Genesis Magma Racing is preparing to enter the FIA World Endurance Championship. The new team has been moving full throttle toward its 2026 debut. They have already unveiled the new Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar. This racing program started with the car’s unveiling. The team structure and talent acquisition followed soon after. Now with race miles logged, Genesis is ready to prove itself. They will compete against the world’s strongest teams.
The GMR-001 Hypercar at Full Speed
Genesis made its ambitions official last year. A full-scale GMR-001 was shown in New York in 2024. A video of the V-8 engine recently grabbed headlines. The development of the V-8 started in June 2023. Its first milestone was achieved in February 2024. The engine roared to life in Germany.
V8 Power and Performance Specs
Hypercar engines come in V-6 or V-8 turbo layouts. Genesis based its new twin-turbo V-8 on a proven engine. They used the 1.6-liter inline-four from their World Rally Championship car. The new engine shares about 60 percent of its components. Genesis knew they didn’t have time to design a new engine. The four-cylinder was already well-proven. This made it a logical step to carry over parts. The GMR-001 also uses an ORECA chassis. It has an Xtrac gearbox and a Bosch MGU. A Williams battery pack is also included. The GMR-001 channels power to the rear axle.
Genesis Builds Its Race Team
Building a good team is critical for success. Genesis organized GMR at a test track in Le Castellet. They partnered with veteran IDEC Sport. This launched the Genesis Trajectory Program. Partnerships like this are normal in motorsport. They give manufacturers access to expertise. IDEC Sport was founded in 2015. They won the 2019 ELMS title. For this season, their car wears Genesis’s orange livery.
The Talented Driver Lineup
The driver lineup is taking shape. Three-time Le Mans winner André Lotterer is a lead driver. He is joined by Brazilian ace Pipo Derani. The squad is also supported by Jamie Chadwick. Mathys Jaubert and Daniel Juncadella are also part of the team. Mathys Jaubert is the youngest driver at just 20. Jamie Chadwick is a British champion. She has a victory and two podiums in Indy NXT. Daniel Juncadella has experience in many categories. He even tested in Formula 1.
Real-World Racing and Lessons Learned
The partnership with IDEC Sport started well. The team ran in the ELMS season opener. At the Barcelona race, the #18 car fought for the lead. They ended up taking the LMP2 class win. It was a milestone for Genesis Magma Racing. It was also Jamie Chadwick’s first class win. In Round 2 at Le Castellet, the team took an overall victory. It was also IDEC Sport’s first home win.
Challenges and Future Goals
The ELMS calendar paused after that race. The team headed to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. They started 14th in class due to setup issues. Lotterer and Chadwick quickly moved up the ranks. Disaster struck two hours after the halfway point. The rear wheel came off the car. It forced Lotterer to retire on the straight. It was a heartbreaking end to the race. But Genesis continues on its long-term road map. The team announced new additions. They have a new team manager and chief engineer.
Moving Forward for Racing Glory
The team is now in a critical phase. The car must prove durability in the real world. Every step is a chance to accelerate development. The team is laying the groundwork now. They are preparing for their debut in the FIA WEC. It’s the brand’s first purpose-built race car. It will race against teams with decades of experience. Just as Hyundai proved itself, the charge of Genesis Magma Racing is not slowing down.
Disclaimer: Vehicles described are for racing purposes and may not be available for commercial sale. Specifications and performance are subject to change based on racing regulations and development.
Source: Genesis
