Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar to Race at Le Mans 2027

Genesis, the luxury arm of Hyundai, is entering the world of endurance racing with its GMR-001 Hypercar, set to compete at the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans. This move signals the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, positioning itself alongside giants like Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin on the global motorsport stage.

While the idea of a premium Korean manufacturer taking on these iconic names might raise some eyebrows, the Genesis team, led by seasoned motorsport experts such as team principal Cyril Abiteboul, has already proven itself in the world of rallying. The team’s pedigree comes from Hyundai’s World Rally Championship (WRC) campaign, where drivers like Thierry Neuville, the current champion, have showcased impressive results behind the wheel of the i20 N.

The Genesis GMR-001’s heart is a custom-built 3.2-liter twin-turbo V8, developed using two 1.6-liter turbocharged engines from the Hyundai i20 N rally car. This powerhouse is coupled with the LMDh hybrid elements, making it one of the most advanced race engines on the track. Despite being a relatively new entrant, the Genesis team has made remarkable strides in just four months of development, with the engine already running on the dyno.

“The engine we’re using is already a beast, capable of over 400 horsepower,” Abiteboul reveals at the New York launch. "By combining two of them, we’re exceeding the current Hypercar regulations, which cap power at 670 horsepower.”

Genesis GMR-001: A Long-Term Vision for Endurance Racing

Genesis plans to field two cars in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting in 2026, with an additional two-car program in the IMSA series in North America beginning in 2027. The goal for the first few years is clear: learn in 2026, chase podium finishes in 2027, and aim for victories and championships by 2028.

Abiteboul’s strategy is deliberate. "We’re building the team from scratch. This isn’t a takeover of an existing operation; we want to learn and grow with the technology," he explains. This methodical approach aims to develop not only a competitive racing team but also a deeper understanding of hybrid technology and high-performance engineering.

Endurance Racing Veterans Join the Genesis Team

Genesis has already secured two highly respected drivers for the GMR-001 project. Luis "Pipo" Derani, a prolific figure in the U.S. racing scene, is transitioning to Europe to become a key part of the team’s development. Meanwhile, three-time Le Mans winner and reigning WEC champion André Lotterer is also on board, eager to take on this new challenge. Lotterer, who already resides in Monaco, is excited to leverage his extensive motorsport experience to help shape the team’s future success.

"I’ve been impressed by the effort and attention to detail in this project," Lotterer shares. "Our goal is to be competitive from the start, but we know the competition will be tough. We’re aiming to get up to their level quickly and showcase Genesis to the world."

The Future of Genesis Hypercars: More Than Just Racing

The GMR-001 isn't just about motorsport. It’s part of a larger plan to push the boundaries of automotive technology for Genesis road cars. "The GMR-001 serves as a dynamic testbed for technologies that will directly benefit our production models," says Abiteboul. Insights gained from racing—particularly in areas like hybrid efficiency, thermal management, and durability—will enhance the brand’s road-going offerings.

And speaking of production cars, the GV60 Magma electric crossover, which is likely to benefit from the Hypercar program, is already generating buzz. While we wait for official details, the upcoming updates to Genesis vehicles should be well-positioned to incorporate lessons learned from endurance racing.

What About WRC? A Delicate Balance

One key question that has arisen is whether the GMR-001 program will overshadow Hyundai’s WRC efforts. Abiteboul is clear: "The rally program is separate from this. We are exploring future commitments to WRC, but it’s entirely independent of our Hypercar plans."

This highlights the brand’s commitment to both motorsport avenues, ensuring that the WRC and Hypercar programs coexist without compromising each other.

Design and Styling: A Bold Look for a New Era

The Genesis GMR-001 boasts a striking design penned by Luc Donckerwolke, a noted automotive designer. The bold "magma" orange livery symbolizes the vibrant energy of Korea, with a gradient that evokes the thrilling sound of the twin-turbo V8 in motion. The GMR-001 is a visual statement of the brand’s ambition, and we can only hope it lives up to the hype in terms of both performance and sound on track.