Genesis GV80 Desert Edition: Off-Road Beast Built for Racing Legend Jacky Ickx

When it comes to merging off-road grit with luxury, Genesis has just dropped the mic. Say hello to the Genesis GV80 Desert Edition, a purpose-built off-road masterpiece created for none other than racing royalty, Jacky Ickx. Spotted on Genesis Europe’s Instagram page, this badass SUV is an adrenaline-filled nod to Ickx’s iconic racing career and adventurous spirit.

Off-Road Mods That Scream Power

Genesis didn’t hold back when crafting the GV80 Desert Edition. This beast is jacked up with:

• Raised suspension to dominate rough terrains.
• Knobby off-road tires for unbeatable grip.
• Roof rack with an LED light bar to light up the darkest trails.
• Recovery hooks that mean business.

And here’s the kicker: the SUV rocks a Dubai license plate framed with “Performance by W Motors,” suggesting the Middle Eastern hypercar wizards had a hand in its transformation. Genesis partnered with the best to ensure this machine looks and performs like an off-road warrior.

A Dakar Rally Connection

This one-of-a-kind GV80 was unveiled as a gift to Ickx ahead of the 2025 Dakar Rally, paying homage to his legendary win in the 1983 Paris-Dakar Rally. Back then, the rally roared through the African deserts to Dakar, Senegal. While the race has since shifted to Saudi Arabia, the spirit of adventure lives on in this Desert Edition.

Jacky Ickx: The Ultimate Racing Legend

Jacky Ickx is more than just a rally champ. This Belgian motorsport icon has an insane resume:

• Six-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• Eight-time Formula 1 Grand Prix winner.
• Can-Am champion.

Even flirted with NASCAR back in 1969 (though he wasn’t a fan of oval tracks).

In February 2024, Genesis signed Ickx as a brand partner, aligning their bold ambitions with his legendary career.

The Future of Genesis: Magma Performance

Genesis isn’t stopping with off-road builds. They’re revving up for the future with their Magma performance sub-brand, poised to rival the likes of BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.

Magma isn’t just about souped-up luxury cars; it’s stepping into the racing arena too. The program includes entries into the Hypercar and GTP classes of the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship. And guess who’s helping steer the ship? Yep, Jacky Ickx.

The crown jewel of this racing endeavor? The Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar, a cutting-edge machine slated to hit tracks in 2026.