Genesis unveils GMR-001 hypercar with official livery

Genesis Magma Racing unveiled the full-scale GMR-001 in New York, featuring the team's official livery. This prototype is part of the South Korean automaker's plan to enter the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026 and the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2027.

A hypercar that incorporates Korean culture

The GMR-001 displayed in New York features the complete vehicle livery. The Genesis Magma Racing team colors include Magma orange, which has connections to Korea, along with a gradient transitioning to red tones at the rear section.

The design incorporates Korean script as a design element. The Hangul characters for "Magma" (마그마) are integrated into the bodywork, with its consonants "ㅁ, ㄱ, ㅁ" adapted as geometric elements that blend into the overall design and team logo.

The event also showcased the team's racing suits, which maintain visual continuity with the vehicle, using Genesis's characteristic Two-Line design and G-Matrix patterns.

Photo By Genesis

The design retains Genesis DNA

Though configured for racing, the GMR-001 maintains aspects of Genesis's "Athletic Elegance" design language. The bodywork, developed under the supervision of Luc Donckerwolke at Genesis Design Europe, includes the brand's signature twin-line lighting and parabolic side lines.

The design combines aesthetics and functionality, featuring a flat underbody to improve aerodynamics and strategically placed air intakes to optimize cooling for the powertrain system.

Technical specifications of the GMR-001

Cyril Abiteboul, team principal of Genesis Magma Racing, shared details about the technical development.

The team modified the 1.6-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine used by Hyundai in the World Rally Championship (WRC), transforming it into a V8 adapted for endurance racing. This approach allowed them to advance powertrain development within the established timeline.

For the chassis and integration of the hybrid system required by LMDh regulations, Genesis is collaborating with ORECA Motorsport, the French racing specialist with extensive endurance competition experience.

Drivers selected for the project

The initial lineup includes André Lotterer, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Luis "Pipo" Derani, four-time winner of the 12 Hours of Sebring. Both will contribute to the development of the GMR-001 ahead of its competition debut.

Origins of the GMR project

The Genesis Magma Racing program began taking shape in early 2024 within Hyundai Motor Group.

"After 12 years in the World Rally Championship, we evaluated different options for a new sporting direction," explained Abiteboul, who has led Hyundai Motorsport in WRC since January 2023.

"Last summer, we considered endurance racing as a suitable alternative for the group," he added. The proposal progressed rapidly into a formal project that now aims to assemble a team of approximately 60 people.

The New York event marks the visible start of the program, which will continue with development and testing throughout 2025, preparing for WEC 2026 and subsequent entry into the IMSA championship in 2027.