Genesis Joins the Le Mans Hypercar Grid with the Stunning GMR-001

By shawn On 04/12/2024 at 18:35

The Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) regulations have ushered in a golden era of endurance racing. With Ferrari's triumphant return to the top step of the podium at La Sarthe with the 499P and Porsche clinching championships with the 963, the competition is fiercer than ever.

Whether it’s LMdH cars with spec chassis or full factory LMH entries like the Peugeot 9X8, Ferrari 499P, and the upcoming Aston Martin Valkyrie, the grids are buzzing with excitement. Now, another name is set to shake up the paddock: Genesis, with their newly unveiled GMR-001.

Genesis Enters Elite Motorsport with Hyundai’s Backing

Yes, Genesis the luxury brand best known for its premium sedans and the electric GV60 is stepping into the high-stakes world of top-tier endurance racing. This ambitious foray is supported by Hyundai Motorsport, the powerhouse behind the dominant i20 WRC and TCR programs. Hyundai Motorsport President Cyril Abiteboul, credited with the company’s recent rallying success, will serve as Team Principal for Genesis Magma Racing.

While this move may spell uncertainty for Hyundai’s rallying efforts post-2026, the shift to endurance racing offers Genesis broader exposure in key markets, particularly through the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship starting in 2027.

A Bold Roadmap: GMR-001 and Beyond

Genesis Magma Racing’s GMR-001 hypercar will be built on an Oreca chassis and supported by a strategic base at Paul Ricard. The car is being developed in partnership with IDEC Sport, ensuring cutting-edge engineering expertise is baked into the project. While details about the GMR-001’s technical specifications remain under wraps, Genesis is emphasizing its “parabolic line, confident stance, and uniquely Korean design.”

Backing the team’s racing ambitions is a lineup of star drivers. Endurance racing legend André Lotterer, a three-time Le Mans winner, will spearhead development and racing duties. Joining him is seasoned endurance racer Luis Derani, who will assist in testing and competition from 2026.

Interestingly, Genesis isn’t stopping with LMdH. The brand is diving into LMP2 racing next year to gain critical endurance experience. Rising talents Logan Sargeant, Jamie Chadwick, and Mathys Jaubert will pilot the team’s LMP2 entry, signaling Genesis Magma Racing’s serious commitment to success.

Aligning Motorsport with the Genesis Brand

The move to endurance racing aligns seamlessly with Genesis’s roadmap for launching the Genesis Magma range of performance-oriented road cars. Much like Hyundai’s N division, Genesis aims to use motorsport to enhance its brand image and road car credentials. The synergy between racetrack success and road car innovation has proven effective for Hyundai, and Genesis is poised to replicate that model.

A Spectacular Future

Speaking at the official launch, Cyril Abiteboul shared his excitement:

“The official launch of Genesis Magma Racing is a momentous occasion. As the backbone of Hyundai Motor Group’s global motorsport activities, Hyundai Motorsport will play a vital role in this latest ambitious program. We are elevating our circuit racing expertise to a whole new level as we prepare to compete in some of the world’s most challenging series.”

The Genesis GMR-001 promises to be as visually stunning as it is competitive. With its sleek design and cutting-edge engineering, enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting its debut and hoping it sounds as good as it looks. Expect more updates in 2025 as Genesis gears up for a bold new chapter in endurance racing.