Hyundai’s Genesis luxurious model has launched its Magma Racing motorsport program, forward of a aggressive debut in 2025.
Genesis Magma Racing will compete in LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) class of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) from 2026, earlier than increasing into the North American IMSA endurance collection in 2027.
On the centre of the Korean model’s motorsport entry is the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar, unveiled as a prototype which can encourage the LMDh racer taking over Aston Martin, Porsche, Toyota, Cadillac, BMW, Alpine, Ferrari, Peugeot, and Porsche in WEC.
The GMR-001 is characterised by slim horizontal lighting strips that wrap across the bodywork, a sweeping parabolic aspect profile, and a carved out rear part framed by an lively raised spoiler.
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Skilled endurance racers André Lotterer (who has gained two WEC titles and three 24 Hours of Le Mans) and Luis ‘Pipo’ Derani (two-time IMSA champion) are the primary confirmed drivers who’ll function behind the wheel of the GMR-001 in its debut WEC season.
Magma Racing shall be supported by Hyundai Motorsport, the physique chargeable for managing the worldwide race and rally actions for Hyundai Motor Group. Hyundai Motorsport President Cyril Abiteboul (former Renault F1 Workforce managing director) will function workforce principal for Genesis Magma Racing.
Hyundai is already nicely established on the high echelon of world motorsport, having lately gained titles within the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and TCR World Tour.
The carmaker is headquartered in South Korea, however Genesis Magma Racing will base itself at Circuit Paul Ricard within the south of France.
In preparation for its inaugural WEC season, the workforce will compete within the LMP2 class of the 2025 European Le Mans Sequence (ELMS).
As a part of the Magma Racing launch occasion in Dubai, Genesis confirmed off the assorted road-going ideas that it first unveiled again in March – the GV80 Coupe Idea, G80 EV Magma Idea, GV60 Magma Idea, X Gran Berlinetta Idea, and the X Gran Racer VGT Idea.
The Magma model has been positioned as a Genesis efficiency arm to rival the likes of BMW’s M division, Mercedes-AMG, and Audi RS.
Hyundai already has its personal N efficiency model, which works head-to-head with Toyota Gazoo Racing.
The primary Magma car locked in for manufacturing is the Genesis GV60 Magma , which takes the model’s current electrical SUV and transforms it right into a low-slung efficiency automotive.
Genesis may utilise the twin electrical motor setup discovered within the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N for its first Magma mannequin, as each automobiles based mostly on the identical EV platform.
An area launch of the Magma efficiency sub-brand nonetheless hasn’t been locked in for Australia, although Genesis Australia CEO Justin Douglass mentioned he’s eager to see them on native roads.
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