A new chapter in endurance racing is officially underway as the Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001 Hypercar recently achieved a critical development milestone. On July 9, the GMR-001’s engine successfully fired up for the very first time. This exciting event took place exactly on schedule at Oreca’s workshop in Le Castellet, France. It marks a huge step forward for the team’s ambitious entry into the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
Powering the Future: Engine and Hybrid System
The heart of the Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001 Hypercar is a formidable V8 twin-turbo engine. This powerful unit was designed by Hyundai Motorsport’s Powertrain Department, drawing expertise from their championship-winning FIA World Rally Championship entries. The engine was first successfully fired up in February, undergoing months of rigorous dyno testing. Now, its successful integration into the chassis allows for full system validation.
This cutting-edge powertrain also features a sophisticated hybrid system. During the fire-up, engineers successfully tested the system’s ability to charge its batteries from the engine. They also confirmed the proper routing of energy to the rear driveshafts. This functionality is crucial for on-track performance. The car’s seven-speed transmission was also put through its paces.
Collaborative Craftsmanship: The Build Process
The construction of this initial GMR-001 development chassis began right after the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Oreca, Genesis Magma Racing’s chassis partner, spearheaded the build at their state-of-the-art facility. Genesis Magma Racing mechanics and engineers collaborated closely at every crucial stage. This partnership has been vital in adhering to the tight development timeline.
Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul highlighted the significance of this moment. He stated, “The car fire-up was the GMR-001 coming to life.” He further emphasized that reaching this point on schedule is a “huge achievement.” Technical Director FX Demaison noted that the build brings together “all the expertise we have.”
From Workshop to Track: Next Steps
With the engine installation and fire-up complete, only the final stages of the build remain. The GMR-001 will soon be handed over to Genesis Magma Racing engineers. This transfer prepares the car for its first track tests, which are planned for late August. Intensive testing will then continue throughout the rest of 2025.
This rigorous testing phase is essential for refining every aspect of the car. It will ensure the GMR-001 is fully prepared for its homologation process ahead of the 2026 WEC season. The team is already focusing on building additional chassis. This will accelerate the development and testing program even further.
The journey of the Genesis Magma Racing GMR-001 Hypercar is a testament to meticulous planning and expert collaboration. This successful engine fire-up is more than just a technical achievement; it signifies the birth of a serious contender in endurance racing. It lays the groundwork for Genesis Magma Racing’s entry onto the world stage.
Disclaimer: Vehicle specifications and details are provided as a general guide and may be subject to change or verification.
Source: Genesis
