Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar to Debut in World Endurance Championship 2026, Joins IMSA Grid in 2027
Genesis has officially unveiled its highly anticipated GMR-001 Hypercar at the New York International Auto Show, setting the stage for a fierce competition in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA SportsCar Championship. The hypercar, built for endurance racing, is expected to hit the tracks in 2026 for WEC and 2027 for IMSA.
Genesis Magma Racing (GMR), a division of Hyundai’s motorsport efforts, showcased the full-scale prototype of its GMR-001 Hypercar, marking a significant step towards competing against industry giants such as Ferrari, Porsche, BMW, and Aston Martin. The development of the hypercar stems from Hyundai’s desire to transform its motorsport division and solidify its presence in international endurance racing.
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Technical Specifications & Design
The Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar features a chassis and aerodynamic bodywork developed by Oreca, a reputable manufacturer that has worked with Alpine and Acura in previous endurance racing programs. Hyundai contributes to the powertrain, software, cooling, and electronics, reinforcing its commitment to building a competitive race car.
Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar: Engine Performance
The hypercar is powered by a twin-turbo 3.2-liter V8 engine, derived from Hyundai’s World Rally Championship (WRC) experience. The engine combines two turbocharged four-cylinder units to achieve high efficiency and performance within the WEC’s regulations, which limit output to 680 horsepower.
The GMR-001 exhibits a striking aerodynamic profile influenced by Genesis’ signature design language. The brand’s signature “Two-Line” lighting wraps around the front and rear, enhancing visual width and aerodynamics. A sleek “Parabolic Line” runs along the sides, contributing to an efficient airflow system. The car’s Magma orange-to-dark red livery symbolizes the heat generated by its powerful drivetrain, reinforcing the essence of high-performance racing.
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Genesis has outlined an aggressive timeline for testing and racing:
- 2025: European Le Mans Series (ELMS) entry with an LMP2 prototype, supported by IDEC Sport.
- Q3 2025: Testing of the GMR-001 begins, refining aerodynamics and engine performance.
- Q1 2026: Official debut in the WEC, including Le Mans participation.
- Q3 2026: IMSA testing phase to fine-tune vehicle dynamics.
- Q1 2027: IMSA competition entry, targeting Daytona and Sebring victories.
Genesis has enlisted elite drivers for the upcoming endurance racing program. Three-time Le Mans winner André Lotterer and four-time Sebring victor Luis “Pipo” Derani have been confirmed as key pilots for the GMR-001. Additionally, legendary racer Jackie Ickx serves as a strategic advisor, guiding the team in its pursuit of success.
Beyond motorsport, Genesis aims to bring elements of its racing expertise into road cars. The Genesis Magma Program introduces performance-focused models such as the G80 Magma Special, GV60 Magma Concept, and GV80 Coupe Concept, designed to deliver a more dynamic driving experience.
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