Genesis Magma Racing's GMR-001 Hypercar revealed for 2026 WEC season

It's the latest step for Hyundai, which was producing budget models not too long ago before conquering the mainstream and building some of the best EVs out there. The company launched Genesis nine years ago, and its motorsport presence will give the premium brand all the kudos it needs to compete with the likes of Mercedes, BMW and Audi. 

Genesis will enter WEC in 2026 – underpinned by Hyundai Motorsport, which has run the company's race and rally activities for more than a decade, and it will join the IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA) the following year. Both championships will act as a brand showcase, with the firm's new Hypercar competing in some of the most brutal racing events in the world, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Daytona 24. 

The LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) class – which combines hybrid tech with standardised components –  sees manufacturers like Porsche, Honda's Acura and BMW compete in WEC and IMSA, and Genesis sees this as an ideal launchpad to take its cars to the next level, much like the TCR World Tour and World Rally Championship did for their title-winning Hyundai i30N and i20N, respectively.  

Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer of Genesis, said: "This entry into motorsport is a natural evolution for 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 perfectly with our core values: Audacious, Progressive, and Distinctly Korean."

The race car is far more striking than a Genesis road car, with its slashed body, glass canopy, and serrated spine spoiler, which bring a sense of Gotham City to proceedings. The idea is to evoke movement even when the car is at rest, and it's a hands-down success. 

However, the styling is also functional, with a sweeping parabolic line that sends air to the rear diffuser. Above it, you'll find a concave rear section framed by an active spoiler. Orange Magma that reflects "Korean passion and energy" on black paint complete the look.

Cyril Abiteboul – Hyundai motorsport's president and team principal of Genesis Magma Racing – is tasked with getting the team ready for racing in record time. 

He said: "The official launch of Genesis Magma Racing is a momentous occasion. 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." 

The team's drivers will be central to getting everything up to speed. Lotterer and Derani will take on technical development and simulator sessions to prepare for 2026. 

"After winning the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Drivers' Championship this year, this opportunity is the perfect fit for me to channel my work, experience, passion and motivation into a new project with a team of highly ambitious individuals,” said Lotterer.

Derani added: "As a driver, being involved in a project from the start is highly rewarding. I look forward to bringing my experience of developing cars and winning titles to the team. Given the competitiveness of LMDh, it will be a big challenge, but I believe all the necessary ingredients are here to make this endurance journey successful."

Ahead of its WEC debut, Genesis Magma Racing will field an LMP2 entry in the 2025 European Le Mans Series (ELMS), featuring Logan Sargeant, Jamie Chadwick and Mathys Jaubert to support the team’s preparations.

The company also gave us a flavour of how Genesis Magma Racing may be interpreted on the road with the GV80 Coupé Concept, G80 EV Magma Concept, the GV60 Magma Concept, the X Gran Berlinetta Concept, and the X Gran Racer VGT Concept all on display. 

As the sun rises, when a premium brand enters motorsport, a halo road-going model soon follows, and if cars like the Honda NSX or the Lexus LFA are anything to go by, we could be in for a right treat.