The full-scale Genesis GMR-001 LMDh prototype has been officially unveiled, marking a significant milestone in Hyundai’s ambitious entry into global endurance racing.
The Hypercar reveal, timed ahead of the 2025 New York International Auto Show, sets the stage for the brand’s debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026 and the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2027, with the ultimate goal of competing in the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Genesis GMR-001 LMDh prototype embodies Genesis’s signature design philosophy of “Athletic Elegance” combining cutting-edge motorsport technology with a distinct aesthetic that pays homage to the brand’s Korean heritage and innovative spirit.
The GMR-001 Hypercar is an LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) endurance prototype engineered to meet the rigorous demands of top-tier endurance racing.
Its development is a collaborative effort between Genesis, Hyundai Motorsport and the renowned French racing engineering firm Oreca which is responsible for the chassis and bodywork.
Hyundai contributes its expertise by developing the powertrain including a bespoke twin-turbo 3.2-liter V8 engine derived from its World Rally Championship technology, essentially combining two four-cylinder turbo engines into a powerful V8 configuration.
This hybrid powertrain is designed to deliver a maximum output of 680 horsepower, aligning with the LMDh regulations while promising highly competitive performance on the track.
The design of the GMR-001 Hypercar is a remarkable fusion of aerodynamic efficiency and sculptural artistry.
The car’s bodywork, crafted under the guidance of Genesis’s Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke at Genesis Design Europe, features a parabolic line along the side profile, a flat underbody plate for improved airflow and integrated air inlets to optimize thermal management.
The vehicle also incorporates Genesis’s distinctive “Two-Line” lighting signature which wraps horizontally around the front and rear of the car to emphasize width and aerodynamic intent.
This design element not only ensures brand consistency across Genesis’s road and race cars but also enhances nighttime visibility, a critical factor in endurance racing.
The GMR-001’s livery is a vibrant expression of Genesis’s cultural roots and racing ambitions. Dominated by “Magma orange” – a color symbolizing Korea’s dynamic energy, the livery also incorporates gradients transitioning to deep red reflecting the intense heat and power of the car’s powertrain.
A unique artistic touch is the integration of Korean Hangeul lettering for “Magma” (마그마) with its consonants forming geometric motifs that echo the team’s logo.
This visual language blends cultural authenticity with modern innovation, making the Genesis GMR-001 LMDh Hypercar a moving emblem of Korean identity on the global motorsport stage.
Genesis Magma Racing’s entry into endurance racing is not just about competing; it represents a strategic move to build a racing culture within the brand and the broader Hyundai Motor Group.
READ MORE:
Genesis Magma Racing confirms Lotterer and Derani as first Hypercar drivers
Hyundai unveils Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar set for 2026 FIA WEC debut
New Lexus GT3 car to be launched this year ahead of 2026 racing debut
Hyundai Motorsport’s president Cyril Abiteboul who also serves as team principal for Genesis Magma Racing has expressed a clear vision for the program. He emphasizes the transformative power of motorsport, citing examples from Audi, Porsche, Renault, and BMW and aims to cultivate a similar racing heritage for Genesis.
The project’s pragmatic approach led to the choice of the LMDh platform which offers a balance between innovation and accessibility, allowing the team to leverage proven chassis technology from Oreca while focusing on powertrain and software development in-house.
The GMR-001 program has progressed rapidly since its green light in late 2024. The full-scale model’s debut in New York follows a 2D reveal last December and precedes the planned rollout of the actual race car by the end of August 2025.
Testing is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2025 with the team targeting the opening round of the 2026 WEC season—the 1812 km of Qatar in March—as their competitive debut.
Following their FIA World Endurance Championship campaign, Genesis Magma Racing plans to enter the IMSA SportsCar Championship’s GTP class in 2027, further expanding their presence in international endurance racing.
