Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, has officially entered the world of top-tier endurance racing with the debut of its first-ever hypercar—the GMR-001, unveiled this week at the New York International Auto Show.
The announcement marks Genesis’s intent to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026 as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The new prototype comes via Genesis Magma Racing, the brand’s newly established factory motorsport program.
Designed within the LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) framework, the GMR-001 will run with a twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain, expected to generate approximately 670 horsepower, in line with series regulations. While full performance specifications remain under wraps, Genesis emphasized that the car’s engineering meets the highest standards of global endurance racing.
The car’s striking design features a Magma Orange to dark red gradient livery, incorporating Korean Hangul characters for “magma” (마그마). According to Genesis Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke, the vehicle’s styling blends aerodynamic function with national identity, reflecting the brand’s commitment to “design DNA rooted in Korean culture.” Donckerwolke, known for penning the Lamborghini Gallardo, led the GMR-001’s development.
“The GMR-001 is more than a race car—it’s a statement of Genesis’s capability and ambition,” Donckerwolke said. “It combines raw performance with cultural expression.”
Genesis Magma Racing’s launch follows in the footsteps of brands like Mercedes-AMG and BMW M, aiming to solidify the Korean automaker’s presence in the performance luxury segment. The program also serves as the foundation for Genesis Magma, a high-performance road car division set to rival established names in the future.
The GMR-001’s race debut is scheduled for 2025, with the goal of competing at Le Mans in 2026.
Shawn Henry