Starting in 2026, Genesis Magma Racing will enter two cars in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), with plans to join the US IMSA series by 2027. Supported by Hyundai Motorsport, Genesis is assembling a formidable team, led by ex-Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul. With three-time Le Mans winner André Lotterer as a driver, the cars will be operated by ORECA Motorsport from their Paul Ricard base in France.
Though details on the GMR-001’s hybrid powertrain are scarce, it's confirmed to house a turbocharged V8 engine derived from Hyundai's WRC endeavors. Built to LMDh standards, the car will feature rear-wheel drive, deliver 698bhp—67bhp of which comes from the electric component—and weigh at least 1,030 kg.
The series is bustling with competition, including automotive giants like Porsche, Toyota, Ferrari, and Aston Martin, each entering two cars as mandated by FIA rules. Genesis’ venture aligns with Hyundai's broader motorsport ambitions, aiming to translate their rally racing prowess to endurance circuits.
The program's kickoff involves fielding an LMP2 car in the European Le Mans Series next year, with Logan Sargeant and Jamie Chadwick among the notable drivers. Abiteboul's strategic vision emphasizes advancing the team’s racing expertise, though it faces stiff competition from established marques. Meanwhile, Lotterer is excited about the opportunity, having previously raced in Formula E.
Genesis aims to connect its racing efforts with its upcoming Magma road car line, setting a new standard for high-performance luxury. The integration might see innovative features like face recognition entry and premium interiors. It's a bid to redefine expectations of luxury in the context of racing pedigree.
Summary:
