Hyundai’s luxury arm finally grows a pair of racing balls. Genesis has revealed its GMR-001 Le Mans Hypercar, and it’s not another concept car destined for videogames and bedroom posters.
This is metal, carbon fiber, and genuine racing intent.
Genesis Magma Racing will campaign this LMDh-spec machine in the FIA World Endurance Championship starting 2026, followed by IMSA competition in 2027.
Serious Firepower Under the Skin
The GMR-001 isn’t some marketing exercise with fancy LEDs. It’s built on a proven Oreca chassis – the same outfit that underpins championship-winning prototypes.
Powering this Korean assault on Le Mans is a hybrid system combining a twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor. Total output? 671-698 horsepower, with the electric unit contributing 67 hp to that figure.
This isn’t some parts-bin special either. The V8 derives from Hyundai Motorsport’s WRC inline-four architecture, now force-fed by twin turbos.
The entire package weighs a scant 2,270 pounds (1,030 kg) – the minimum allowed under balance of performance rules. Power goes exclusively to the rear wheels, as mandated by LMDh regulations.
Talent in the Cockpit and Pitwall
Genesis isn’t messing around with driver talent. The team has secured three-time Le Mans winner André Lotterer and IMSA/Sebring champion Luis “Pipo” Derani.
Former Renault F1 boss Cyril Abiteboul serves as team principal. The man knows how to run a racing operation, even if his tenure at Renault had mixed results.
Before the main event, Genesis is cutting its teeth in the European Le Mans Series this year with an LMP2 Oreca 07, piloted by Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert. Former Williams F1 driver Logan Sargeant was initially attached but bailed before the season began.
Design That Means Business
Genesis has managed to inject its brand DNA without compromising function:
- Signature Two-Line LED lighting wraps horizontally around front and rear
- Stacked headlights integrated into a purposeful aero package
- Massive rear wing with endplates and shark fin that mean downforce, not decoration
The twin-turbo V8 already fired up successfully at Hyundai Motorsport HQ back in February – a critical milestone in any race program.
When it hits the track, the GMR-001 will battle established manufacturers in both LMDh and LMH categories, including Porsche, BMW, Ferrari, and Toyota.
Genesis even designed special race suits with Two-Line and G-Matrix graphics. Because if you’re going racing, you might as well look the part.
The Korean luxury brand is finally putting its money where its marketing has been. No more talk about “athletic elegance.” Time to prove it at 200 mph.
