24h Le Mans
Genesis Magma Racing has lifted the veil on the GMR-001 Hypercar, which combines design and Korean heritage. Previewed ahead of the 2025 New York International Auto Show, the car marks Genesis' entry into the hypercar category, with the ultimate goal of competing in the Le Mans 24 Hours from 2026.
The Korean manufacturer is building on its “Athletic Elegance” design philosophy to present a prototype that is both sleek and sculptural. With its performance-oriented design, the GMR-001 embodies a new vision of motor sport, in which form meets endurance demands. "The GMR-001 Hypercar, like any race car, is a sculpture shaped by the constraints of efficiency and performance, combined with the Genesis design DNA," explains Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis Creative Director.
Genesis' signature dual-line lighting extends to the front and rear, ensuring a strong visual identity and optimum night-time visibility, essential for 24-hour events.
The livery of the GMR-001 plays with gradations ranging from Magma orange to a deep red, echoing the heat of the engine and the Doppler effect of the sound of the twin-turbo V8. The Korean alphabet lettering of “Magma” (마그마) is integrated into the rear, fusing modernity and heritage.
Although the car's full specification is still confidential, Genesis has confirmed that the GMR-001's chassis and hybrid powertrain have been developed in partnership with ORECA Motorsport. Particular attention has been paid to aerodynamics, with a flat floor, integrated scoops and a sculpted parabolic line all designed to optimise performance over long distances.
Prior to its official entry in the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship in 2026, Genesis Magma Racing is making its debut in the European Le Mans Series with an Oreca 07 LMP2 entered by IDEC Sport. The team of Jamie Chadwick, Mathys Jaubert and Daniel Juncadella finished second overall in the 4 Hours of Barcelona and first in the LMP2 class. "Today marks an important milestone for Genesis Magma Racing with the presentation of the GMR-001 Hypercar, our livery and racing suits," said Cyril Abiteboul, Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal. "We're not just building a racing team; we're building a legacy."
To carry Genesis' ambitions high, the team will be able to count on three-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner André Lotterer and four-time Sebring 12 Hours winner Luis “Pipo” Derani. "Putting this combination together made me realise just how exciting this opportunity is," says André Lotterer. "It embodies Genesis' commitment to design and performance. You can feel the pride in every detail. Racing for Genesis Magma Racing is a real honour. I can't wait to push the GMR-001 to its limits on legendary circuits like Le Mans, Daytona and many others."
With a strikingly designed hypercar, real ambitions and major partners, Genesis Magma Racing is putting the Le Mans 24 Hours at the heart of its strategy. The GMR-001 Hypercar, expected on the grid in 2026, will be the on-track embodiment of Korean expertise, combining innovation, identity and technical excellence.
