A Bold Step Into Motorsport History
Genesis has spent the last decade building a reputation as a disruptor in luxury and performance automobiles. From head-turning concepts like the Genesis X Convertible to the futuristic Neolun SUV, the brand has consistently proven that South Korea can compete on the global stage against European and American giants.
Now, Genesis has revealed something that pushes beyond expectations: a hypercar designed with one purpose—domination on the track. The Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar, unveiled at the 2025 New York Auto Show, signals the company’s entry into top-tier motorsport and its ambition to compete against legends like Ferrari, Porsche, and Toyota at Le Mans.
Quick Facts About Genesis
- Founded: 2015
- Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
- CEO: Mike (Min Kyu) Song
- Vehicles Sold in 2022: 49,630
- Motorsport Arm: Genesis Magma Racing
Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar
Meet the Genesis GMR-001: Born for Le Mans
The Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar isn’t a mass-market vehicle. Instead, it has been purpose-built for endurance racing, with entries already lined up for the FIA World Endurance Championship (2026) and IMSA SportsCar Championship (2027). Ahead of these debuts, the hypercar will take part in the European Le Mans Series (2025) to prepare for the grueling challenge of 24 Hours of Le Mans.
This move cements Genesis’ seriousness about motorsport. The project has been developed in close collaboration with ORECA, a respected name in prototype racing, ensuring that the car is not just beautiful but also mechanically ready for the toughest endurance circuits in the world.
Powertrain: Twin-Turbo Hybrid V8
At the heart of the GMR-001 is a twin-turbocharged hybrid V8 engine, blending traditional performance with cutting-edge hybrid technology. While official figures remain undisclosed, the benchmark is clear: Genesis intends to rival Ferrari’s LMH and Porsche’s 963 hypercars.
The hybrid system ensures compliance with endurance racing’s evolving regulations while maintaining blistering performance. Expect horsepower figures well above the 700 mark, putting the GMR-001 in direct contention with Europe’s best.
This development underscores Genesis’ broader strategy of embracing hybrid innovation at a time when the industry is rapidly transitioning away from traditional combustion-only powertrains.
Design Philosophy: Athletic Elegance Meets Motorsport
Genesis is celebrated for its “Athletic Elegance” design language, and the GMR-001 is no exception. The hypercar combines sculpted aerodynamics with visual drama:
- Flat underbody and thermal inlets for optimized airflow and cooling
- Signature two-line LED lighting, a hallmark of Genesis styling
- Aggressive sweeping body lines to maximize downforce
- Magma Orange and Red livery, symbolizing Korean energy and passion
The car’s visual identity extends to its team uniforms as well. The Magma Racing suits, featuring the same dual-line motif, fuse national pride with cutting-edge aesthetics, making Genesis’ entry into motorsport both a cultural and technological statement.
World-Class Drivers at the Wheel
Genesis has secured two elite endurance racing drivers to pilot the GMR-001:
- André Lotterer – A three-time Le Mans champion with decades of experience in prototype racing.
- Luis “Pipo” Derani – A four-time Sebring 12 Hours winner, known for speed and consistency under pressure.
Their expertise will be crucial in shaping the car’s development and securing podium finishes in some of the world’s toughest races.
Why the GMR-001 Matters
The launch of the Genesis GMR-001 is more than just a new car reveal—it’s a statement. It shows that Genesis is ready to compete with the world’s most prestigious manufacturers on their turf: endurance racing.
Key highlights include:
- Twin-turbo hybrid V8 powerplant built with ORECA Motorsports
- Aerodynamic racing chassis with flat underbody and thermal inlets
- Cultural identity expressed through Magma livery and dual-line design
- Confirmed competition schedule: ELMS (2025), FIA WEC (2026), IMSA (2027)
With this project, Genesis isn’t just chasing performance—it’s chasing legacy.
The Genesis GMR-001 will be one of the most closely watched hypercars of the decade. As the automaker transitions from luxury innovator to motorsport contender, it challenges preconceived notions about what a Korean automaker can achieve on the global stage.
Attendees of the 2025 New York International Auto Show got the first glimpse of this revolutionary machine, but soon the world will see it thunder down the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans.
Genesis has arrived in motorsport, and it isn’t here to participate—it’s here to win.
