Genesis Motorsports Premier Event on the 4th
Announcing Endurance Race Participation from 2026
Proving Vehicle Technology through Motorsports
Genesis Magma Racing Team Unveiled for the First Time
Design Direction Presented with 'GMR-001 Hypercar'
Genesis has announced its entry into the motorsports field based on its high-performance car project, 'Genesis Magma.' The plan is to challenge endurance race motorsports with a high-performance vehicle that embodies Genesis' technological prowess, aiming to demonstrate technological superiority in the global market and strengthen the brand image.
On the 4th (local time), Genesis held the 'Genesis Motorsports Premiere Event' at the Armani Hotel in Dubai and officially declared its participation in motorsports. Key figures attending the event included Luke Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group CDO (Global Design Director) and CCO (Chief Creative Officer), Song Min-gyu, Head of Genesis Business Division, and Cyril Abiteboul, Head of Hyundai Motorsport.
The 'GMR-001 Hypercar' showcases the design direction of Genesis high-performance vehicles in the motorsports field. Photo by Genesis
Genesis revealed its plan to participate in endurance race-centered motorsports and globally unveiled its racing team, 'Genesis Magma Racing,' for the first time. Endurance racing is a race where vehicles run long distances without stopping, proving the durability of the car through completion.
Genesis will participate with two cars each in the two major endurance racing championships: the 2026 World Endurance Championship and the 2027 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Genesis plans to develop and enter a prototype based on the top-tier hypercar class, the 'Le Mans Daytona Hybrid.' This vehicle is built according to the manufacturing regulations set by the International Motor Sports Association.
On this day, Genesis also publicly introduced its brand racing team, 'Genesis Magma Racing,' for the first time. The official logo incorporates the initial consonants of the Korean word 'Magma,' applying Korean sentiment in a geometric form. The Magma Racing team has signed drivers Andr? Lotterer and Luis Felipe Derani. Lotterer has a record of 84 wins and 166 podium finishes, while Derani is recognized for his outstanding skills, having simultaneously won the 2016 Daytona 24 Hours and Sebring 12 Hours races.
On the 4th (local time) at the 'Genesis Motorsports Premiere Event' held in Dubai, Luke Donckerwolke, Hyundai Motor Group CDO (Head of Global Design) and CCO (Chief Creative Officer), announced Genesis's entry into motorsports. Photo by Genesis
Additionally, Genesis unveiled the 'GMR-001 Hypercar,' which showcases the design direction of high-performance vehicles in the motorsports field. Genesis applied a unique black color finish and a highly refined design to emphasize the vehicle's agile performance.
The two-line design extending from the front to the side of the vehicle is a Genesis signature. It ensures that anyone can easily recognize Genesis' identity from any location and angle. Furthermore, an arched 'parabolic line' running from the front to the rear was applied to convey strength and stability, and an active spoiler was installed at the rear to provide a sporty feel and help maintain safety during high-speed driving.
CCO Donckerwolke said, "We wanted to fully embody Genesis' passion for high performance and design DNA in the 'GMR-001 Hypercar.' From the Magma Orange color to the meticulous engineering, this car, filled with Korean passion and energy, will open a new chapter for the brand as it meets racing."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
