G90 platform with its 3.2-meter wheelbase and 5.1-meter length, the Wingback Concept draws out new potential within a familiar platform. Signature Genesis design cues like the Crest Grille, Parabolic Line and the distinctive Two-Line headlamps are intensified, giving the concept an aggressive stance while maintaining an aristocratic demeanor.

“At the moment there is, let’s say, a multiplication of SUVs. And this fast growth will create a saturation,” said Donckerwolke. He continued, “This is when other typologies of cars are going to become attractive again. This is why I strongly believe in not having a typology monoculture.”

The G90 Wingback Concept features a dynamic front fascia adorned with the signature Crest Grille and a more sculpted front bumper bearing the Magma insignia, with large lower air intakes flanked by canards on both sides. Flared wheel arches give it a wider stance, housing custom 22-inch wheels fitted with low profile tires.

In profile, the G90 Wingback Concept carries the parabolic line and the long wheelbase of the G90, with the roofline stretched delicately to achieve a sleek grand tourer wagon silhouette. The rear end replaces the sedan’s trunk with a tailgate housing a sharply raked rear window framed by two spoilers, further accentuated by the performance-inspired rear diffuser structure.

Finished in a stunning yet understated deep green color, the G90 Wingback Concept shows that Magma’s identity goes deeper than its signature vibrant Magma Orange. “Magma is much more than a color,” said Donckerwolke. It’s about showing what is possible when Korean innovation meets global ambition. It represents a distinct Korean vision of care, respect and balance. “Magma does not shout; it invites,” Donckerwolke explained. “Where most chase aggression and extremes, we seek balance. Magma is designed to be rewarding, not challenging; to complement the driver, not to intimidate them.”

Inside the luxurious cabin, the concept’s Magma DNA is present in the subtle yet striking green-colored Magma stitching and details in the lush, quilted Chamude (a suede-like material) seats and door trim, as well as complimenting touches on the steering wheel, dash and console. The sporty seats also feature an embroidered Magma logo, a reminder of the car’s luxury high-performance identity and the hidden power waiting to be unleashed — just like magma bubbling beneath the earth’s surface. 

The G90 Wingback Concept highlights that Genesis intends to extend the Magma program to include a spectrum of typologies across its current and future lineup, ranging from sports cars to coupes and convertibles. All of them are, as Donckerwolke described, “the materialization of the iron fist in a velvet glove” — the duality of power and control wrapped in an elegant package. 

The G90 Wingback Concept is more than a showpiece. It is the embodiment of a decade’s worth of innovation, accelerating into the next chapter of Genesis’ journey. It expands the future vision of Magma, expressing emotionally resonant luxury through a bold new typology.

View more images of the G90 Wingback Concept in the gallery below:

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LE CASTELLET, France, Dec. 5, 2025 — Genesis Magma Racing Sporting Director Gabriele Tarquini has been heavily involved in the team’s decision-making surrounding drivers for the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC). Following the recent completion of the driving roster and confirmation of the lineups for the pair of GMR-001 Hypercars that will take to the grid, the former Touring Car star provides insight into his role within the team and the motivations behind recruiting drivers and dividing them between the two entries.

What are the main responsibilities of a Sporting Director during the testing and development of the car, and when we are racing in 2026?

“During testing, the Sporting Director, alongside the Chief Engineer and Team Manager, organizes all the on-track activity, including the run plans and driver rotations, to make sure we efficiently use the track time we have. I confirm each driver’s program and schedule, ensuring a clear relationship between the team and drivers. Working with Team Manager and engineers I am also responsible for helping to refine pitstop procedures, driver change routines and safety checks, acting as the link between management and our drivers.”

“Once Genesis Magma Racing starts to compete, I will oversee all sporting sessions of a race weekend, working on the race strategy with the rest of the team, but also coordinating the drivers’ schedules for the different commitments they will have at the track. The Sporting Director is also the team representative in the official briefings and in clarifying any regulations. For any incident I will be the one managing any investigations and penalties — maintaining communication with Race Control and the stewards and supporting with footage and data — and filing or responding to any protests when required.”

What skills and experience can you transfer from your driving and Team Manager role in Touring Cars into your role as GMR Sporting Director?

“So far, my experience has mainly been in sprint races, but the racing spirit doesn’t change — it just needs to be adapted to longer distances. A driver wants the same things whether he is racing for 30 minutes, or 6 hours. From my experience, I know what our drivers need during a race weekend — what information they need and when, and how I would manage a schedule to make sure I can do my job properly. My extensive experience will certainly help create harmony between the team and drivers’ needs, and a clear target when they are behind the wheel.”

We recently announced Mathieu Jaminet and Paul-Loup Chatin as our final two drivers for the 2026 season. What made them stand out from all the available drivers?

“Mathieu and Paul-Loup represent the middle point in our team — between the experience of Andre and Pipo, and the youth and motivation of Mathys and Dani. While assessing driver options we were following the WEC and IMSA championship seasons, where both Mathieu and Paul-Loup have scored great results, Mathieu winning the IMSA title and Paul-Loup scoring his first WEC win, while driving a car built around an ORECA spine, just like the GMR-001 Hypercar.”

When selecting drivers what have been the key factors you and the team have considered?

“The choice of drivers is crucial to the team's success. They need to be talented, fast of course, but you also need to choose drivers who work well together on and off-track. Every driver brings their own individual racing experience and whether it’s long or short, it is very important. I think with our seven drivers we have a perfect balance of experience, youth and performance — each of which has its own advantages and it's up to us to combine all their personalities and characters to try to bring out the best in each of them. Experienced drivers are fundamental in developing a new car like our GMR-001 Hypercar, because they could immediately sense the car’s potential and quickly lead the team in the right direction. Young drivers bring the enthusiasm and optimism that will be needed through the inevitable tough moments of a season. Each influences the other — the young drivers learn from their more experienced teammates, and the experienced drivers are pushed to perform at their peak by the new talent improving with each lap and weekend.”

How did you make the decision about the driver lineups for the two GMR-001 Hypercars for the 2026 season?

“Once we had all our drivers for the 2026 season confirmed, deciding the lineups for the two race cars became the most important decision for Cyril Justin and myself. We wanted the strongest balance of experience and youth in each lineup. So, for example, we have André and Pipo — our most experienced drivers — together with Mathys, who is our only driver who has never raced in the WEC before. In the other car we have a great mix of Hypercar and LMDh knowledge with Mathieu and Paul-Loup, and the endurance racing experience of Dani. We analyzed each driver’s performance in the tests but also listened to the feedback they gave — and how they gave it. We also evaluated which drivers communicated and worked best together outside of the car, which you get to see in the quieter moments during testing and visits to the workshop. Finally, we needed to find the best compromises in terms of drivers’ height and weight, which is important to speed up driver changes during a race and save vital seconds.”

How important has it been to get feedback from drivers with different experiences during the development of Genesis’ first race car?

“It was fundamental because, unlike other manufacturers, we couldn’t rely on existing teams and previous projects, since we were starting from scratch. However, it was important not to waste time, because the period between our first test and first race is so short. We had to choose the right people for the right positions and begin to grow straight away. After each driver’s first laps in the car, I listened to them carefully to grasp the smallest nuances of their relationship with the GMR-001 Hypercar. Each was focused on something slightly different; their emotions and words were varied, but all were aimed at improving performance and taking the next steps forward together.”

LE CASTELLET, France, Nov. 20, 2025 — Genesis today unveiled the Magma GT Concept, a landmark model that defines the direction of the brand’s performance heritage for the next 10 years. Revealed for the first time at the Genesis Magma World Premiere, the concept represents far more than a design study — it is the brand’s clearest expression yet of its commitment to its future high-performance capabilities.

The Magma GT Concept aligns closely with the performance roadmap announced at Hyundai Motor Company’s CEO Investor Day in New York this past September, where Genesis confirmed plans to develop the model into a performance icon, or halo car, and signaled its long-term ambition to enter the GT racing class.

Luc Donckerwolke, President and Chief Creative Officer of Genesis, said, “The Magma GT Concept represents the pinnacle of our performance vision and stands as a symbol of our commitment to true motorsport capability. It isn’t defined by raw aggression or uncompromising speed — it is defined by balance. This is a car that feels instinctively connected to its driver, composed under pressure, and meticulously tuned so that every component serves a single purpose: to make performance effortless.”

He continued, “The Magma GT doesn’t ask the driver to prove their skill; it enhances it. This is not simply a faster Genesis. It is the most complete expression of Genesis performance to date.”

A New Genesis Icon

As the brand’s first pure sports car typology, the Magma GT Concept stands as a key milestone in Genesis’ transition toward Luxury High Performance. The model embodies the essence of “Effortless Performance,” prioritizing balance and confidence over showmanship or aggression.

Rather than focusing solely on speed, the Magma GT Concept presents a blend of refined luxury and true motorsport character, illustrating what the brand considers the most complete expression of future Genesis performance.

Leveraging a mid-rear engine layout, the Magma GT Concept hints at the brand’s ambition to explore GT-category racing.

Motorsport-Inspired Proportions and Aerodynamics

True to its form as the second race car in the history of Genesis, the Magma GT Concept’s design reveals its purpose at a glance — every surface and proportion is shaped to optimize aerodynamic performance and driving efficiency.

Key features include:

• Low-set front bonnet and elongated sloping roofline, creating a sleek, race-ready silhouette.
   

• Wide, muscular rear fenders that reinterpret classic GT race-car proportions through the lens of Genesis’ “Athletic Elegance” philosophy.
   

• A boat-tail cabin, narrowing toward the rear to maximize stance and emphasize a “low and wide” posture.
   

• Front canards integrated seamlessly with the headlamps, a distinctive execution that enhances both downforce and identity.
   

• G-Matrix aerodynamic patterns, expanding from the front splitter outward into wing-like forms — serving not only as a visual signature but also as functional airflow-optimizing elements.
   

• A mechanical rear two-line lamp graphic and fully optimized rear aero structure, creating a wide, planted, and unmistakably Magma GT presence.

A Symbol of Genesis’ Long-Term Performance Vision

Ultimately, the Magma GT Concept serves as both a design manifesto and a strategic beacon for the brand. It visually and philosophically encapsulates what Genesis aims to achieve as it enters the motorsport arena and looks to expand its high-performance portfolio.

As the model that will guide Genesis’ performance identity for the next decade, the Magma GT Concept represents the foundation for a future performance lineup led by a true halo car.

LE CASTELLET, France, Nov. 20, 2025 — Genesis is embarking on the next chapter of its journey with its “Luxury High Performance” positioning as the cornerstone of the brand’s evolution over the next 10 years.

Genesis hosted its Magma World Premiere today at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France, where it debuted the GV60 Magma — the brand’s first high-performance production model — and the Magma GT Concept, a model that symbolically defines the direction of Genesis’ performance heritage for the next decade. The Magma GT Concept embodies the essence of the brand’s approach to luxury and performance, going beyond sheer speed to reveal a balanced expression of refined luxury and authentic motorsport spirit.

Along with the unveiling, Genesis also revealed its vision to solidify its position as a true luxury brand by embodying the concept of Luxury High Performance, a seamless fusion of refined elegance and superior performance. Together, the GV60 Magma and the Magma GT Concept bring this vision to life, showcasing the dual pillars of production-ready capability and future-focused performance ambition. Building on a decade of success in the global premium car market as an independent marque, this new direction sets the stage for Genesis’ next chapter.

José Muñoz, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said, “Genesis achieved one million global sales faster than any luxury marque in history. Magma represents our declaration that the next ten years will be even more significant. We're not just building high-performance vehicles; we're redefining what a luxury high performance brand can be when Korean innovation meets global ambition."

Genesis' Luxury High Performance Vision

Genesis defines Luxury High Performance as distinct from the conventional approaches to performance centered on horsepower or speed. At its core, this vision blends the true essence of luxury — defined by refined elegance and elevated experiences — with seamless, effortless performance that enhances every aspect of the driving journey.

Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Design Officer and Chief Creative Officer of Hyundai Motor Group, said, “Magma reveals a new facet of Genesis, one that elevates the brand towards true luxury through performance. It shows how emotion and precision can coexist in perfect harmony, defining a more confident and mature expression of Genesis. Through Magma, we’re injecting adrenaline into the Genesis DNA while preserving the elegance and balance that define true luxury.”

Genesis’ vision for Luxury High Performance builds on the brand’s “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy by bringing it into the high-performance space. It prioritizes balanced power, finely tuned driving dynamics and seamless harmony between driver and vehicle rather than relying on excessive energy or intensity.

The GV60 Magma is the first production model to bring this new high-performance vision to life, laying the foundation for the forthcoming Magma model.

GV60 Magma: First to Embody Genesis’ High-Performance Innovation and Bold Vision

The GV60 Magma is the first production model of the GV60 Magma concept unveiled last year, officially marking Genesis' entry into the high-performance realm. Genesis' exploration of high-performance innovation — showcased through its GV80 Coupe Concept, X Gran Berlinetta Concept and G80 Magma Special has finally been realized in a production model with the GV60 Magma.

