Genesis Magma Racing Gears Up for 2026 Le Mans Hypercar Debut and European Expansion.
Genesis Magma Racing (GMR), the motorsports arm of Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis, has set ambitious sights on the 2026 Le Mans Hypercar category. Alongside its racing aspirations, Genesis has revealed plans to expand into four new European markets, solidifying its presence in the luxury automotive scene.
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Engineering Excellence: GMR-001 Hypercar
At the heart of Genesis Magma Racing’s 2026 debut is the GMR-001 Hypercar, powered by an advanced twin-turbo V-8 engine derived from Hyundai’s World Rally Championship (WRC) technology. This engine combines two 1.6-liter inline-four cylinders from Hyundai’s N rally division, offering the performance necessary to compete at endurance racing’s highest level. Engine development is underway at Hyundai Motorsports GmbH in Germany, ensuring synergy with Hyundai’s motorsport expertise.
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Strategic Race Base in France
To bolster its racing operations, GMR has established its headquarters in Le Castellet, France, strategically located near its technical partner Oreca. This proximity allows seamless collaboration in chassis development, ensuring that the GMR-001 is primed for endurance racing. The team has also secured experienced leaders, including Anouck Abadie (Team Manager), Justin Taylor (Chief Engineer), and Gabriele Tarquini (Sporting Director), who bring extensive expertise in global motorsport.
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European Expansion: New Markets for Genesis
Genesis has also announced its entry into France, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands by 2027, increasing its European footprint to seven countries. This expansion aligns with growing consumer interest in luxury EVs. Genesis will introduce its all-electric GV60, GV70 SUV, and G80 luxury sedan in these markets, focusing on sustainability and innovation in design.
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A Taste of Le Mans in 2025
While GMR’s Hypercar will debut next year, Genesis will be represented in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans through its “Trajectory” development program. Rising stars Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert, alongside seasoned endurance racer André Lotterer, will compete in the IDEC #18 LMP2 car, offering a preview of Genesis’s motorsport ambitions.
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Genesis Magma Racing’s entry into endurance racing is a bold step toward establishing itself as a high-performance luxury brand, blending Korean automotive innovation with European motorsport expertise. As Genesis deepens its presence in the U.S. market, this motorsport initiative is expected to elevate its brand recognition among American enthusiasts.
