Genesis Magma Racing Unveils 2026 Le Mans Hypercar and European Expansion Plans

Motor Trend

16 hours ago

Last year, Genesis, the luxury brand from Hyundai, announced its motorsport arrival with Genesis Magma Racing. Ahead of the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend, GMR revealed its roadmap for its 2026 Le Mans debut in the legendary racing series top hypercar division. Highlighting its ambitious plans, Genesis twin announcements provided updates on its LeMans team and the brand's expansion across key European markets.
GMR team principal Cyril Abiteboul announced key milestones in the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar, namely that it will be powered by a newly developed V-8 engine derived from Hyundai's WRC technology. Essentially two of the 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder engines from the Hyundai N world rally team will be fused together to create the GMR-001's V-8. New Race Base in France
Along with the engine update, the team also confirmed a new strategic operations base in Le Castellet, France, near racing partner Oreca, for seamless collaboration and vehicle development.
'The team is being created from very strong parts. A strong chassis from Oreca; an ideal Race Base location in Le Castellet; an international, experienced team of people from around motorsport; and, of course, the best of the influences from Korean culture to drive us all forward at Hyperspeed,' said Abiteboul.
The team also announced key additions to GMR leadership; Anouck Abadie as team manager, Justin Taylor as chief engineer, and Gabriele Tarquini as sporting director. These seasoned leaders aim to steer the team through the rigorous World Endurance Championship (WEC) by 2026 and the IMSA SportsCar Championship by 2027. Genesis Expands to Four New European Markets
Genesis emphasized its European expansion with plans to enter markets in France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands by 2027. Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke positioned Genesis Magma Racing as more than a motorsport initiative, describing it as an extension of Genesis's design philosophy and cultural identity.
'Our entry into these important markets is a pivotal moment for Genesis. We are moving now to deepen our long-term presence and commitment across Europe. This is the most significant market expansion since we launched in Europe in 2021 and is the start of our next phase of measured, strategic growth, and sporting brand direction' said Xavier Martinet, managing director of Genesis Motor Europe.
'Our distinctive electric models have strong European appeal and the demand is growing. With these new markets, and our audacious approach to motorsport, we look forward to introducing new customers to our design-driven performance brand.'
While Genesis did not share all the models it intends to sell in these new markets, it confirmed the all-electric GV60 compact SUV, and electric GV70 SUV and G80 luxury sedan will be available in the four countries, starting in early 2026.
And now it's time to go racing...
While Genesis' factory effort in the top class of endurance racing will debut next year, GMR will be represented this year by endurance racing veteran and three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, André Lotterer, who joins rising stars Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert in the #18 IDEC LMP2 racecar, which qualified in fourteenth position.