The GV60 Magma serves as a clear representation of the philosophy and core technological vision that will define Genesis’ future Magma lineup.

Genesis Magma is defined by three key attributes:
 

• Design (Unspoken Dominance) – A dynamic yet elegant look achieved through a low, wide stance, embodying both Genesis' signature sophistication and athleticism.
   

• Driving Sensation (Captivating Control) – Precise control of power and vehicle behavior, enabling seamless movement in any driving conditions.
   

• User Experience (Sharpened Immersion) – Intuitive delivery of essential driving information, enhancing focus and creating an immersive driving experience.

Encompassing the Genesis Magma Philosophy Through Design

Design is the most tangible expression of the Genesis Magma philosophy. The GV60 Magma's design emphasizes the presence of “subtle, untapped power,” steering away from overtly ostentatious or aggressive styling.

The front and rear motors generate a combined maximum output of 448 kilowatts (609 ps) and peak torque of 740 Newton-meters. When Boost Mode is activated, the performance rises to 478 kilowatts (650 ps) and 790 Newton-meters, with a top speed of 264 kilometers per hour.

Black high-gloss molding, dark metal accents and streamlined canards elevate the high-performance aesthetic with a focus on a sleek, monochromatic palette.

The car’s side profile emphasizes its low and wide proportions by lowering the overall height by 20 mm and incorporating wide fenders, Magma-exclusive 21-inch forged wheels and 275 mm tires. The side skirts feature three-hole details, mirroring the front design, and are integrated with the breather line to optimize airflow. Glossy black finishes on the window frames and exterior moldings further enhance the streamlined aesthetic while minimizing the use of chrome for a sleek and modern look.

The functional rear wing-type spoiler not only serves as a visual element but also generates downforce. The newly designed rear bumper combines the body color with black accents, while the lower diffuser structure has been engineered to enhance aerodynamic performance.

The interior combines premium materials for a sporty vibe. The seats, door trim and center console are adorned with Chamude, a premium suede-like material. The Magma model's distinct color identity is showcased through orange and gray stitching, quilting details and seat belts. Buttons, switches and emblems feature black high-gloss or dark metal finishes, minimizing reflective glare and contributing to a composed, elegant interior ambience.

The steering wheel is adorned with elements exclusive to Magma, including a distinct rim design, black emblem and orange accents on the drive mode and boost buttons.

Delivering the Highest Level of Driving Performance

The GV60 Magma is positioned among the models that deliver the highest level of performance within Hyundai Motor Group. From a performance perspective, the primary development goal was to achieve a sense of control that precisely aligns with the driver's intent, prioritizing the "perfection of driving control.”

The front and rear motors generate a combined maximum output of 448 kW (609 ps) and peak torque of 740 Nm. When Boost Mode is activated, the performance rises to 478 kW (650 ps) and 790 Nm, with a top speed of 264 km/h.

Notably, the maximum output range of the rear motor has been extended to ensure stable performance even during high-power driving. Additionally, Boost Mode enhances output and torque for approximately 15 seconds, maximizing acceleration responsiveness. This enables the GV60 Magma to accelerate from a standstill to 200 kilometers per hour in just 10.9 seconds with the Launch Control function. Beyond delivering quick initial acceleration, the car also maintains consistent power output at higher speeds.

Launch Control delivers optimal starting torque from a standstill, enabling rapid and responsive acceleration at launch. The GV60 Magma also offers three drive modes: Sprint, GT and My. In My Mode, drivers can customize settings for the electronic limited-slip differential (e-LSD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and other performance parameters.

The suspension system has been optimized by recalibrating the roll center and refining the geometry. It also features Electronic Control Suspension (ECS) and End-of-Travel (EoT) control systems, delivering an ideal balance of cornering stability and ride comfort. Hydro G-Bushings in the front suspension and dual-layer bushings in the rear crossmember effectively minimize vibrations and impacts.

Furthermore, the braking system is upgraded with front monoblock calipers and large-diameter discs, optimized for the 21-inch wheels, and rear brakes featuring GG-rated high-friction materials, enhancing overall braking performance.

Despite riding on wide tires, the GV60 Magma maintains the serene cabin quietness expected of a luxury high-performance car. This is achieved through the combination of Active Noise Control-Road, sound-insulating glass and reinforced door sealing.

A Dedicated Digital Interface

The GV60 Magma is equipped with a dedicated digital interface, sound design and driving feedback system specifically designed to make the driving experience more immersive.

Activating “Magma Mode” transforms the instrument cluster into a 3-circle layout, prominently displaying essential driving data, including motor and battery temperatures, speed and G-force. Additionally, the Head-Up Display provides a simplified view of key information such as speed, regenerative braking levels and remaining boost time.

The infotainment system also supports an array of Magma-exclusive high-performance driving features such as the Virtual Gear Shift System (VGS), Drift Mode, and High-Performance Battery Control (HPBC).

The VGS feature adjusts motor output, torque and regenerative braking to replicate the shifting sensations and driving dynamics of a high-performance internal combustion engine vehicle while simultaneously reproducing the sound of a high-revving engine to deliver an immersive and emotionally engaging driving experience.

When VGS and HPBC are engaged, the cluster also displays performance-oriented metrics — including a performance timer and pedal input levels — delivering key driving data in a clear and intuitive format.

Drift Mode combines power distribution and e-LSD to support rear-wheel-focused driving, while HPBC optimizes battery temperature for peak performance during racing or drag driving.

Magma GT Concept: Forging the Path to Performance Heritage

At the Genesis Magma World Premiere, Genesis also introduced the Magma GT Concept to the world for the first time. Far from being just a show car, this concept serves as a road map for how Genesis plans to establish its performance heritage in the years to come. This aligns with the brand strategy outlined at the recent Hyundai Motor Company’s CEO Investor Day event in New York in September.

At the time, Genesis announced its intention to develop the Magma GT Concept into a performance icon, or halo car. The marque also shared its long-term goal to compete in the GT racing class. 

The Evolution of the Magma Program

During the Magma World Premiere, Genesis showcased past concept vehicles and prototype models that are part of the Magma umbrella, such as the GV80 Coupe Concept, G80 Magma Special, G80 EV Magma Concept, GV60 Magma Concept, G70 Track Taxi Nordschleife, G80 Magma Special Prototype, X Gran Berlinetta Concept, X Gran Racer Concept, X Gran Coupe Concept, G90 Wingback Concept, the GMR-001 Hypercar, and the Magma GT Concept. The showcase underscored that the Magma Program is not a short-term endeavor but a project developed through extensive experimentation and innovation over the years.

Magma is not a program derived from a single model but a high-performance experimental journey, evolving through iterative development of design, driving performance and technological innovation based on concept cars.

The GV80 Coupe Concept, the first model to sport Magma Orange, was recognized for redefining and pushing the boundaries of conventional luxury design.

The G80 Magma Special was realized through joint development with high-performance partners, while the X Gran Berlinetta Concept stands as a prime example of Genesis' direction for high-performance design.

At the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K., the GV60 Magma Concept participated in the Sunday Shootout, achieving a remarkable class win in the “4-Seater Production Car” category. The model completed the 1.86-kilometer course in just 52.72 seconds, heightening anticipation for its production viability and technological sophistication.

Through these stages, the GV60 Magma was able to incorporate the design direction and driving technologies refined during the experimental phase, serving as a benchmark for the future expansion of the Magma Program.

Starting with the Korean market at the start of the year, the GV60 Magma will be introduced to European and N. American markets in 2026, bringing Luxury High Performance to drivers across the globe.

MAGNY-COURS, France, Nov. 18, 2025 — Fresh from her race-winning season in the European Le Mans Series, Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program driver Jamie Chadwick took another step in her journey with the team last month at Circuit Magny-Cours, as she completed her first laps in the GMR-001 Hypercar. 

Hypercar Test Continues Rapid Progression with Genesis Magma Racing 

Jamie’s first laps, which took place during a three-day development test at the French circuit, were the latest step in an intense 10 months since she was named as part of the Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program in December 2024. With the team, she has completed her first full season in Prototype Racing, winning three ELMS races alongside Mathys Jaubert and Dani Juncadella and finishing third in the LMP2 class championship. 

She joined her ELMS teammates — who will be part of Genesis Magma Racing’s driver lineup for the FIA World Endurance Championship next year — as well as André Lotterer and Pipo Derani at the test. After a short initial stint running wet tires on a drying track, she returned the following day for a longer run in the GMR-001 Hypercar in fully dry conditions. 

Chadwick said: “My first laps in the GMR-001 Hypercar were amazing. It’s a really impressive car and so fast in a straight line. There’s a lot of different systems available to you as a driver, tools that you can use to make a difference. Obviously, so much is changing and evolving with every test that the team does. But it’s just a super car to drive, but also just a great team to be part of.” 

In joining the test, she became only the second woman to drive a Hypercar class WEC challenger, placing her again among an elite group of female racers in the upper reaches of the sport. 

“I think it said everything when I saw her face the first time she jumped out of the car,” said Genesis Magma Racing Sporting Director Gabriele Tarquini. “She was very, very happy. I think she enjoyed the laps at Magny-Cours, even if it was just a short test.” 

First Laps Prepare Chadwick for Reserve Driver and Car Development Role 

Her time in the car heralded the beginning of the next stage of Jamie’s personal trajectory with Genesis Magma Racing. Through the final part of 2025 and during the 2026 season she will take on more responsibility for development work within the team, working in on-track and simulator sessions driving the GMR-001 Hypercar. 

Jamie will also become Genesis Magma Racing’s Reserve Driver for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season alongside her own racing program, which will be confirmed at a later date. 

Tarquini said: “It's always very good to have feedback from a new driver who doesn’t know the car at all. Jamie has had a fantastic season with our Trajectory Program in the European Le Mans Series. As a development driver for the GMR-001 Hypercar, she will be a vital part of our team for the future in helping us prepare for events and make the progression we will need during our first season.” 

“It's hugely special to be involved in the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar,” said Chadwick. “It's another progression in my career and one I'm really proud of. Becoming a Reserve Driver in Hypercar is one step closer to my ultimate goal. The opportunity to test and drive more is something that I'm really looking forward to and a role that I'm going to try to relish and make the most of.” 

She added: “The development role can also be a huge help to my racing. Obviously, Hypercar is a step up in terms of everything that you're learning, but you can still take that back to other categories and series just from the constant testing and working with the engineers.”

LE CASTELLET, France, Oct. 30, 2025 — Since being announced as part of Genesis Magma Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Genesis Magma Racing Team Manager Anouck Abadie has taken a central role in preparing the team for their FIA World Endurance Championship. During the packed development schedule for the GMR-001 Hypercar, she has simultaneously supported organizing the tests and helped to build the team and operational procedures, taking her experience from her work with the FIA and customer racing teams.

What is a Team Manager responsible for in a motorsport team?

“At the moment, the definition of a Team Manager really depends on how each team interprets the role. At Genesis Magma Racing, my job is to build and manage the team, oversee the budget and plan operations. I like to say that I’m here to support my people — to give them clear direction and objectives. On the racing side, you’re like the control tower, ensuring everyone follows the regulations and internal policies while keeping the group calm and focused. And as we like to say in this job, you’re often ‘playing the fireman’ — managing crises as they come.”

You arrived at Genesis Magma Racing with experience working with the FIA and customer GT teams. What can you bring from these roles to Genesis Magma Racing?

“Definitely politics — I’m still learning to be politically correct while staying true to myself. Working with the FIA gave me a broad understanding of long-term vision; they must think ahead because they’re responsible for most of the global motorsport ecosystem. From my GT customer experience, I learned how crucial it is to manage budgets carefully while meeting client expectations. They used to call me ‘T-Rex’ — not because of my temper, but because I had ‘short arms’ when it came to spending money!”

What skills does it take to be a good Team Manager in motorsport, and particular in the FIA World Endurance Championship?

“It’s hard to summarize — you can list all the theoretical skills, but there’s no perfect formula. It’s about finding a balance between being firm and being empathetic, but above all, being fair and respectful to your team. When you ask them to give more, you need to lead by example, which isn’t always easy because at the end of the day, you’re human too.”

Successful teamwork is critical to success in endurance racing. How can a Team Manager help build the spirit and processes to bring the team together?

“Communication — it’s the key to any successful team. You must face problems openly and find solutions together. You need to stay alert to what’s happening inside the team and push everyone to keep improving. The team must understand we’re all in the same boat, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep the group united. If someone struggles, we don’t give up on them, we support and bring them back on track. It’s like in the army — we need to move as one.”

Genesis Magma Racing is a team being built from scratch this year – what have been the main challenges you have faced while preparing the team for competition?

“Starting from scratch is incredible — exciting, challenging and exhausting — it’s an opportunity that doesn’t come around often. The biggest challenge is finding people who can truly work together and making the right staffing choices. In our case, we hired both highly experienced Hypercar and WEC professionals, and a younger generation with endurance experience. This mix ensures continuity — knowledge can be passed down just like in a football team; you don’t need only superstars, but strong, determined people who complement one another.”

