Genesis GMR-001 Unveiled

Genesis GMR-001: A New Competitor in Endurance Racing

At the 2025 New York Auto Show, Genesis unveiled something truly groundbreaking—a full-scale model of their GMR-001 hypercar set for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026. The brand isn’t just showcasing luxury and design flair; it’s getting serious about endurance racing with its debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship.

Bold Livery

The GMR-001 stands out with its Genesis Magma Racing livery—a vibrant blend of orange and red, accented with Korean graphic elements. The “Magma” theme is reflected in the design, complete with Hangeul characters that bring a bit of cultural panache to the track-only model.

Under the Hood

The heart of this beast is a hybrid rear-wheel-drive system delivering 671 horsepower. It boasts a twin-turbo V8 engine, ingeniously built by fusing two 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines originally from WRC roots. While technical specs are still under wraps, Genesis has hinted at the application of this high-performance technology in future production models aiming to elevate their Magma-branded performance lineup.

Race Ready

Genesis developed the powertrain and chassis with the expertise of Oreca Motorsport, ensuring it’s well-suited for grueling endurance challenges. The GMR-001 takes design cues from Genesis production models, like the “Two-Line lighting” and “sweeping Parabolic Line,” yet prioritizes aerodynamics in its low-slung frame.

Driver Line-Up

Driving the GMR-001 will be accomplished racers such as André Lotterer, known for his three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans victories, and Luis “Pipo” Derani, a four-time 12 Hours of Sebring winner. These drivers bring serious credentials to Genesis’ new racing venture.

Competitive Landscape

Genesis is gearing up to compete with manufacturers like Ford, Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, and Porsche in the LMDh category, while Aston Martin, Ferrari, Peugeot, and Toyota continue in the LMH class. It’s an exciting era in endurance racing with new entrants making headlines and reshaping competition.

Driving Dynamics

While the GMR-001 is yet to hit the tracks, anticipation of its driving experience is high. With a powerful engine and cutting-edge aerodynamics, the hypercar promises a thrilling ride much like its competitors in the hypercar league, such as the Porsche 963 or the Cadillac V-LMDh. These machines are as much about precision and stability at high speeds as they are about raw power.

The Genesis GMR-001 represents a bold move for a brand typically associated with luxury rather than motorsports. However, with its innovative engineering and ambitious racing program, it looks poised to make a substantial impact in endurance racing in the coming years.