Genesis Magma Racing has achieved a significant milestone with the successful ignition of the GMR-001 Hypercar’s V8 twin-turbo engine at Hyundai Motorsport’s headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. This event marks a crucial step in the development of Genesis’s entry into endurance racing, showcasing the collaborative efforts between Genesis and Hyundai’s motorsport division.
The engine, sharing approximately 60% of its components with Hyundai Motorsport’s proven inline-four World Rally Championship (WRC) engine, was designed and assembled within a four-month period. This rapid development leverages Hyundai’s extensive experience in motorsport engineering, particularly from their WRC programs. The next phase involves intensive bench testing, integration with the gearbox and hybrid unit, and endurance validation to ensure the engine’s performance and reliability for the 2026 racing season.
As an aside, in an era of the electrification of everything, I think it will surely warm the hearts of many auto enthusiasts to know that the development of the V8 is far from its end.
Context & Background
Genesis, the luxury vehicle division of Hyundai, announced its entry into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in December 2024. The GMR-001 Hypercar is set to debut in the 2026 WEC season under the Genesis Magma Racing banner, with plans to expand into the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2027. This strategic move positions Genesis alongside established manufacturers in endurance racing, such as Porsche, Ferrari, and BMW.
The GMR-001 is built on an Oreca chassis and features a design that incorporates Genesis’s signature “Two Lines” lighting and aerodynamic elements optimized for endurance racing. The development of the V-8 twin-turbo engine, based on Hyundai Motorsport’s WRC engine architecture, underscores the brand’s commitment to leveraging existing motorsport expertise to compete at the highest levels of endurance racing.
In This Story
Genesis Magma Racing
Genesis Magma Racing is the motorsport division of Genesis, established to compete in endurance racing events such as the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Hyundai Motorsport
Hyundai Motorsport is the motorsport arm of Hyundai Motor Company, known for its participation in the World Rally Championship and now collaborating with Genesis on the GMR-001 Hypercar project.
Cyril Abiteboul
Cyril Abiteboul is the Team Principal of Genesis Magma Racing and President of Hyundai Motorsport, overseeing the development and racing operations of the GMR-001 Hypercar.
Oreca
Oreca is a French motorsport company specializing in the design and construction of racing chassis, providing the platform for the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar.
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