What has been your role during the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar, and how will this change with the start of the team’s first season of racing?

“Fortunately, I wasn’t involved in the technical side — otherwise, the car might still be in the garage! At the start, our team was small, so I covered many operational roles: managing logistics with support from our WRC colleagues from Hyundai Motorsport, organizing mechanic schedules while waiting for our crew chief to arrive, and coordinating workshop implementation. Setting up these foundations was crucial to ensure that, once the entire group is in place, everything runs smoothly and each department can operate efficiently from day one.”

You are one of a still relatively small number of women at the top level of motorsport. How important is that position to you?

“If I’ve made it here, it means anyone who truly wants it can too. When I started in motorsport in 2014, there were far fewer women than today, so the growth we see now is really positive. For me, it’s essential to show that you don’t need to change who you are to succeed — you don’t have to act like a man. Just do your job and do it well.”

How can you promote women in motorsport from your role with Genesis Magma Racing?

“I love sharing my experience — if it can help others, I’m always happy to do so. At Genesis Magma Racing, we actively encourage female candidates to apply. Once the team structure is complete, we plan to collaborate with the Korean national federation and the FIA to develop initiatives supporting women in motorsport. Beyond the sport, I stay connected with my university and speak at student conferences each year to spread awareness more widely. Genesis Magma Racing is also launching a social project aimed at opening doors for people around the world.”

As Genesis prepares for the anticipated launch of its first Magma production model, the GV60 Magma, Donckerwolke shares a story that blends innovation, heritage and an evolving definition of a luxury automotive brand.

The Genesis of Magma

For Genesis, the road to Magma was years in the making.

According to Donckerwolke, Magma was born out of a desire to explore new emotionally resonant dimensions within Genesis’ lineup. It started as a test to determine if there was room for a more “emotional Genesis,” one with an “alter ego.”

That idea took shape through the GV80 Coupe Concept in New York in 2023, a project that pushed the boundaries of traditional luxury.

This exploration continued with limited-production projects such as the G80-based edition in Dubai, but the GV60 proved to be the perfect model to officially launch Magma.

“We start with a bundle of energy, which is the GV60. It’s also the youngest product we have in the brand,” Donckerwolke said. “So, it makes sense to start with this one, and then to mature the Magma lineup with different typologies of vehicles.”

This choice wasn’t about convenience. It was about establishing a deeper philosophy and process.

“Magma is always the best of the best of Genesis models,” he said. “It’s the superhero of Genesis; a bionic cocktail between the values of the original model, the donor vehicle and this extra facet.”

Defining Luxury High-Performance

Magma’s approach to high-performance luxury is distinctly nuanced. Unlike most performance models on the market that aim for aggressive, hardcore performance, Magma is defined by balance. Donckerwolke describes it as “rewarding, not challenging.” Instead of feeling like a car that requires its drivers to prove their skill, Magma is designed to complement and enhance its driver’s abilities, making the experience of performance driving feel seamless and empowering.

“It’s coming to a point where you feel you’re surprised by your abilities to drive fast or to drive sporty,” Donckerwolke said. “You have the adrenaline, but at the same time, it’s not challenging you by making you question your abilities,” he explained.

This philosophy is evident in Magma’s design DNA, which aligns with Genesis’ signature principle of “Athletic Elegance.” Here, form doesn’t just follow function.

“It’s a synchronization of form and function,” Donckerwolke said. “Its design should never be overpowering the appearance of the car. It should always be a balance.”

One of the standout features is Magma’s bold orange exterior, a visual statement that reinforces its dynamic character. The fiery hue serves as a symbol of Magma’s extroverted energy and identity, referencing Korea’s volcanic landscape and the unseen molten rock beneath.

A Decade in the Making

While Magma may feel like a natural progression for Genesis, Donckerwolke emphasizes that its introduction was carefully timed. Genesis, now approaching its 10th anniversary, has spent the better part of a short decade solidifying its place as a global luxury brand.

“We are basically doing a hundred years in ten,” he said.

Launching a high-performance model any earlier, Donckerwolke believes, would have been premature.

This patient approach has also allowed Genesis to differentiate itself from performance-based car brands, which embrace a more extroverted, aggressive identity, Genesis Magma offers a more refined and sophisticated take on performance luxury.

“It’s a natural evolution for Genesis,” Donckerwolke said. “Magma injects adrenaline into the brand while staying true to its luxury roots.”

Ultimate Proving Ground

The connection between Genesis Magma Racing and the development of future Genesis Magma production vehicles represents a strategic symbiosis that extends far beyond marketing appeal.

“The DNA of Genesis Magma Racing influences Magma,” said Donckerwolke. “It goes both ways. Magma is also allowing to curate and improve the DNA of Genesis. High performance has some constraints, which allow to make every single Genesis better.”

A racing environment provides unparalleled opportunities for technological advancement. Motorsports is the toughest testing environment you can find in the auto world. The high speeds, aerodynamics, cooling strategies and durability enough to last 24 hours together create a crucible that Genesis can use to further enhance its other models.

This was a core driver in Genesis’ ambitious and fast-paced foray into endurance racing through Genesis Magma Racing, which represents a calculated investment in the brand’s technological future.

“Hyperspeed is linked to the decision making,” Donckerwolke said. “We had this decision in September, and now we are exactly 12 months after that, and we have a car, and we have a team.”  Koreans describe their culture as a fast-paced type of living, or “bbali-bbali” life. “For me,” Donckerwolke said, “this is hyper-bbali-bbali.”

And already the technical innovations emerging from the GMR-001 Hypercar program are influencing the development of production Magma vehicles. The racing program has accelerated development of cutting-edge technologies specifically designed for Genesis models. These new technologies are anticipated to increase agility and performance throughout the Magma lineup in the future.

This approach exemplifies how Genesis leverages motorsport development to advance its production vehicle technologies. The racing program serves as an accelerated development platform where new propulsion systems and performance technologies can be tested under extreme conditions before being adapted for consumer applications. This continuous development cycle is essential for maintaining Genesis’ competitive edge.

A Distinctly Korean Identity

While Magma represents Genesis’ foray into a global high-performance market, its DNA remains rooted in Korean culture. For Donckerwolke, this cultural influence is one of the brand’s most defining characteristics.

“In Korea, customer care, customer satisfaction, is almost in the DNA of the culture,” he said.

This focus on customer experience is reflected in Magma’s philosophy, which prioritizes balance and sophistication over extremity.

“This is why Magma is not a hardcore sub-brand but is actually the best of the best of Genesis,” Donckerwolke said. “It modulates and increases some of the facets of the car without taking the car out of balance. It’s an iron fist in a velvet glove.”

Magma is a higher trim level within the Genesis lineup, proudly carrying the same Genesis badge as the marque’s other models. Unlike traditional sub-brands that are often track-focused and built to push the driver to their limits, the Magma trim is designed to elevate the driving experience by emphasizing comfort, precision, and ease — all while maintaining the versatility of an everyday sports car. Magma redefines luxury high-performance by combining dynamic capability with the refinement, sophistication, and emotional resonance that are hallmarks of the Genesis brand.

The Road Ahead

As Genesis continues to expand its portfolio, Magma is poised to play a pivotal role. Donckerwolke envisions Magma as a key piece of the larger Genesis puzzle, filling in gaps and gradually elevating the entire lineup.

“Magma is about us being able to fulfill customer wishes for individuality and emotionally resonant experiences, while increasing the overall quality of the Genesis brand,” he said. “It’s completing the whole Genesis picture.”

In just 10 years, Genesis has achieved what many brands take decades to accomplish. With Magma, it’s not only redefining luxury high-performance but also positioning itself as a global innovator.

Donckerwolke said, “And with Magma leading the charge, the future for Genesis is limitless.”

SEOUL, Sept. 30, 2025 — Genesis today announced that the GV60 Magma, set to become the brand’s first-ever high-performance model, has undergone the last stages of an extensive series of evaluations across some of the world’s most demanding environments, finalizing preparations for its upcoming debut.

Designed to open a new chapter in luxury high-performance, the GV60 Magma has undergone rigorous testing to perfect its driving dynamics and deliver both exhilarating performance and refined comfort.

Proven in Extreme Conditions Worldwide

Beginning earlier this year in Arjeplog, Sweden, the GV60 Magma faced formidable winter conditions before continuing through the searing heat of California, the high-altitude mountain ranges of New Zealand, and the diverse roadways of Spain.

At the California Proving Ground in the U.S., the GV60 Magma was pushed through extreme heat to validate power output, cooling efficiency, and thermal protection. 

In contrast, at the Southern Hemisphere Proving Ground in New Zealand, the vehicle faced sub-zero conditions at 1,500 meters above sea level, where engineers examined chassis precision, traction stability, braking robustness, and agile cornering on icy, wind-swept terrain.

These evaluations ensured the GV60 Magma delivers unwavering stability at high speeds and uncompromised ride comfort in any condition.

In September, Genesis engineers conducted the final stages of real-world assessments in Korea, driving from the Namyang R&D Center to Chuncheon and completing intensive laps at Inje Speedium Circuit.

These tests validated the GV60 Magma’s ability to balance powerful acceleration and handling precision with the refined comfort expected of a Genesis model.

Highways, mountainous terrain roads, congested urban streets, and racetrack environments were all incorporated to ensure the vehicle can seamlessly adapt to diverse driving conditions.

Hyundai Motor Group has long upheld a rigorous global testing standard, ensuring every vehicle meets the highest levels of quality, durability, and performance. From the Namyang R&D Center in Korea to the California Proving Ground in the U.S. and the Nürburgring in Germany, the Group leverages several world-class facilities worldwide to validate and refine its vehicles under the most demanding conditions.

A New Era of High-Performance Luxury

Set to be unveiled later this year, the GV60 Magma represents a pivotal milestone for Genesis as the brand marks its 10th anniversary. As Genesis’ first high-performance EV, the model combines a decade of innovation and luxury philosophy with cutting-edge performance engineering to deliver a truly distinctive driving experience.

LE CASTELLET, France, Sept. 18, 2025 — Genesis Magma Racing has signed Mathys Jaubert and Daniel Juncadella to join the driver lineup for the team’s debut season in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026. The pair will make their Hypercar class debut in the Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001, joining André Lotterer and Luis Felipe “Pipo” Derani, already confirmed as the first two drivers for the team. 

Drivers’ Promotion Shows Value of Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program 

French driver Jaubert and Spaniard Juncadella are currently part of the lineup in the IDEC Sport-run, Genesis Magma Racing-supported LMP2 team in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) together with fellow Trajectory Program driver, Briton Jamie Chadwick. 

The decision to promote the two drivers after less than a season of Prototype racing was made taking into consideration how quickly both drivers have adapted to, and overcome, the challenges presented in the ELMS. 

They made an immediate impression in their Prototype racing debuts, winning their class as the season-opener in Barcelona, before scoring an outright victory at Le Castellet. In their most recent victory, last weekend at Silverstone, both Jaubert and Juncadella showed excellent awareness of the race situation in constantly changing conditions, as well as the strong pace needed to take victory. Following the win, they sit second in the ELMS championship, six points behind with just one round remaining. 

Jaubert was also part of the LMP2 class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he set the fastest race lap for the #18 car. Their progression into the WEC lineup is another example of the rapid decision-making of the “hyperspeed” culture at the core of Genesis Magma Racing. 

“The target for the Trajectory Program was always to support drivers and give them the opportunity to prove they could step up to our WEC lineup,” said Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul. “That we are already in a position where we can bring Mathys and Dani in for 2026 is a massive credit to them.” 

Abiteboul continued: “Together with Jamie Chadwick, Mathys and Dani have adapted brilliantly to Prototype racing, as their performances since the first race of the ELMS season show. More importantly, they improved during the season, learning from each weekend, something which we expect to continue with their arrival in Hypercar. We took some risks to look outside of Prototype racing for our Trajectory Program drivers. It is another risk to bring them into our WEC lineup for 2026, but risks can bring rewards as we’ve seen. In Mathys and Dani we have two drivers who are new to Hypercar that have the opportunity to show their abilities and create some surprises, just as they have in LMP2.” 

“We’ve been closely following the performance of Mathys and Dani in the ELMS this season,” said Gabriele Tarquini, Genesis Magma Racing Sporting Director. “They’ve done a very good job all season, constantly improving and adapting to the challenges of the series. Their relative lack of experience in Prototype racing will be balanced by the other four drivers in our lineup to give us a great mix of experience, and new drivers to Hypercar who are hungry and motivated to win.” 

Jamie Chadwick remains part of the Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program. Full details of her plans for 2026 will be announced at a later date. 

New Additions Set to Join Upcoming GMR-001 Tests 

“It’s been my goal for the last couple of years to step up to the Hypercar class,” said Juncadella. “I’ve been racing for the last two years in WEC in the LMGT3 class, so it fits well for me to step up in a championship that I know very well. It’s perfect as well to do it with Genesis Magma Racing, to be starting from scratch with brand that will hopefully be in the championship for many years.” 

