Genesis Magma Racing has announced plans to fulfill their promise of achieving Genesis hyperspeed by integrating a pair of Hyundai WRC 1.6 Turbo engines to form a V8 configuration for their Hypercar. In a recent interview, Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul confirmed the ambitious program, emphasizing the revolutionary V8 engine, which is derived from Hyundai’s cutting-edge 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four, developed for the World Rally Championship (WRC).
The Genesis of a Game-Changing V8 Engine
Genesis Magma Racing stunned the motorsport community with the announcement of their entry into endurance racing last year. Now, just months later, the team is diving into the engineering challenge of developing a high-performance V8 engine in record time. Drawing on Hyundai Motor Group’s 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four—a proven powerhouse in WRC—they ingeniously doubled the design, creating a bespoke V8 configuration.
This strategic move allowed Genesis to sidestep the daunting task of building an engine from scratch while ensuring maximum performance and reliability. “We took the [WRC] engine and made it two times four in line, which gives us a V8,” explained Abiteboul.
Accelerating Toward the Future
The new V8 engine is just one piece of Genesis Magma Racing’s ambitious roadmap. With plans to debut their full-scale GMR-001 Hypercar in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) by 2026 and the IMSA SportsCar Championship by 2027, the team is assembling everything from scratch—including facilities, equipment, and a 60-member workforce.
Partnering with renowned French endurance racing experts ORECA, Genesis is leveraging decades of expertise to design and develop their groundbreaking hypercar. Testing is set to begin in just a few months, demonstrating the team’s commitment to blazing-fast progress.
Honoring Korean Heritage on the Global Stage
Genesis Magma Racing proudly showcases its Korean DNA, both in design and execution. From the team’s logo—a tribute to Korean characters—to their lightning-fast development timeline, the project embodies the spirit of Korean innovation. Abiteboul aptly terms this approach Genesis hyperspeed, a nod to the team’s relentless pace and ambition.
Endurance racing—a discipline steeped in tradition and legacy—offers Genesis the perfect platform to cement their place among motorsport giants. By competing against iconic brands in legendary racing events, Genesis aims to establish itself as a formidable force and build a lasting legacy.
Building a Legacy with Genesis Magma Racing
Genesis’ foray into motorsports marks a new chapter not just for the brand, but for endurance racing itself. With their innovative V8 engine, a cutting-edge hypercar, and a clear vision of the future, Genesis Magma Racing is poised to redefine the boundaries of speed, performance, and cultural pride.