Genesis has officially confirmed its entry into top-tier endurance racing with the unveiling of the GMR-001 Hypercar, the car that will represent Genesis Magma Racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship starting in 2026. Developed within a tight timeframe, the project reflects a structured and ambitious approach from the Korean manufacturer.
Built in collaboration with ORECA, which supplies the LMDh chassis, the GMR-001 embodies Genesis’ “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy, adapted to the extreme demands of endurance racing. One of its most striking features is the integration of the brand’s signature Two-Line lighting design, directly inspired by Genesis road cars, reinforcing the connection between production models and motorsport.
Beyond design, the technical development has followed a disciplined plan. The first power unit — a 3.2-liter twin-turbo V8 derived from Hyundai Motorsport’s World Rally Championship engine — was successfully fired up in February 2025. The integration of chassis and powertrain followed in August, marking the beginning of an extensive testing program.
During this phase, the prototype completed nearly 25,000 kilometers of track testing, with a single engine accumulating close to 9,000 kilometers — clear indicators of a strong focus on reliability, a key pillar in endurance racing.
Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul highlighted the importance of partnering with experienced organizations such as ORECA to meet tight development deadlines. Chief Engineer Justin Taylor emphasized that the initial goal is operational consistency: finishing races without issues or penalties, before targeting more ambitious milestones such as Hyperpole appearances and top-five finishes.
Identity also plays a central role in the project. The GMR-001 proudly carries the Korean flag and features hangul lettering — “마그마” — reinforcing the brand’s cultural roots. This identity extends beyond the car itself to the team’s garage, structures and uniforms, creating a cohesive and distinctive presence in the WEC paddock.
Genesis’ entry into the championship is also symbolic, as it becomes the first Korean manufacturer to compete in the FIA WEC. Entering directly into the highly competitive Hypercar class, the challenge ahead is significant. However, the foundation presented suggests that Genesis is not entering merely to participate, but to build a competitive and sustainable long-term program.