Both Jaubert and Juncadella will get their first chance to drive the GMR-001 Hypercar at upcoming tests to begin to gain experience and shape the development of the car, working with their new team-mates André Lotterer and Luis Felipe Pipo Derani. 

“I’m really excited to be joining the Genesis Magma Racing WEC lineup,” said Jaubert. “For me, it’s a big step in my career and a chance to measure myself against the best in the world. The Trajectory Program and my experience in ELMS have been invaluable, not only in learning the technical side and managing long stints, but also in understanding the teamwork and consistency needed at this level. In the WEC this is even more important, so it’s great to immediately start working with the team at the tests.” 

Juncadella said: “The testing we will do this year will be my first real steps in Hypercar. It was cool to see the car for the first time and do the seat fitting, but I’m really looking forward to jumping behind the wheel for the first time and starting to work with the team, André and Pipo to be ready for the first rounds. Qatar will be a big event for us, as the first time Genesis Magma Racing will compete in WEC. Le Mans is always a highlight of the year – I’ve done it twice already, but being in the top class will be really special.” 

“Competing in WEC has always been a dream, and I can’t wait to take on the challenge and contribute to the team’s success,” Jaubert concluded. 

“Now that Mathys and Dani have been confirmed in our driver lineup for 2026 we can really start working on building the team, as well as developing the GMR-001,” explained Tarquini. “How the drivers work together will be critical to our success, so to start this process so early in the testing process is a big positive for us and the drivers to be ready for next year.” 

Further details of Genesis Magma Racing’s driver lineup for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship will be announced during the coming months. 

* season in progress 
 

LE CASTELLET, France, Sept. 14, 2025 — Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory drivers Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, along with Dani Juncadella, scored a third win of the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), taking their IDEC Sport-run #18 LMP2 car to the overall victory at Silverstone. The victory also reinvigorated their championship challenge, leaving them second in the points’ standings with one round remaining. 

Return to the Podium Proves Lessons Learned

The victory was the team’s first visit to the podium since their win at Le Castellet in early May. Since then, the drivers have been frustrated by mistakes and strategy miscues, often in changeable weather similar to the second half of the race at Silverstone.

Taking the lessons learned from the events at Imola and Spa-Francorchamps, the team executed an intelligent strategy. From the start, as her opening stint was interrupted twice by red flags following accidents, Jamie Chadwick showed great awareness, recognizing the opportunity to use strategy to move up from the bottom of the top ten, where she handed the car over to teammate Jaubert.

Similarly, as conditions worsened during the closing stages of Jaubert’s time in the car – taking the middle stint for the team for the first time this season – the 20-year-old Frenchman began thinking about strategy choices to improve the team’s positions. As he moved through the order, including watching a rival spin out on the greasy track ahead, he made the decisive call from sixth place to pit for full wet-weather tires.

Perfectly Timed Pit Stop Opens Way to Important Victory

The stop, where Dani Juncadella took over driving duties for the final portion of the race, made the IDEC Sport squad among the first to change to treaded tires. However, as other teams made their own stops after extra laps searching for absent grip from slick tires, Juncadella took the lead with a margin of nearly 20 seconds.

The gap allowed the Spaniard to save both fuel and tires during a brief respite from the rain. This proved critical. Despite losing time on track, he was able to hold onto the lead after a final pit stop and then had more life in his tires remaining for the final laps as heavy rain soaked the circuit before the final red flag ended the race with nine minutes remaining.

The result completed a remarkable trifecta for the team. Having won the LMP2 class in Juncadella’s home city of Barcelona, and overall at Jaubert’s home track at Le Castellet, success at the Northamptonshire track gave Chadwick victory in her first professional race on home soil since 2022.

The victory lifted the three drivers and team in second place in the ELMS standings. They are just six points in arrears with only the season finale at the 4 Hours of Portimão remaining on the calendar.  

Post Race Quotes – #18 IDEC Sport ORECA 07

Jamie Chadwick said: “My stint was not the smoothest since we had the early Virtual Safety Car, where we tried to get a pit stop out of the way early, which I think was good but left me a bit out of position, so I had to make some moves, which was fun. I knew that we were off-strategy, so I was also thinking if we could save some fuel to try to get into a window. It was a great opportunity to capitalize on, so I was wondering what we want to do, but also because it's cold, you also want to warm brakes and tires and those two things don't really go hand in hand. We made the right call to manage the race and get Mathys in the car for when the race really kicked off. It’s very special to win at home. I love this track. I feel like it's a place that I have a lot of happy memories of and I added to those memories this weekend. Now we’re looking forward to the last race.”

Mathys Jaubert said: “Since I was racing in karting, I have always liked the kind of conditions with a bit of rain, but staying on slick tires. The conditions were stable – it was raining slightly the whole stint, it was only in the last three or four laps where it was a bit tricky. I saw a car in front spin and I said ‘OK, maybe calm the driving a bit’. I talked to the team, saying that they needed to prepare wet tires and then we stopped at the perfect timing. I’ve learned it is very important to be decisive at these moments. I knew that we had to take the risk. I think were a bit off in terms of pace this weekend, and we were in all the traffic with the other LMP2 cars. So we took the risk and it paid off to give Dani the lead and to take the win.”

Daniel Juncadella said: “I obviously had a very tricky stint. The track was very slippery, especially at the very end when it was really undrivable. But until that point I had a lot of fun. I think the car was incredibly good in these conditions. The team did a great job to put ourselves in position to win again. It was an amazing call by our Race Engineer and an amazing job by my teammates. Who could ever think that they are two rookies to endurance racing and they've not done a single mistake all year. It was great to be in the position today to show my ability in the wet, which are conditions I really enjoy and great to win another race. I knew I had a 15 second gap in the beginning when the track was drying out, so I was hoping I could keep the lead between 10 and 5 seconds at least for the last pit, and I think that paid off because towards the end when it started raining I had a bit better grip than my rival when the conditions were the most difficult.”

Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul said: “The victory of Jamie, Mathys and Dani at Silverstone, and all the decisions and strategy shows how much they have progressed from the start of the season. The race was very difficult – from the start with the Virtual Safety Car and red flags when Jamie was driving, and then the changing conditions for Mathys and Dani later in the race. It was a whole team effort. Jamie managed her stint well, then Mathys made the decisive call to be one of the first to change to wets, which set up Dani perfectly to show his additional endurance racing experience to manage the lead, his fuel and tires and stay calm when the heavy rains came to hold on to the end. When we started this season with the Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program, we never aimed, we never expected to be challenging for the ELMS title. However, now that has to be our target for the final round. It would be the perfect way to end the season and for us to be ready to take the next step with the GMR-001 into the FIA World Endurance Championship.”

2025 European Le Mans Series LMP2 Drivers’ Championship
After Round 5:

2025 European Le Mans Series LMP2 Teams’ Championship
After Round 5:

LE CASTELLET, France, Sept. 9, 2025 — The first tests of the GMR-001 Hypercar signaled the start of the next key phase in Genesis Magma Racing’s preparations to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026. Following the five days of testing at Circuit Paul Ricard, François-Xavier Demaison (better-known as FX), Genesis Magma Racing Technical Director, and Justin Taylor, Genesis Magma Racing Chief Engineer speak about the test, providing details on the focus and results from the first tests, and plans for the next steps in the development process.

What was the difference between the shakedown and the first tests?

Justin Taylor: “In the shakedowns we were running the GMR-001 Hypercar on small circuits, simply validating that each system was working correctly and that all the pipes and wires went to the right places and that there were no clashes. At the first full tests we could start learning what is different from the bench tests we have done, and begin tuning the different systems to work together as one when the car is running on a proper race track.”

What has been the focus of the first tests?

Justin Taylor: “One of the biggest areas of focus can be summed up with the word ‘synchronization’. This specification of cars have several systems that must work in sync to have good performance and reliability. It takes some time and effort to get everything following the same beat. However, this is something that must be done before we can move on to the next stages of testing, so it was important that we took the time to focus on the software in the first tests to lay the foundations for the entire development process.”

How have Genesis Magma Racing engineers brought together the data from engine dyno testing and simulator work to support the first on-track tests with the GMR-001 Hypercar?

FX Demaison: “The months of work by the Powertrain Department on the dyno, and the sessions on the simulator provided the calibration values we started the test with, but then the data we gained from test gets fed back to inform the next bench tests and sim sessions. The feedback loop and relationship between on-track running we do on, and the work on the engine dynos and in the simulator is a never-ending process. Even once we have finished this first development phase and have started to compete in WEC races, the loop of on-track findings being fed into the off-track work will continue.”

Why was it chosen to complete the first tests at Circuit Paul Ricard?

Justin Taylor: “Circuit Paul Ricard is a relatively safe place to take a new car and push the limits, due to the size of the runoff areas. Plus, it is very close to Genesis Magma Racing’s new race base and the ORECA factory where the chassis was built, so it puts less pressure on the logistical side of a new project, when there is a lot of other work to do.”

How have Genesis Magma Racing and ORECA been working together during this first phase of testing? 

FX Demaison: “The decision to start the testing at Circuit Paul Ricard was a deliberate choice to be close to the ORECA workshop, as well as our own base, to make communication as easy as possible and make sure we could work easily between the two tests with as little wasted time as possible. For the first tests, ORECA provided specialist engineers and the car mechanics, but the control of the chassis and powertrain engineering, and the test plan were fully the responsibility of Genesis Magma Racing.”

What feedback have you received from the drivers about the car?

Justin Taylor: “One of the things that André and Pipo have raised a few times is how natural the car feels. Despite all of the electronics and intelligence onboard, the car is driving and responding like a normal racecar, not a spacecraft. We’ve also had some feedback on the handling balance of the car, which I wasn’t expecting so early in the development, so we’ve been able to make some small aerodynamic changes between runs to see how they affect the car.”

What are the major things the team have learned after the first tests?

FX Demaison: “We made the progress we needed to with the powertrain and chassis software, but finding the right maps for these will be an on-going process throughout testing. We have to balance a lot of aspects – firstly all the systems need to work well with one another – the ‘synchronization’ Justin mentioned before. Secondly, we need to make sure the car consistently operates within the window we need and thirdly we need to have something that all the drivers are comfortable with and can always get the maximum performance of the car for a full stint.”

What are the next stages for the development work on the car – both on track, and in the workshop?

FX Demaison: “We still have a lot of work to do. We need to continue optimizing the powertrain and chassis software and finalize our choice of brake materials. We have some endurance tests planned, where we can simulate a 24-hour race to build the reliability that we need, as well as work on the light set-up required for visibility during the night. We obviously need to keep working on the aerodynamic balance of the car, to find something that works for all the drivers we will have for the 2026 season.”

See the X Gran Coupe Concept reborn as a masterpiece on the road in the videos below: 

The exterior color of the car, based on the marque’s flagship G90, is given new context when seen in the Mediterranean countryside and its ancient olive trees. Here, in Italy’s eastern Marche, where the earth seems to breathe poetry in gently rolling hills adorned with the ribbons of vineyards, the X Gran Coupe Concept reflects its surroundings as a faceted gem, compressing the landscape’s splendor into a single, radiant form.

From a head-on perspective, the concept car exudes unmistakable athleticism, its sporty character radiating with confidence. But it’s when the car roars into motion that its true spirit comes alive. The widened fenders and sleekly lowered roofline create a commanding presence, evoking the raw power of a predator poised on the edge, muscles coiled and ready to leap. It is kinetic energy brought to life.

In profile, it is easy to see that the roof and cant rail of the concept have been naturally integrated, shaping a cabin that resembles the canopy of a sports car. The “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy, the signature of the brand, has been elevated into a more sculpted silhouette, reframing what luxury designs can encompass.

The extended fenders are specifically designed to create a three-dimensional look, establishing the car’s dynamic and commanding stance. The elongated Two-Line headlamps accentuate the car’s wide proportions, visually amplifying the car’s increased track with a confident, powerful presence.

The Two-Line headlamps, a signature of the Genesis brand, find new levels of refinement on the front of the X Gran Coupe Concept.  They frame the face of the vehicle with quiet authority, a luminous calling card that clearly announces identity even from afar.

The slightly sloped front windshield and lower roofline create a sleek, bold silhouette, setting the concept apart from sedans. Parked in the historic Piazza del Popolo in the Province of Ascoli Piceno, the X Gran Coupe Concept looks entirely at home, an elegant guest in a timeless square, mirroring stone, sky and shadow.

The wide lower air intake with sculpted grille mesh emphasizes the sporty character of the vehicle. Seen here in closeup, it’s an indrawn breath with purpose — cooling, focusing and readying the car for whatever comes next.

The striking combination of the minimalist five double-spoke design of the wheels and a layered treatment on the secondary spokes makes them a highlight. Altogether they catch the eye like fine jewelry from every angle; finishing notes that hum with intent.

