Genesis, the luxury division of Hyundai, is stepping into the motorsports arena with the formation of Genesis Magma Racing. They plan to enter two-car teams in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) in 2026 and 2027, respectively.
Leading the team is Cyril Abiteboul, a renowned figure from Hyundai Motorsport. Veteran racers André Lotterer and Luis 'Pipo' Derani will handle development and race duties.
The team has unveiled the GMR-001 Hypercar, designed for the LMDh category. This car, featuring a turbocharged V-8 with a hybrid system, will be a key contender in their lineup.
Luxury brands have long been intertwined with racing—Ferrari, Mercedes, and Porsche dominate tracks worldwide. Genesis is now aiming to carve its niche among these giants, hoping that track success will boost showroom sales.
The new team was officially launched in Dubai on December 4, aligning with the Formula 1 season finale. They plan to enter WEC in 2026, while their IMSA debut is set for 2027.
Genesis Magma Racing is collaborating with IDEC Sport to field an LMP2 team in the 2025 European Le Mans season. Notable drivers include Logan Sargeant, Jamie Chadwick, and promising young French talent Mathys Jaubert.
The GMR-001 showcases aesthetics inspired by Genesis's road cars, featuring distinctive headlights and sleek aerodynamics. It's built to adhere to regulations and aims to deliver 670 horsepower, though specifics on engine configurations remain under wraps.
With their ambitious entry into high-stakes racing, Genesis is poised to challenge the conventional champions. The success of this endeavor could redefine the brand's image and dramatically impact sales.
Summary: Genesis Magma Racing is set to make waves in motorsports by entering WEC and IMSA with the promising GMR-001 Hypercar. Guided by experienced leaders and talented drivers, Genesis aims to compete with established racing elites and possibly leverage their track success to boost sales.
