Genesis Magma Racing has reached another critical milestone in the development of its GMR-001 Hypercar, destined for the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The GMR-001 roared to life for the very first time at Le Castellet, with the successful fire-up of its V8 twin-turbo hybrid powertrain, staying perfectly on schedule in the car’s ambitious development program.
GMR-001 Comes to Life in Preparation for WEC Entry
Following the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans, work began on the GMR-001 development chassis at Oreca’s state-of-the-art workshop near Circuit Paul Ricard — strategically located next to Genesis Magma Racing’s Race Base. Oreca’s seasoned technicians led the build process, with direct involvement from Genesis Magma Racing’s mechanics and engineers during key phases.
The fire-up marked not only the first time the hypercar’s engine and hybrid systems were brought online but also a major leap toward the team’s on-track testing phase, scheduled to continue throughout the remainder of 2025. Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul emphasized the significance of the achievement:
“In a project like this, you have certain dates circled and this was one of them. The GMR-001 fire-up was the moment the car truly came to life — a huge milestone for Genesis Magma Racing. Staying on schedule at this stage is a major accomplishment and a perfect way to begin the next chapter of our testing and development.”
Advanced Powertrain: Twin-Turbo V8 and Hybrid System
The GMR-001’s powertrain features a cutting-edge twin-turbocharged V8 engine developed by Hyundai Motorsport’s Powertrain Department, paired with a sophisticated hybrid system. The engine’s design draws directly from Hyundai’s championship-winning FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) technology, combining proven performance with endurance racing durability.
After its initial successful bench fire-up in February, the engine and transmission underwent exhaustive testing on various dynos to validate simulation data on performance and efficiency. During the recent Le Castellet fire-up, engineers ran the engine through all seven gears while also testing the hybrid system’s ability to charge its batteries from the engine and deliver electric boost directly to the rear driveshafts — exactly as it will operate on track.
The integration of this powertrain into the GMR-001 chassis clears the way for full-scale track testing, with the first official test runs slated for late August 2025.
Collaboration Between Genesis Magma Racing and Oreca
The GMR-001 program exemplifies the synergy between Genesis Magma Racing and renowned chassis partner Oreca. Technical Director FX Demaison highlighted the collaborative nature of the build:
“The GMR-001 build has been about uniting all the expertise we have within Genesis Magma Racing with Oreca’s proven experience. This fire-up not only validates the hard work of our Powertrain and Design teams but also launches us into the next phase of on-track testing and refinement.”
With the first development car nearly complete, the combined teams are now finalizing preparations for testing while simultaneously beginning assembly of additional chassis. This parallel development will accelerate the program as Genesis Magma Racing approaches the crucial homologation process for the 2026 WEC season.
What’s Next for the GMR-001 Hypercar?
As the GMR-001 transitions from the workshop to the racetrack, fans can expect to see it undergoing intensive testing sessions across Europe starting in late summer. These tests will refine the car’s aerodynamics, hybrid deployment strategies, and endurance capabilities in preparation for its 2026 FIA WEC debut, including a targeted entry at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The successful fire-up at Le Castellet signals that Genesis Magma Racing is firmly on track to challenge the world’s elite endurance teams when the GMR-001 finally lines up on the grid.