Genesis will join the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026 and the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship (IMSA) in 2027 with its new GMR-001 prototype. There are two rulesets available for top-tier endurance prototypes: Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) and LMDh. LMH cars like the Aston Martin Valkyrie are entirely bespoke machines, while LMDh cars are based on an existing LMP2-category chassis and use a standardised hybrid system. The Genesis GMR-001 is built to the latter ruleset and incorporates styling elements inspired by the brand’s road cars.

Distinctive parallel lights feature in the front and side bodywork, while at the rear, they are part of the aerodynamic elements. The GMR-001 has a strikingly low rear deck, complimented by a secondary wing positioned between the diffuser and the high-level spoiler - similar to the Ferrari 499P, which has won the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice in succession. Aerodynamically optimised seven-spoke wheels are found at each corner.

According to Cyril Abiteboul, Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal and head of Hyundai Motorsport, the GMR-001 will use an engine derived from the Hyundai i20 rally car. This suggests a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine will be paired with the regulation-mandated gearbox and hybrid system supplied by Williams and Bosch. The chassis, built by ORECA, also underpins the Acura ARX-06 and Alpine A424 prototypes.

Endurance racing was not the only discipline considered for the brand’s motorsport debut, with Genesis evaluating both Formula 1 and Formula E entries. However, a sportscar programme was deemed to be the right fit for the brand’s long-term goals. Speaking to DailySportscar, Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolle said: “It is very important for us to race and to get a return on investment. I don’t mean on marketing, I mean on technological know-how and inspiration for design. That’s why we are motivated to enter this category of motor racing. It’s technology, aerodynamic research that’s more applicable than open wheel racing. This is why we believe in endurance. And we want to make sure we have a step between normal products, the Magma products – which is high performance – and motorsport.”

Echoing Donckerwolle’s thoughts, Cyril Abiteboul said: “The brand has been moving on and developing and expanding. There is also a plan for the brand to enter the high-performance segment – not just luxury, which is where Genesis is coming from. To develop this narrative and the technology, the styling, the identity and obviously brand awareness through a different type of platform, there is nothing better than motorsport. We looked at a number of opportunities, and clearly, with the current dynamic of FIA WEC and endurance racing, we see this as the perfect fit for not only Genesis but also for the next stage of Hyundai Motor Group in motorsport and in particular, in circuit racing.”

These statements indirectly confirm that some of the Genesis Magma concept cars revealed earlier this year will become reality, opening the door for Genesis to take the fight to BMW M and Mercedes-AMG on the road as well as on track. With the programme only being signed off in September of this year and the GMR-001’s competition debut 16 months away, there is no time to waste in getting the car and the Magma Racing team ready to race.

Genesis has already confirmed its first two factory drivers: three-time Le Mans winner André Lotterer and five-time 12 Hours of Sebring winner Pipo Derani. Two-car entries are planned for both the WEC and IMSA, with the car set to begin track testing in the third quarter of 2025 ahead of its 2026 debut. Genesis will gain experience in multi-class sportscar racing by partnering with IDEC Sport for next year’s European Le Mans Series, fielding an LMP2 entry driven by Jamie Chadwick, Logan Sargeant, and Mathys Jaubert.

The announcement of Genesis’s sportscar programme brings the number of manufacturers actively involved in top-level prototype competition up to 11. This number may rise further as two major brands are said to be evaluating Le Mans Hypercar and LMDh entries for the near future. Endurance racing is enjoying a golden era with unprecedented interest from carmakers and fans alike, and Genesis will be hoping to capitalise on this to build their brand, and transfer technology from the race track to the future Magma road car range.