Unveiled at Genesis House New York on the 15th
Genesis Strengthens Commitment to Motorsport Entry in 2026
Genesis unveiled the electrified off-road sports utility vehicle (SUV) 'X Gran Equator Concept' for the first time in the world on the 15th (local time) at 'Genesis House New York,' a brand complex cultural space located in Manhattan, New York, USA.
At the same time, they showcased the real car design model and racing suit design of the racing vehicle 'GMR-001 Hypercar,' which embodies the DNA of the motorsports team 'Genesis Magma Racing,' reaffirming their commitment to participating in endurance racing.
Jose Munoz, CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, said, "Over the past decade, Genesis has set new industry standards beyond mere quantitative growth," adding, "I am proud that Genesis is creating groundbreaking changes in the market, and it is meaningful to share another journey of Genesis here today."
Genesis executives, including Jose Munoz, CEO of Hyundai Motor Company (fourth from the left), are taking a photo in front of the 'X Concept Equator' unveiled at 'Genesis House New York' on the 15th (local time). Photo by Genesis
Genesis Electrified Off-Roader 'X Gran Equator Concept'
Genesis's X Gran Equator is an electrified luxury off-roader SUV concept model.
It combines sophistication on the road with toughness on rough terrain, enabling stable driving both on and off-road.
The concept name 'Equator' is inspired by the top-grade Arabian horse, which is strong, agile, and beautiful, having achieved excellent results in conformation shows. It embodies the concept model's aim to demonstrate outstanding performance without losing elegance even under extreme conditions.
Luke Donckerwolke, Chief Design Officer (CDO) and Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of Hyundai Motor Group Global Design Center, said, "The X Gran Equator Concept is the result of harmonizing contrasting elements such as elegance and toughness, comfort and the spirit of exploration," emphasizing, "The off-road performance and the luxury pursued by Genesis will create a journey that allows encountering beautiful nature during actual off-road driving."
This concept car was created based on Genesis's design philosophy of 'Athletic Elegance.'
The exterior emphasizes Genesis's clean lines and simple surfaces to realize a more refined image. In particular, the long hood, sleek cabin, and steep C-pillar complete a unique silhouette not seen in conventional SUVs.
The split-opening tailgate at the rear, which opens both upward and downward, harmonizes with Genesis's signature two-line headlamps, satisfying both practicality and design.
The interior combines analog and digital technologies to create an intuitive yet emotional design. It features four central circular display clusters reminiscent of vintage camera dials, while the dashboard is designed with a linear structure, and the front seats are rotatable with modular storage, maximizing the vehicle's practicality.
Ready for Racing Competition... First Reveal of 'GMR-001 Hypercar' Real Car
Genesis unveiled the real car design model of the 'GMR-001 Hypercar,' which will be deployed in races starting in 2026, for the first time at this event.
Previously, in December last year in Dubai, UAE, Genesis officially announced its plan to enter endurance racing by launching the racing team 'Genesis Magma Racing' and unveiling a 1:2 scale model of the 'GMR-001 Hypercar.'
The newly revealed 'GMR-001 Hypercar' model reflects the design symbolizing the 'Genesis Magma Racing' team for the first time. The rear of the vehicle features the Korean word 'Magma,' incorporating Korean aesthetics and the brand's unique identity into the design.
Luke Donckerwolke said, "The GMR-001 Hypercar is a work of art that maintains the performance and efficiency of a racing car while preserving the DNA of Genesis," emphasizing, "Every design element reflects Genesis's determination to set new standards for high-performance vehicles and incorporates Korean identity."
Genesis to Participate in Endurance Races from 2026
Genesis will utilize the 'GMR-001 Hypercar' with the design revealed today and racing suits in various upcoming endurance races. Specifically, Genesis plans to strengthen its presence on the global motorsports stage by participating in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) from 2026 and the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (WTSCC) from 2027.
Cyril Abiteboul, Head of Hyundai Motorsport and General Manager of Genesis Magma Racing, said, "While preparing for the upcoming races, Genesis will continue to build its unique heritage and take steps to realize its potential in the field of motorsports."
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