Genesis GMR-001: Hyundai Motorsport's first hypercar prepares to conquer Le Mans
Genesis, Hyundai's luxury division, has officially announced its entry into the world of motor racing. At the launch of the Genesis Magma Racing team, the brand unveiled its first sports car, the GMR-001. This LMDh-class prototype will compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026, and will compete in the IMSA WeatherTech in North America as early as 2027.
Here's What We Know
GMR-001 is built to LMDh standards, a joint creation of IMSA and ACO, the governing body of Le Mans. LMDh cars are built on a carbon fibre chassis from one of four selected suppliers and use common hybrid components - Williams batteries, Bosch engine and X-Trac transmission. Genesis will work with French designer Oreca for the chassis and the IDEC Sport team for its WEC entry.
The first factory drivers are racing stars: three-time Le Mans champion André Lotterer and 2023 IMSA winner Pipo Derrani. The team is led by the experienced Cyril Abiteboul, who previously headed Renault's Formula 1 programme.
To prepare for its debut, Genesis Magma Racing will compete in the European Le Mans Series in 2025 using LMP2 class cars. The team consists of Logan Sargeant, Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert.
Context
LMDh allows manufacturers to develop race cars at a relatively low cost. Acura ARX-06, BMW M Hybrid V8, Porsche 963, and Le Mans Hypercars (LMH) from Toyota, Ferrari and Peugeot are already competing in this category. Genesis, like the other entrants, is creating a unique body and choosing its own engine, although technical details remain a mystery for now. It will likely be a turbocharged V6 or V8.
Source: Motor1