Open the lengthened door and the first impression is scent: the subtle warmth of Genesis leather. Inside, greens and earth-browns, shades of olive leaf and Mediterranean soil, wrap the cabin. Tanned with tannins reclaimed from Italian olive oil production, the leathers create an atmosphere that is at once refined and reassuring, a testament to meticulous hands and patient craft.

Microperforated olive wood is used throughout the cabin, finished with a custom backlit graphic resembling olive leaves at dusk. The olive-wood line carries from front seat to back in one elegant sweep, visually elongating the cabin and reinforcing its sleek, athletic profile.

Genesis has created an exclusive lifestyle capsule collection to complement your journey with the X Gran Coupe Concept. This collection features accessories crafted from the same premium Pasubio leather as the concept’s interior. Each piece mirrors and extends the car’s quiet opulence from road to life.

Handmade by master Italian artisans, the trio — an iPad case, briefcase and garment bag — balances business and leisure with effortless poise. Together, they make the X Gran Coupe Concept an experience that travels with you wherever you go, even beyond the car.

The Genesis X Gran Coupe Concept established a new benchmark for luxury cars. It elevates the Athletic Elegance design philosophy already apparent in Genesis’ flagship G90 model into a more sculpted silhouette. Its design details, inspired by the Mediterranean countryside, both blend in and stand out even more in this picturesque Italian landscape. In every line, light and texture detail it fuses artistic beauty with exquisite craftsmanship, and in doing so, redraws the map of modern luxury.

Please see below for additional photos of the X Gran Coupe Concept:

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LE CASTELLET, France, Sept. 1, 2025 — Genesis Magma Racing has completed its first full tests with the GMR-001 Hypercar (GMR-001). The car completed more than 500 laps at Circuit Paul Ricard over five days of testing in late August to start the exhaustive development schedule to prepare for the team’s debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026.

First Running Concentrates on Confirming Major Systems

The focus of the tests was calibrating the GMR-001’s major mechanical and electrical systems. The drivers concentrated their feedback on the behavior of the car when running different configurations of software controlling the power delivered by the car’s 3.2-liter twin-turbo V-8.

“We had a program that we were able to follow, so that's very promising for the whole team,” said Genesis Magma Racing Technical Director FX Demaison. “At the moment, we’re purely focused on software, especially on the powertrain. It’s a hybrid car with many features that we need to manage properly.”

Beginning the first testing phase at Circuit Paul Ricard allowed the Genesis Magma Racing engineers to work together closely with chassis builder ORECA, taking full advantage of the track’s proximity to both the team’s race base and the workshop where the GMR-001 was built.

While the car’s systems remained the primary goal throughout the test, the team could also start to work on the handling balance of the car, assessing its behavior after each adjustment.

“We're getting to the point already where we are talking about the performance of the car, which I didn't honestly expect to be doing,” admitted Genesis Magma Racing Chief Engineer Justin Taylor. “The drivers are giving us the feedback we need on all the systems and on the side, they're already looking at how to make the GMR-001 fast.”

Drivers Take Positive First Impressions from Test Running

The tests were the first opportunity for the team and drivers André Lotterer and Pipo Derani to assess the car on race tires and at a circuit that was far more representative of WEC venues than the small facilities used for the initial running.

“On our first shakedowns, there were just baby steps to see that the car could move under its own power, could shift its own gears,” said Taylor. “Now we've been trying to push more towards being a real race car.”

“We had some driving on the smaller tracks, but you can't really push there,” said Lotterer. “The GMR-001 is obviously well born — the feedback is very natural, instinctive and it's fun to drive, but we are still working on everything.”

“It’s always an unknown when you jump into a new car,” added Derani. “You have high expectations, but with the GMR-001 we have a good base to start working from.”

Genesis Magma Racing Engineers Tackle Minor Issues at Circuit and Workshop

After initial short runs, the team was able to begin completing longer runs as early as the first morning of the test. As expected at any first test, minor issues were identified by the team. “It's a new car and new engine,” explained Demaison. “It's normal to have issues, but we have a good team of engineers to solve them as quickly as possible.”

He added, “This is why you go testing. We're here to see as many problems as possible and to be able to fix them as quickly as possible.”

The break between test days gave the team’s engineers time to work with their ORECA counterparts on solutions away from track, before confirming them on their return to the circuit. The testing and development work with the GMR-001 will continue over the coming months, with the next phases of work aiming to ensure the car’s reliability over a race distance, maximize performance, and confirm Genesis Magma Racing’s operational structure at the circuit.

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 CASTELLET, France, Aug. 13, 2025 — Genesis Magma Racing is preparing for the first full test of the GMR-001 Hypercar (GMR-001), following the completion of the first car by chassis partner ORECA, and a successful shakedown.

Appearing in bare carbon fiber, the car is the first of three development chassis to be built in the coming months to support the development and homologation of the GMR-001 ahead of its race debut in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship. 

Finished Car Brings Different Strands of Development Together 

The completion and shakedown of the first functioning GMR-001 chassis is the latest milestone for Genesis Magma Racing since the official announcement of the project last December. The rapid progress as the project continues according to schedule is the tangible sign of the ‘Hyperspeed’ philosophy at the heart of the team.

“We are at a time, where we seem to be passing milestones every day, but this is exactly what we must be doing.” said Genesis Magma Racing 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.”

He continued: “We are also starting the process of moving into the new Genesis Magma Racing facility at Le Castellet. The start of testing is the beginning of bringing the different streams of work together — the design and development of the chassis, the design and development of the engine, equipping a workshop and building the team.”

Preparations for First Tests Underway

Following the installation of the engine, hybrid system and gearbox, along with the successful fire-up of the car last month, ORECA mechanics completed the build, before delivering the car to Genesis Magma Racing engineers, who will take the lead in testing the car. As the chassis partner, ORECA will remain part of the long-term project, supporting the development of the GMR-001.

Genesis Magma Racing drivers André Lotterer and Pipo Derani, who will drive in the upcoming tests, have undertaken sessions in the simulator, completing calibration of the virtual model of the GMR-001 and establishing a baseline set-up to maximize the benefits from the first running. The final preparations for the first full test were completed at a successful shakedown of the car to check the mechanical and electrical systems, which gave both Lotterer and Derani their first chance to drive the GMR-001.

After the initial running, the team will embark on an extensive testing schedule at circuits around Europe, with findings from each test analyzed and applied by the team’s engineers and mechanics at the Genesis Magma Racing facility and confirmed by the drivers’ continuing simulator work.

Genesis Magma Racing Technical Director FX Demaison said: “Every bit of running we do with the GMR-001 Hypercar in 2025 is extremely valuable. The work in preparation that André and Pipo have done on the simulator and during the shakedown means that we have a good starting point for the first tests. Working with our chassis partners at ORECA throughout the testing and development, we can quickly take the data from each test, find a solution and validate it to be able to take full advantage of every moment.”

A shining example of this homage is the vibrant array of colors showcased across its concept and production vehicles, each deeply inspired by Korea’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. From the rugged majesty of Mount Halla on Jeju Island to the intricate artistry of “dancheong” — the colorful patterns of Korean roof architecture — these 10 iconic shades reflect Genesis cultural pride. Together, they tell a story of traditional beauty seamlessly blended with contemporary elegance, embodying the harmonious marriage of past and future in the world of luxury automobiles.

Hallasan Green

This striking exterior color, available on production models* like the G90, the G80 and the G70 Shooting Brake, is a direct tribute to Mount Halla, the majestic shield volcano on Jeju Island and Korea’s tallest mountain. This special color was developed as a deep, grayish green. During development, the focus was on achieving a hue that sits between blue and green, evoking the unique atmosphere of Jeju Island, where the blue sea, lush greenery and black basalt coexist in harmony. The color is a testament to the brand’s commitment to showcasing the beauty of its homeland in a tangible way.

Crane White

Inspired by the crane, a revered symbol in Korea representing nobility, sanctity and longevity, the pearlescent white that clads the exterior of the X Convertible Concept exudes purity and elegance. It’s a sophisticated choice for a luxury convertible, hinting at grace and timeless appeal.

Giwa Navy

This deep navy hue, used in the interior of the X Convertible Concept, takes its name from “giwa,” the distinctive dark roof tiles found on traditional Korean houses known as “hanok.” The color embodies the classic and serene aesthetic of Korean architecture, bringing a sense of calm and rootedness to the interior space.

Dancheong Orange

A vibrant orange used as an interior accent in the X Convertible Concept, Dancheong Orange draws its inspiration from dancheong, which are the elaborate and beautifully colorful patterns that adorn traditional Korean temples and palaces. This energetic shade signifies intricate beauty and cultural artistry, adding a dynamic touch to the luxurious cabin.

Inje Green

This metallic emerald green shade, used for the exterior of the X Speedium Coupe Concept, is named after Inje County in Gangwon Province. This region is renowned for its mountains and is home to a prominent circuit, Inje Speedium, where Genesis designers can really let loose on the racetrack. The belief that the pleasure of driving should be eternally pursued even in the era of electrification is reflected in the concept’s design. The choice of exterior color and its name were chosen with the same philosophy.

Signature Orange Color of Genesis Magma Program

This signature color for Genesis’ upcoming Magma model references Korea’s volcanic landscape, symbolizing the emotion, passion and vibrancy of the nation’s culture. Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke said of it, “The color symbolizes the self-confident and passionate attitude of Korea. There is a quiet, efficient, disciplined and humble first impression soon contrasted by a high-performing and extroverted attitude.” 

The orange shade was first used on the GV80 Coupe Concept. After that, it was used for all performance concepts like the X Gran Berlinetta, the G70 Track Taxi Nordschleife, the G80 Magma Special and others. Over time it has become a powerful statement of intent for the brand’s foray into high-performance vehicles. This idea is embodied in the Genesis Magma model, the first of which, the GV60 Magma, will soon be released. The same color is also used for the livery of Genesis Magma Racing, Genesis’ endurance racing team. The team will make its debut at the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC) and 2027 International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) SportsCar Championship in the Hypercar class with its GMR-001 Hypercar.

Midnight Black and Majestic Blue

Part of the two-tone exterior on the Neolun Concept, the two colors of Midnight Black and Majestic Blue are inspired by Korea’s serene nights. Together they evoke a sense of calm sophistication and bold presence, much like the quiet beauty of the Korean night sky. The deep hue of Majestic Blue completes the Neolun Concept’s dual-tone exterior. It adds a layer of depth and understated luxury, emphasizing the concept’s refined character.

Royal Indigo Cashmere and Purple Silk Leather

Royal Indigo cashmere and Purple Silk leather come together in the interior of the Neolun Concept to elevate the comforting ambiance of the cabin. The combination of soft, warm cashmere and matte leather dyed with Korean natural pigments, accented with translucent materials and real aluminum garnishes, create an unsuspecting harmony. This subtle detail is a nod to traditional Korean craftsmanship techniques and a unique touch that elevates the interior experience and reinforces the brand’s distinct identity.

As Genesis embarks on its next decade, these colors serve as more than just aesthetic choices. They are a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to its Korean heritage, weaving the nation's landscapes, traditions and artistic expressions into the very fabric of its luxury vehicles. This thoughtful approach to design ensures that every Genesis, whether a production model or a visionary concept, carries a piece of Korea's soul, offering a truly unique and culturally rich automotive experience.

Disclaimer: Color availability for production models may vary by region.

Mount Halla by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province
Red-crowned cranes by Klub Books on Pexels
Giwa by Gray_Rhee on Pixabay
Dancheong motifs by William Warby on Pexels
Inje Speedium by Inje Speedium
Magma by Björn Austmar Þórsson on Pexels

The coming of the production GV60 Magma is a statement of intent. It’s a declaration that Genesis is ready to take its place among the automotive elite. Let’s continue diving into the most iconic Genesis concept cars of the last 10 years that have brought the brand where it is today.

6. Genesis GV60 Magma Concept

The GV60 Magma Concept, revealed at the Genesis House New York in March 2024, is a high-performance variant of the GV60. The Magma program added a new dimension to Genesis, marking the brand’s expansion into the realm of high-performance vehicles. This debut signaled the company’s ambitions to develop a high-performance Magma model for each production vehicle in its existing lineup. This concept was also unique in that Genesis promised it would be headed for production.

The GV60 Magma Concept and its promise to deliver exhilarating driving experiences within its EV portfolio was proven at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in July 2024. There, Genesis triumphed in the Sunday Shootout 4-seater production car category with the GV60 Magma Concept with race and rally driver Gethin Jones at the wheel. Not only did it secure its class win, but it also achieved an impressive 16^th place overall. The concept car finished the 1.86-kilometer course in just 52.72 seconds.

The exterior design in the distinctive orange color of this concept harmonizes aesthetics with considerations for chassis, aerodynamics and thermodynamics. A wider and lower main air intake in the bumper effectively cools the batteries, motor and brakes, while air curtains enhance the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. The titanium-colored flow-formed 21-inch wheels also help cool the brakes with integrated aero discs. On the roof, fins have been strategically placed to control aerodynamic flow and channel it into the rear wing, generating rear downforce and ensuring fluidity.

