Since the Hypercar class was introduced in 2021, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) has grown immeasurably with the class reaching record numbers for the 2024 season. Nine manufacturers competed in the Hypercar World Endurance Championship this year – Toyota, Cadillac, Ferrari, Peugeot, Porsche, Alpine, BMW, Lamborghini and Isotta Fraschini (which withdrew in August 2024).
In 2026, the Hyundai Motor Group (HMG) will also join this top class with its Genesis luxury brand. Introducing Genesis Magma Racing in Dubai recently, it is a major development for Hyundai Motorsport GmbH which has managed HMG’s global motorsport activities for over 10 years.
Durability and efficiency in endurance racing
Hyundai Motorsport, based in Germany, will support the Genesis motorsport operations in the WEC in 2026, followed by participation in American IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2027. Endurance racing represents one of the most prestigious and challenging disciplines in motorsport, demanding speed, reliability, and strategy over extended periods. Iconic events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Daytona 24 require teams to balance peak performance with durability and efficiency, testing both the cars and drivers to their limits.
Hybrid technology
At the heart of endurance racing is the LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) class – a premier category that combines cutting-edge hybrid technology. LMDh cars compete in the WEC and IMSA with standardised components to ensure cost control and competitive parity.
“This entry into motorsport is a natural evolution for Genesis,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis. “As we look to push the boundaries of our brand, motorsport allows us to bring the spirit of hyperspeed – which drives how we create and innovate – in a way that aligns with our core values: Audacious, Progressive, and Distinctly Korean.”
Genesis Magma Racing will consolidate its operations at a permanent strategic base at Circuit Paul Ricard in the south of France, leveraging its proximity to ORECA Motorsport and IDEC Sport to streamline collaboration.
The GMR-001 Hypercar
Genesis Magma Racing is now developing the GMR-001 Hypercar which was created at Genesis Design Europe. The racing car’s distinctive black finish and design cues are drawn from the Magma line-up, embodying a balance of elegance and raw racing capability.
Accurately styled with Genesis’ signature Two Lines lighting, the GMR-001’s sleek, horizontal lights wrap around the front and rear, emphasising both width and aerodynamic purpose. This unique lighting seamlessly integrates into the car’s flowing bodywork, underscoring Genesis’ minimalist design principles while enhancing visual impact in any environment.
Meticulous surface design characterises the body, with each panel crafted to evoke movement, even when the vehicle is at rest. The exterior combines subtle sculptural details that underscore the car’s athleticism and high-speed agility. Smoothly contoured surfaces guide airflow across the body, optimising aerodynamic efficiency while emphasising the car’s assertive character and confident stance.
Integrating functional elegance and power, the profile of the GMR-001 features a sweeping parabolic line, a Genesis hallmark that transitions fluidly from front to rear. This line enhances airflow toward the rear diffuser, improving downforce and handling on the track. A concave rear section, framed by an active spoiler, adjusts to driving conditions, balancing drag reduction with stability for high-speed racing.
“As the backbone of Hyundai Motor Group’s global motorsport activities, Hyundai Motorsport will play a vital role in this latest ambitious program. We are elevating our circuit racing expertise to a whole new level as we prepare to compete in some of the world’s most challenging series,” said Cyril Abiteboul, President of Hyundai Motorsport and Team Principal of Genesis Magma Racing.