Genesis Magma Racing Debuts With GMR-001 Hypercar

Genesis has revealed its first-ever Hypercar, the GMR-001.

Unveiled in Dubai, the endurance racer will step into the ring with Porsche, Cadillac, Ferrari, Toyota, and BMW in the cut-throat hypercar category on both sides of the Atlantic.

The GMR-001 is built around the LMDh rulebook—requiring a spec hybrid system and a spec chassis supplied by one of four approved manufacturers. Genesis Magma Racing has chosen Oreca, whose hardware also underpins Acura’s ARX-06 and Alpine’s A424.

While Genesis will share a tub with the others, everything that hangs off it will be unique to the brand, the car’s dramatic front fenders rock the brand’s signature two-line wraparound headlights.

Underneath, power comes from a turbocharged V8 engine, reportedly adapted from Hyundai’s rally program. Hyundai's WRC engines are built by French company Pipo Moteur—fun fact, Pipo was previously supplying a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 based on its WRC engine design to Glickenhaus for its SCG 007 LMH car.

That engine was previously making 800 horsepower without the aid of a hybrid system, LMDh class limits cap power at 630, so expect some reworking to optimize the package. Paired with the LMDh-spec hybrid system, it churns out a class-standard 670 horsepower.

The GMR-001 will make its competitive debut in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A year later, it’ll cross the Atlantic to race in IMSA’s GTP class.

Based at Circuit Paul Ricard in France, Genesis Magma Racing is leveraging its proximity to Oreca and LMP2 team IDEC Sport to fast-track development. Cyril Abiteboul, former head of Renault F1, who heads Hyundai’s motorsport operations, will lead the team as principal.

Genesis has already secured two hot shoes for the GMR-001. Andre Lotterer, a three-time Le Mans winner and reigning WEC champion, joins the team after leaving Porsche. Alongside him is Pipo Derani, a two-time IMSA champion known for his blistering pace and relentless consistency. It’s a veteran pairing that instantly gives Genesis credibility as it enters uncharted territory. Lotterer, in particular, has an excellent reputation for car development having been part of Audi's dominant run at Le Mans, before moving over to Porsche and helping hone that program.

Preparation for 2026 begins next year with an IDEC Sport-run LMP2 entry in the European Le Mans Series. This program will serve as a testbed for the GMR-001 and an opportunity to fine-tune team operations before hitting the big stage. Young drivers like Logan Sargeant and Jamie Chadwick are reportedly in the mix for the LMP2 team, adding a dose of fresh talent to Genesis’ motorsport ambitions.

While Hyundai has enjoyed success in rallying and touring car racing, LMDh represents an entirely different kind of challenge. This is the battleground where the world’s biggest automakers compete for Rolex watches.

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