The luxurious and sporty interior mirrors the distinctive exterior design of the concept. It features bucket seats with body-colored seatbacks upholstered in Nappa and suede leather with double-diamond stitching patterns in Magma’s iconic orange and titanium grey.

7. Genesis Neolun Concept

Unveiled along with the GV60 Magma Concept, the Neolun Concept was a bold exploration of ultimate luxury, minimalist design and innovative interior space. The name “Neolun” combines the Greek prefix “neo,” meaning new, and the Latin word “luna,” meaning moon, and symbolizes the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries. The concept offered a glimpse into Genesis’ vision for future flagship vehicles, emphasizing comfort, advanced technology and a profoundly luxurious passenger experience.

This large, opulent SUV concept focuses on creating a serene, lounge-like experience for its occupants. Its exterior is characterized by smooth, clean surfaces and is dominated by a strikingly beautiful B-pillarless coach door design. 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 their application to production vehicles is now feasible.

The doors open to reveal another highlight, as the Neolun Concept’s interior cabin represents a modern reinterpretation of Korea’s distinct hospitality culture. It features swiveling front seats that can face the rear passengers, a flexible heating system inspired by traditional Korean underfloor “ondol” heating integrated into the real-wood floor and dashboard, and a large, retractable roof display. The seats are embellished in Royal Indigo cashmere and Purple Silk leather, naturally dyed with organic pigments, setting a deeply relaxing mood.

8. Genesis GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle (MIV) Concept

The GV60 MIV Concept was revealed at the World Economic Forum 2025 in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2025. MIV is an acronym for Mountain Intervention Vehicle, underlining the multipurpose design considerations given to the design of this GV60 electric crossover concept. It showcases the brand’s capabilities in designing for any vehicle type, even one that is capable of both reconnaissance and rescue support in the most challenging of terrains.

The GV60 MIV Concept comes with snow tracks instead of conventional wheels with rubber tires and includes features such as sports seats, medical supplies, and emergency communications and warning systems that support mountain rescue operations in extreme conditions. Large carbon fiber fender flares ensure the safety of bystanders and occupants while also protecting the vehicle from damage. To maximize storage, a custom heavy-duty roof rack has been installed, while the rear hatch rack features modular attachment points for various equipment. Additionally, it has a vehicle-to-load system that allows it to supply power to auxiliary devices.

9. Genesis X Gran Coupe Concept and Genesis X Gran Convertible Concept

The X Gran Coupe Concept and X Gran Convertible Concept, which debuted at the Seoul Mobility Show in April 2025, both built upon the brand’s flagship G90. Both concepts demonstrate the brand’s future position as an emotionally evocative luxury brand through distinct typologies.

These concepts share several features that exemplify the further evolution of the “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy, including the characteristic Two-Line headlamps, which extend toward each model’s iconic Genesis Crest Grille. The 3D grille meshes are inspired by woven metal strings arranged in diamond-shaped Two Lines patterns. The wide lower air intakes with sculpted grille meshes emphasize the sporty character of the vehicles, while the elongated hoods create a dynamic silhouette. The widened Two-Line headlamps extend to the fenders, visually enhancing the increased track width.

Both concepts feature more steeply raked windscreens and lower roof heights for the cabins, resulting in audacious silhouettes. The doors on both models have also been lengthened to facilitate entrance and exit. The frameless windows slide down completely, revealing an uninterrupted window graphic. The fenders also have been widened to maximize the powerful presence of the two concepts. Aerodynamic wing sections finish the lower bodies, visually planting them firmly on the road.

X Gran Coupe Concept

The most iconic concept of the Genesis brand, it showcases Genesis’ philosophy of elegance and athleticism both with what is traditionally the most exclusive and unique body architecture in the luxury segment. For instance, the roof and cant rail of this concept have been visually integrated, shaping a cabin that resembles the canopy of a sports car. This also extends to the wheels, as the striking combination of a five double-spoke design and a layered treatment on the secondary spokes makes them a highlight from every angle.

The interior of this concept is inspired by the Mediterranean landscape, with the olive trees and earth tones providing the inspiration for the car’s colors and materials. Microperforated olive wood was used in the doors, and crystals in the steering wheel, center console and ventilation systems. Upon entering the vehicle, the scent of Genesis leather — crafted from naturally tanned material using wastewater from Italian olive oil production that is 100-percent chrome-free — delights the senses and enhances environmental sustainability. A fully quilted leather roof enriches the luxury ambiance, while the overhead console accommodates new functional enhancements.

X Gran Convertible Concept

Another interpretation of the flagship G90, this car showcases a typology that offers freedom of expression and a heightened open roof experience, which allows drivers a direct connection with the surrounding environment. The beltline has been extended further back, dividing the body from the soft-top roof. Also, its dynamic five-star wheels feature sculptural cross-sections that contrast with the Two Lines spokes. Finally, the burgundy red exterior color of the X Gran Convertible is reminiscent of pressed grapes.

The interior color takes similar inspiration, as it echoes the deep, rich hues of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the Livorno region of Italy. More crystals were used to elevate the sense of luxury while bringing warmth and depth to the cabin experience of the X Gran Convertible Concept. Paired with the soft materials of the seats and carpets, the crystals create a monochrome effect that highlights the grape blue tones of the interior.

10. Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar

The GMR-001 Hypercar was first announced in Dubai on Dec. 4, 2024, alongside the announcement of the creation of Genesis Magma Racing, the company’s new motorsport racing team. The car was portrayed as the centerpiece of Genesis’ motorsport ambitions and the embodiment of Genesis’ commitment to its Athletic Elegance design philosophy in a high-performance, endurance-ready package.

The Hypercar’s body is characterized by meticulous surface design, with each panel crafted to evoke movement even when the vehicle is at rest. 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. Genesis’ signature Two Lines lighting features prominently, boldly wrapping horizontally around the front and rear while seamlessly integrating into the car’s flowing bodywork to emphasize both width and aerodynamic intent. Also present is a sweeping Parabolic Line along its side profile, a Genesis hallmark that transitions fluidly from front to rear. The 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. This bodywork was crafted at Genesis Design Europe under the guidance of Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke.

Genesis Magma Racing unveiled its full-scale GMR-001 Hypercar and team identity, including livery and race suits, ahead of the 2025 New York International Auto Show. The livery of the GMR-001 Hypercar marries intensity with subtlety, dominated by the signature orange color, a hue symbolizing Korea’s vibrant energy. A gradient that flows from the vibrant orange at the front to deep red at the rear evokes a sense of speed and rising intensity, mirroring both the temperature of a high-performance engine and the acoustic shift of the Doppler effect. Integrated into the design are the Korean characters for Magma, “마그마.” The design incorporates the shape of the Korean consonants “ㅁ,” “ㄱ” and “ㅁ” as its foundational elements, creating geometric patterns that serve as a dynamic visual representation of Genesis’ heritage.

The GMR-001 Hypercar serves as the groundwork for Genesis Magma Racing’s debut at the 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC) and 2027 International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) SportsCar Championship in the Hypercar class. Endurance racing represents one of the most prestigious and challenging disciplines in motorsport, demanding speed, reliability and strategy over extended periods. Genesis Magma Racing is currently undergoing a “year of learning,” working in partnership with IDEC Sport to compete in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), providing its drivers and team members the opportunity to learn their roles and experience the demands and stresses of endurance racing ahead of the 2026 WEC.

Development of the GMR-001 Hypercar recently reached a major milestone with the first fire-up of the car taking place at Le Castellet, France.

Read Part 1 of this series exploring Genesis’ decade of visionary design through its most iconic concept cars.

The X Gran Equator Concept’s design tells a story of transformation. Its exterior, with clean lines, dark wheel arch cladding and 24-inch beadlock wheels, signals a readiness to tackle the wild. Geometric auxiliary lamps and a split-opening tailgate merge innovation with practicality, anchored by Genesis’ signature Two-Line headlamps. It’s a concept built to move seamlessly between sophistication and adventure.

But this concept is more than a standalone statement. It builds on over a decade of groundbreaking concept cars, each a bold step in Genesis’ evolution. These vehicles are more than creative exercises — they are foundational to the brand, expressing their distinctly Korean roots, technological ambitions and daring redefinition of luxury.

In this two-part series, join us as we dive into the most iconic Genesis concept cars of the past decade — 10 remarkable designs that have challenged conventions, captured imaginations and offered glimpses into the brand’s exciting trajectory.

1. Genesis Essentia Concept

The Essentia Concept is a grand tourer (GT) concept that boldly expanded the boundaries of Genesis’ design philosophy. Revealed at the New York International Auto Show in March 2018, it marked Genesis’ debut into the electric vehicle (EV)-based high-performance GT segment as the brand’s first battery EV. This concept car embodied the vision of a cutting-edge, all-electric luxury coupé. More than just a design study, the Essentia was a statement of intent, demonstrating Genesis’ ambition to create thrilling, beautiful EVs that blend advanced technology with passionate and progressive design.

The Essentia Concept’s exterior masterfully reinterpreted Genesis’ “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy, featuring a carbon-fiber monocoque with a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette and a low roofline, long hood and swept-back cabin. These elements are connected by the iconic Parabolic Line that gracefully runs along the shoulder of the car through to the muscular rear wheel arches. Dramatic butterfly doors enable effortless and elegant access to the vehicle. The rear of the car features an aerodynamic cut-off surface that houses the flush rear quad lamps and emphasizes the muscles of the rear haunch.

Inside, the cabin’s underlying design theory maximizes the connection between the car and driver. A mixed-material approach influenced by high fashion and classic color combinations includes cognac leather seats with chevron quilting. The driver and front seat passenger are divided by a slim center console covered in Oxford Blue leather that bisects the cabin. In front of the driver is an 8-inch widescreen display with piano black surround that displays only the information that is necessary for driving.

2. Genesis Mint Concept

The Mint Concept, unveiled at the 2019 New York International Auto Show in April, reimagined the concept of a luxury urban EV. The compact two-door, two-seater concept – a new typology – was designed for contemporary urban metropolises and demonstrated that luxury is not linked to size. The Mint Concept emphasized lightweight design and an intelligent, efficient electric powertrain, showcasing Genesis’ ability to think beyond traditional luxury segments and address future urban mobility needs.

With its clean, elegant surfaces, the organic exterior design is characterized by restraint and refinement. Features like the quad lamps that transport the brand’s Two Lines signature, G-Matrix graphics and Parabolic Line were carried over into production vehicles later. It is painted in Hunter Green matte, a nod towards traditional luxury cars, but more modern and fashionable. The most distinctive aspect is its innovative scissor-style openings that give side access to a generous parcel shelf in lieu of a traditional trunk. This design was created to facilitate loading the car in a more logical fashion, from the sidewalk, without blocking the walkway or needing to go around the back of the vehicle.

The interior was one of the first instances where the company showcased its “Beauty of White Space” interior design philosophy. Derived from a Korean aesthetic in which design is pared back and minimalistic, it brings a sense of calmness and expansiveness to the cabin. This is accomplished by structuring the interior to feel like a living space through craftsmanship, using lightweight textiles, cognac leather and mullion-free windows. Additionally, the center console can be folded, making the floating front bench into a settee. A small gauge cluster sits within the steering wheel further amplifying the feeling of space, while six small, copper-lined touchscreen readouts allow instinctive commands without losing sight of the road or contact with the steering wheel.

3. Genesis X Trilogy

The X Trilogy, revealed one at a time in succession, comprises the X Concept, the X Speedium Coupe Concept and the X Convertible Concept. This captivating trio celebrated Genesis’ Athletic Elegance design language in diverse forms, emphasizing the brand’s design capabilities and future direction for electric GTs. The “X” stands for “hidden hero” and the exploration of various potential designs for the brand.

X Concept

Revealed in March 2021, the X Concept is a high-performance GT concept that maximizes the use of the brand’s signature Two Lines design elements. The front of the X Concept features a low yet broad silhouette thanks to the combination of the shield-shaped Crest Grille and the Two-Line headlamps, which cut through the wheel arch. The car’s unique color, Lençóis Blue, was inspired by the lagoons of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil, which form into a lake during the rainy season, and was developed to express the level of sustainable luxury that Genesis pursues.

Inspired by the Beauty of White Space, the concept’s interior features a driver-oriented design, with a cockpit that surrounds the driver with all operating systems and displays. The space is further differentiated by coloring the driver’s seat scotch brown and the passenger seat an ocean wave green blue, which helps emphasize the concept car’s unique design. The entire interior is also made with upcycled materials that add unique character and highlight the concept’s eco-friendliness. The Two Lines design theme appears in the slim and indirect air vents that surround passengers, as well as the side window molding, and provides a sense of unity with the exterior design.

X Speedium Coupe Concept

The X Speedium Coupe Concept, revealed at Genesis House New York in April 2022, emphasized Genesis’ continued exploration of high-performance EVs with a unique and emotionally resonant design. The concept was born out of a freestyle design exercise that previewed what prospective owners of Genesis could expect from the marque’s next wave of EVs. The name Speedium was inspired by the passion for motorsports that was felt by Genesis designers at the Korean racetrack of the same name. It also encapsulates Genesis’ belief that passion for driving will remain strong in the era of electrification.

The X Speedium Coupe Concept inherited the timeless Athletic Elegance design philosophy of Genesis in an even more progressive way. While still a GT, its design hinted at future performance aspirations, as the Parabolic Line extending from the front to the rear of the car maintains a certain tension in the design. The deliberate “anti-wedge” design culminates in a streamlined look that exudes understated elegance.

On the front of the vehicle, Genesis’ signature Two Lines lamps have evolved into a full-width element that encompasses the shape of the crest resembling the Genesis Crest Grille. It was designed to carry the brand signature for the electrification era by integrating the daytime running lamps with the low beam and high beam together.

The concept’s metallic emerald green exterior shade is officially called “Inje Green” and references the mountainous landscape where its namesake Korean racetrack is located.

The interior remains conceptual, focusing on the connection between driver and vehicle. Its two-tone interior clearly distinguishes the passenger space from the driver’s cockpit, set in “Pinegrove Green,” which perfectly complements the car’s exterior color.

X Convertible Concept

The X Convertible Concept was unveiled in November 2022. The crowning third concept in the trilogy, the X Convertible Concept materialized the brand’s Athletic Elegance design language in its purest form yet. Sharing its architecture and electric powertrain with the X Concept and X Speedium Coupe Concept, the car’s ideal proportions are complemented by design purity and exemplify the continued refinement in orchestrating design elements that make up the company’s design language. The X Convertible Concept reinforced Genesis’ commitment to emotionally evocative design and its ability to translate its luxury aesthetic into various body styles, including a captivating convertible.

Sharing the athletic proportions, Parabolic Line and Two-Line headlamps of its coupe counterparts, its exterior also has muscular blisters around the wheels that form an athletic Coke bottle plan view and integrate into an elegant silhouette when viewed from the side. Its long bonnet, generous dash-to-axle, short front overhang and long wheelbase are drawn rearwards towards the long deck, accentuating its stately yet relaxed poise. The Genesis X Convertible Concept's exterior is painted in Crane White. White cranes represent nobility and sanctity in Korea and Genesis wanted to weave these cultural elements into its colorways. The result is an exterior surface coated in white with pearl particles, achieving a luxurious sheen that dynamically frames the contrasting interior.

The interior features Giwa Navy and Dancheong Orange colors, which lend the cabin a modern look and feel, befitting the car’s vibrant character. These colors are inspired by Korean traditional roof architecture, a nod to both the brand’s origins as well as the most important aspect of convertibles. Giwa Navy takes its shade from the distinctive “giwa” dark roof tiles used on many traditional Korean buildings, while the inspiration for Dancheong Orange is one of the complementing shades of the decorative colorings, or “dancheong,” also found on traditional Korean wooden buildings. The latter serves as a bold accent color, encircling the cabin in a two-line motif and featuring on the stitching of the seats and fabric.

4. Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept

The GV80 Coupe Concept, unveiled at Genesis House New York in April 2023, combines the practicality of a lifestyle-oriented SUV with the dynamism of a sports car. It was a statement of intent for more emotionally resonant, performance-oriented models and a preview of Genesis’ future direction. The GV80 Coupe Concept promised a dynamic and stylish alternative for Genesis enthusiasts, combining practicality with a strong dose of performance-oriented design.

This concept expertly blends the robust and commanding stance of an SUV with the sleek, sloping roofline characteristic of a coupe. It was the first Genesis concept to appear with a solid orange exterior color, which symbolizes the confident and passionate attitude of Korea. It also features a more aggressive front fascia sporting a double G-Matrix-patterned Crest Grille surrounded by quad lamps, which pair well with the unique five-spoke forged aluminum wheels and carbon fiber roof. All these design elements contribute to the concept’s dynamic driving qualities by lowering the center of gravity, emphasizing the vehicle’s sporty character.

The interior is a contrast between Genesis’ elegant Beauty of White Space philosophy and athletic attributes. It includes a three-spoke steering wheel, which emphasizes the sportiness of the GV80 Coupe Concept and contrasts with the black Nappa and suede leather with plaid double stitching, orange piping and carbon fiber weaves on the functional surfaces. The four bucket seats provide increased body support during cornering, contributing to passenger safety and comfort.

5. Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept and Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo (VGT) Concept

The X Gran Berlinetta Concept and the X Gran Racer VGT Concept delved deeper into Genesis’ performance aspirations and commitment to motorsports-inspired design, particularly within the digital realm. The Orange color of both concepts embodies Genesis’ high-performance spirit of Magma.

X Gran Berlinetta Concept

This stunning virtual race car was first designed specifically for the Gran Turismo video game series. Unveiled at the Gran Turismo World Series Finals in Barcelona in December 2023, it pushed the boundaries of automotive design with its extreme proportions, active aerodynamic features and a clear focus on track performance.

The X Gran Berlinetta Concept’s exterior embodies the most emotionally resonant expression of the Genesis brand’s characteristic Athletic Elegance design philosophy. Its design is pure and muscular with volumes centered around the wheels, emphasizing the cab-backwards proportions with Genesis’ typical anti-wedge attitude that is structured around a virtual parabolical tensioned theory common to the company’s lineup. Its dramatic lines and functional aerodynamics were originally conceived to dominate virtual racetracks.

X Gran Racer VGT Concept

A derivative of the earlier revealed Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept, this was the brand’s fourth vehicle developed for the Gran Turismo digital racing game series.

It has distinctive active aerodynamic flaps that are electronically controlled for precise adjustments to enhance the car’s aerodynamic qualities and road-holding capabilities, while the flat underbody design further reduces drag and improves vehicle stability. Additional aerodynamic enhancements include a front splitter, rear diffuser, strategically placed canards on the front fascia and a more aggressive rocker panel. The design also features the marque’s signature Parabolic Line that extends from the front to rear, which results in a timeless proportion that epitomizes Genesis’ aesthetic. Its iconic silhouette is filled out by voluminous fenders and a real carbon rear wing, giving it a look that exudes an aura of dynamism and raw power.

Check out Part 2 where we continue to explore a decade of visionary design through Genesis’ most iconic concept cars.

LE CASTELLET, France, July 24, 2025 — Development of Genesis Magma Racing’s GMR-001 Hypercar passed another major milestone on July 9, with the first fire-up of the car taking place at Le Castellet, France, exactly on schedule.

The moment was not only a key stage in the overall project, which will bring Genesis Magma Racing into the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). It was also a pivotal moment in the build of the first development car that will be used during the team’s on-track testing during the rest of the year.

GMR-001 Hypercar Comes to Life in Latest Landmark Moment

Work to build the GMR-001 Hypercar development chassis began immediately after the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Taking place at ORECA's workshop, close to the location of Genesis Magma Racing’s race base and Circuit Paul Ricard, the initial build work was completed by ORECA's experienced technicians, with mechanics and engineers from Genesis Magma Racing involved at key stages.

The installation and fire-up of the V-8 twin-turbo engine was one such vital point. “In a project like this, you have certain dates circled and this was one of them,” said Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul. “The car fire-up was the GMR-001 Hypercar coming to life — a huge step in the story of Genesis Magma Racing. To reach this point on schedule is already a huge achievement and a perfect way to start the next stage of the development process.”

The car fire-up marked the latest landmark in the development of the powertrain of the GMR-001 Hypercar. As well as running the engine though a rev range in each of the seven gears in the transmission, engineers were also able to test the car’s hybrid system, charging the batteries from the engine and then directing the energy to the rear driveshafts, as would happen on track.

Work on the engine began in June 2024 with Hyundai Motorsport’s Powertrain Department starting work on the design, which is derived from the motor in the team’s championship winning FIA World Rally Championship entries. The engine was first successfully fired up in February. Since then, the company’s engineers have put the engine and transmission through months of testing on different dynos to validate simulations of performance and efficiency. The successful integration of the engine into the GMR-001 Hypercar chassis now opens the way to the next stage of testing and development work, with the first track running planned for the end of August.

Car Build Process Combines Expertise of Different Departments and Partners

The close cooperation between Genesis Magma Racing and the team’s chassis partner, ORECA, has been central throughout the car build and fire-up process, with the two groups working in tandem to meet the tight deadlines dictated by the GMR-001 Hypercar's development schedule.

Genesis Magma Racing Technical Director François-Xavier Demaison said, “The car build has been about bringing everything together — all the expertise we have within Genesis Magma Racing and at ORECA.”

He added, “It’s now when we can start physically connecting all the different strands of development work that we’ve been following for the last year with our powertrain and design teams. The successful GMR-001 Hypercar fire-up is confirmation of our work so far, but also the start of the next stage of the development that comes with testing.”

The final stages of the car build are still continuing, with ORECA and Genesis Magma Racing staff members now completing the first car for the start of testing, before switching focus to further chassis to accelerate the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar before the homologation process for the 2026 season begins.

SEOUL, July 21, 2025 — Genesis has won three distinctions in the Cars and Motorcycles category at the 2025 Red Dot Award for its concept design, showcasing its outstanding design capability in exploring different typologies.

X Gran Coupe Concept, X Gran Convertible Concept: Reinterpretation of the G90 for Modern Lifestyle

First revealed at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show in April, the X Gran Coupe Concept and the X Gran Convertible Concept are both based on the G90, maintaining the flagship model’s distinctive Two-Line headlamps and Crest Grille.

The two concepts take the brand’s design philosophy of “Athletic Elegance” a step further to accentuate the dynamic volume of the vehicles through the B-pillar-less design, elongated bonnet and flared fenders.  

In the rear, multiple elements including slim tail lamps, integrated lettering, a spoiler edge and dual mufflers come together to complete a sporty yet elegant look.

The X Gran Coupe Concept, inspired by the tranquil Mediterranean landscape and its olive trees, sports a deep olive-green color coupled with cognac leather.

Meanwhile, the X Gran Convertible Concept finds its inspiration from the picturesque vineyards and fresh eucalyptus trees, featuring a burgundy-red exterior that resembles the color of pressed grapes, while the interior is finished in deep blue leather and eucalyptus wood.

X Gran Equator Concept: The Ultimate Adventure Vehicle

Unveiled for the first time at the Genesis House in April, the X Gran Equator Concept is named after the “finest stallion” in the world of Arabian horses, symbolizing endurance, agility and refined power. As the brand's first adventure vehicle concept, the X Gran Equator Concept merges the Athletic Elegance design philosophy with the rugged spirit of overlapping.

Inspired by reductive design principles, the X Gran Equator Concept’s exterior emphasizes clean lines and uncluttered surfaces. A long hood, sleek cabin and fast C-pillars form a silhouette that is distinct from conventional SUVs, while dark wheel-arch cladding and 24-inch beadlock wheels highlight its off-road capability. The geometric auxiliary lamps and split-opening tailgate blend practicality with Genesis’ signature Two-Line headlamps.

"In a luxury brand, a large coupe and a convertible serve as the icons for the brand,” said SangYup Lee, Head of Genesis Global Design. “They are the ultimate expression of the Athletic Elegance design philosophy.”

As one of the world’s most distinguished design competitions, the Red Dot Design Award is acclaimed as a hallmark of design excellence. Among the three disciplines of the competition, the Red Dot Design Award for Design Concept honors cutting-edge and innovative design concepts in varying stages of product development each year.

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.

The Genesis Magma Racing Trajectory Program supports drivers’ development, working toward promoting them into the Genesis Magma Racing Hypercar lineup for the 2026 FIA WEC.

Fresh off the heels of an exhilarating start to the season where she scored an Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) class victory with her teammates at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in April and also won the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) at the Circuit Paul Ricard in May, Jamie Chadwick is poised to leave an indelible mark on the track and beyond while inspiring a new generation of race drivers across the globe.

Chadwick recently took some time out of her busy schedule to speak to the Genesis Newsroom about her journey with Genesis Magma Racing, highlighting the innovative spirit, advanced technology and collaborative team dynamics that have further fueled her passion and ambition for motorsports.

What were your initial impressions of the Genesis Magma Racing team, and what aspects of the team and technology drew you to join the Trajectory Program?

My initial impressions were that it’s an incredible Program, and obviously one that I would love to be a part of. Obviously, hypercar now is becoming one of the most competitive forms of motor sport out there. So, for the Genesis brand to be aligning with it, and coming into it, and starting for us with the Trajectory Program has been incredibly exciting. The team members that they’ve brought in, particularly coming from the World Rally Championship, bring a huge amount of experience, and that’s really exciting. And then, from a technology point of view, I think what we’re seeing with the hypercar technology, the hybrid engines, and then obviously being tested at some of the hardest races in the world, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is incredibly exciting.

You’ve had a front-row seat since the beginning. What excites you most about being a part of this journey?

I think for me the most exciting part is the potential Trajectory, to use the term of the Program that I’m a part of, yeah, obviously, the hypercar is very much the end goal of my career. It’s the highest category of endurance racing, and a level I’d love to reach that is hugely competitive at the moment as well. So, I think what excites me is seeing that pathway and then being part of a team that I think can have a huge amount of success within the FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC]. It’s great to be a part of, and it’s cool to see it from the very beginning, its inception.

You were in Dubai for the launch of Genesis Magma Racing in December last year. What was that moment like for you, standing beside the car that’s redefining both your career and the brand?

It’s incredibly exciting. I think for me, seeing any road car manufacturer come into our sport and into endurance racing, is always very cool to see. But also, when you look at the people that are surrounding the GMR-001 Hypercar project — the likes of Andre Lotterer, Cyril, Pipo, Jacky Ickx — being a part of the brand is incredibly exciting.  I think it shows that they are going to be a force when they come into the WEC.

How do you and the team leverage telemetry and other data and analytics to redefine or to refine both your driving techniques and race strategies during a competitive race weekend?

Using data and the technology we have available to us is hugely important. It’s instant. We can use it immediately to change things, to improve, to see what’s better, what’s worse. It’s a big part of our sport, and it’s part of the reason I love the sport so much — getting that immediate feedback, especially when you’re working with so many experienced people within our team. It really helps us, I think, particularly on the strategy side. Being able to make quick decisions with the information that you and the engineers have available has definitely helped us with the results that we’ve had. And then, from a driving point of view, you can see exactly where you need to improve. With the experienced teammates that I have as well, that really helps us make quick improvements.

This year for learning has already brought strong results for the team. How would you describe the collective effort behind those performances, and what has been the key to that success?

This year so far, we’ve had a lot more success than I think we were anticipating early on. We came into the season just wanting to learn as much as possible. We loosely gave ourselves a top five target, but winning the LMP2 in the opening two races of the European Le Mans Series championship has definitely exceeded our expectations. I really think the reason for it has been the big team element. I think we’ve worked really well, particularly from a strategy point of view. We haven’t made big mistakes, and we’ve managed to kind of pick up and make the most of others, in that sense, in two tricky races that haven’t been easy to manage. So, yeah, I think teamwork has been a huge part of it. We’ve had a really reliable and good car for the last few races as well. So, fingers crossed, we can keep that momentum going forwards.

What are you most eager to achieve in the long run?

I think in the long run my ultimate goal is to go to hypercar and compete at the highest level of endurance racing. In the short term, I obviously want to try and win more races in the ELMS championship, and with Le Mans coming up soon as well, of course, the goal is to go there and get the best result possible in our first 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Transitioning from other racing series to the Genesis Magma Racing Program presents unique challenges. Can you discuss how you’ve adapted, and what lessons you’ve learned so far?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is, I think, trying to adapt as much as possible. The car, every time you get in, is slightly different. You’ve got to constantly adapt to what you have, the different conditions, the different circumstances that you have in a race. So, the biggest lesson has to be adapting. And then, obviously, in an endurance race, it’s a long race, so it’s not all made or won in your stint. Often just trying to do the best job you can in that moment, make the most of the strategy you’ve got, and then giving the car to make the finishes is the biggest thing. And the main way that I feel like I’ve been able to adapt is by having a really good team with a lot of experience, which has helped me learn quickly. The IDEC Sport team has a huge amount of experience in this category, and I think being able to lean on them and have their support has helped a lot too.

What is the hardest lesson you’ve learned in motorsport?

I think that it doesn't matter what level you get to, you still have to work hard, and you’re always still learning. I think, in motorsport, it is never going to be plain sailing. The good days are always the good days, but to have those moments come together isn’t always easy. There are so many variables in our sport that it takes a lot for everything to come together. So yeah, you have a lot more bad days than good days, but stay motivated and hungry for it, even in those days, and work hard for when it goes right again.

After your recent impressive victories at Barcelona-Catalunya and Paul Ricard, how has that success influenced your confidence and mindset for the rest of the season?

I think it’s changed the goalposts that we’ve set for ourselves. I think coming into the season we definitely wanted to learn as much as possible, but we gave ourselves no target on results, and now I think the recent wins have given us a little bit more of a higher focus for the rest of the season, particularly with regards to the championship. And I think confidence-wise, we know we’ve got two races under our belt. We know what we’ve been capable of achieving as a team and as a group. So, carrying that now into the rest of the year, knowing what we’re capable of, I think, is a really positive thing and has definitely given us a slightly higher target for the rest of the season.

How do you usually prepare for the race, both on and off track? Do you have any personal routines or rituals that help you stay grounded?

I try not to set too many rituals or routines, but a lot of the preparation for me away from the track is physical preparation. Yeah, obviously, being new to endurance racing, long stints in the car, the physicality is something that I work hard on. And then preparation with the team at IDEC Sport, simulator preparation, trying to understand the race weekend as best as possible before going into it, particularly for something like Le Mans, is going to be a big part of it.

You’ve stepped into Formula One commentary. Has that experience changed your view of racing or influenced your approach as a driver?

I feel like I now have a different view on things, having seen it from the other side of the microphone or the camera. I also think F1 is at such a high level now, we can all learn so much from there. Being able to see it up close and analyze a lot of different situations, whether that be from a technical or driving point of view, I feel like I’m learning every day being able to do that. So, it’s given me a new perspective. It’s something I enjoy. I love being part of the Formula One Grand Prix. So yeah, it’s definitely helped influence my approach as a driver.

As a successful woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport, what unique strengths do you bring to the track, and what message would you share to aspiring female drivers?

I would say, I don't think too much about being a woman at the track when I’m competing in my own right. I just want to do the best job possible. But at the same time, I think I’m proud to try and do as much as I can for the next generation of female drivers. I think the sport is drastically changing, and particularly in endurance racing, we’re seeing a huge shift of female talent. There are so many great opportunities for women now in our sport. I think we’ve now seen five women on the top step in the ELMS alone, which is incredible to see. So, I think my message to young, aspiring female drivers would be to not let anything put you off — keep pushing.

Can you share your favorite memory with Genesis Magma Racing so far?

I’d say my favorite memory would definitely be that first win at Barcelona, mainly because we weren’t expecting it. But it was such a special weekend for all of us on the team — the first race, officially, for Genesis Magma Racing, and first win. And to have a lot of the team members that have been a part of it since the beginning all there sharing that moment was very special.

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.”

MARKHAM, Canada, May 1, 2025 — Genesis Motors Canada is proud to unveil the Genesis G70 Track Day Special Concept, a one-off project vehicle that embodies the brand’s passion for high-performance driving and refined luxury. The concept symbolizes one of the many emotionalizing steps Genesis is taking as a brand.

Making its world premiere in Canada this spring, the one-of-a-kind project vehicle builds upon the thrilling foundation of the Genesis Track Taxi Nordschleife, a dedicated performance experience that lets passengers feel the full potential of the Genesis G70 on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. It pays homage to the dynamic G70 sport sedan that's been rigorously engineered and fine-tuned for the legendary Nürburgring.

The project vehicle has been designed to mirror the low, sporty stance of the G70 Track Taxi Nordscheliefe. The G70 Track Day Special Concept features the same suspension setup, wheels and tires as the track taxi model, along with extra body enhancements like hood air vents as well as front and rear tow cables, giving it an unmistakably sporty appearance. Its striking rear wing allows for optimal aerodynamics, and the vehicle also includes “Nordschleife” graphics on the front fenders and the rear.

Equipped with 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and designed to deliver an uncompromising track experience, the G70 Track Day Special Concept enhances the dynamic capabilities of the award-winning G70 sport sedan. Its looks represent a fresh interpretation of the G70 Track Taxi Nordschleife, designed to conquer the infamous “Green Hell.” Its livery adopts a bold new look that stays true to the original concept while incorporating a playful twist and maintaining visual harmony with the original orange-colored G70 Track Taxi Nordscheliefe.

From immersive displays to inspirational sampling zones, here are highlights of the event.

Unfolding a New Era

The unveiling of the X Gran Coupe Concept and the X Gran Convertible Concept comes shortly ahead of Genesis’ 10th anniversary, which falls in November this year.

Ilhoon Yoon, Head of Genesis Design who presented the inspiration behind both concepts during a press event at the show, shared that the G90 flagship model is continuously evolving, allowing Genesis to showcase more interpretations and possibilities.

The tranquil Mediterranean landscape was the muse for the X Gran Coupe Concept, with the olive trees and earth tones providing the inspiration for the car’s colors and materials. Microperforated olive wood was used in the doors, while the interior was crafted with eco-friendly chrome-free leather, naturally tanned using wastewater from the olive oil refining process.

The inspiration for the X Gran Convertible Concept was no less romantic. “The concept mirrors the leisurely setting of vineyards and the freshness of the eucalyptus,” Yoon said. The colors and style of the burgundy-red exterior of the convertible were inspired by the colors of pressed grapes, he continued, mentioning that the blue interior draws upon the “deep, delicate shade of ripe Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.”

Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke remarked that the design of the interior and exterior of both concepts was derived from the brand’s guiding “Beauty of White Space” principle, stressing he was “adamant that good design is reduction.”

A Place in Motorsports

Cyril Abiteboul, Team Principal of Genesis Magma Racing, also took the stage to present the luxury brand’s motorsport ambitions.

“For Genesis, motorsport is an opportunity to redefine luxury performance and demonstrate how elegance and engineering excellence can coexist,” he said. “We aim to elevate the sport by introducing new standards of design, innovation and hospitality.”

During his presentation, Abiteboul laid out plans for the brand to enter Le Mans next year and then to add two additional cars and join the IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA) in 2027. “Altogether, they will provide a global platform of 20 races for Genesis to compete against some of the most iconic brands in the world.”

Dazzling Exhibition of Korean Luxury

Visitors to the Genesis pavilion at the show were treated to a carefully curated exhibit and experiences. The pavilion was designed to convey Genesis’ distinctly Korean heritage by engaging each of the five senses, known in Korean as “ogam.”

Several Genesis models were on display in and around the booth, which included the G90, the GV80 Coupe Black, the redesigned GV60, the Electrified GV70 and the GV60 Magma Concept, with the X Gran Coupe Concept and the X Gran Convertible Concept taking center stage.

Genesis Magma

One immersive installation featured a half-scale model of the highly anticipated GMR-001 Hypercar enclosed by LED screen walls, giving visitors the experience of being surrounded by its namesake fiery, molten magma.

In adjoining spaces, visitors were able to view the GV60 Magma Concept up close and also dress up as a Genesis Magma Racing driver for a photoshoot with a 360-degree camera to take home a special photo souvenir.

GV80 Coupe Black

Stepping into the hidden interior of the booth, visitors first encountered a Genesis GV80 Coupe Black ensconced in a shadowy corner. The overhead lighting accentuated its striking and bold presence, allowing its carefully formulated light-reflecting black exterior paint to show off the car’s dynamic and sweeping curves.

Surrounding the vehicle was a wall installation explaining how various exterior and interior features of the car were all blacked out, along with a display playing informative videos about the model.

Genesis Collection

Genesis also introduced its exclusive merchandise line, the Genesis Collection, at the show, displaying a range of products including small-scale models of Genesis vehicles, jacket patches, key rings and scent diffusers, each adorned with Genesis branding and colors.

Motorsports afficionados could also find Genesis Magma Racing collectibles in the signature Magma orange, with branding inspired by Korean characters.

The collection featured Genesis teddy bear keychains in three unique versions: a Genesis Magma Racing driver with an orange helmet; a Jacky Ickx teddy bear honoring the legendary racer and Genesis Brand Partner in blue racing overalls with a matching helmet; and a golfer teddy bear, each representing different facets of the Genesis brand.

Genesis Scents

Luxury is all about refinement in small things. Genesis bespoke scents further elevate the luxury experience, with three signature fragrances “Coming Home,” “Down to Earth” and “Jaunty Breeze.” All three scents are incorporated into Genesis spaces, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the brand’s unique mood.

To offer a distinct scent for each area of the booth, a scent diffusion system was utilized at Seoul Mobility Show. This multisensory experience enhanced the sense of luxury and added a uniquely Genesis touch.

Genesis Color Story

At Genesis, every color takes inspiration from different locations around the globe. The Genesis Color Story zone shared the origins behind each exterior color the brand offers. The interactive display featured paint samples that, when placed on the near-field communication (NFC) receiver of the console, played a video that explained the inspiration for the color and the philosophy behind the choice.

Exclusive Genesis Owners’ Lounge

When a Genesis owner came to the booth and presented their Genesis key fob, they were invited to enter an exclusive area within the booth — the second-floor Genesis Owners’ Lounge. The lounge offered a relaxing space where owners could enjoy tea, coffee and light refreshments.

As the concept cars were inspired by the beauty of the Mediterranean, the Genesis Owners’ Lounge offered cannoli, embodying the spirit and tradition of Sicily, in collaboration with Korean star chef Sam Kim.

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.