Jobaaj Stories
Genesis is making its way into top-tier endurance racing with its upcoming LMDh race car, the GMR-001. The automaker has officially confirmed that the vehicle will be powered by a V-8 engine, derived from two Hyundai World Rally Championship turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. The GMR-001 is set to make its debut in April 2025, with testing scheduled to begin in August.
Genesis GMR-001 to Compete in Endurance Racing
Genesis is gearing up for a major entry into FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship. The automaker’s participation in WEC will also place it in contention for the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most legendary endurance races in the world.
The team behind the project, Genesis Magma Racing, is led by Cyril Abiteboul, the former managing director of Renault's Formula 1 team. Genesis plans to compete in FIA WEC by 2026, with an IMSA entry following in 2027.
GMR-001 LMDh Race Car Features and Design
To compete in top-level endurance racing, manufacturers must adhere to LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) or LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) regulations. Genesis has opted for the LMDh category, which allows the use of standardized hybrid systems and chassis from authorized suppliers. The GMR-001 will feature a chassis from Oreca, the same supplier used by Acura and Alpine.
The powerhouse of the GMR-001 is an all-new V-8 engine, crafted by merging two 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engines from Hyundai’s WRC program. This innovative approach aims to provide optimal power, efficiency, and durability for endurance racing.
Top Drivers to Race the Genesis GMR-001
Genesis Magma Racing has already secured top-tier drivers to develop and race the GMR-001.
- André Lotterer, reigning World Endurance Drivers’ Champion and Le Mans winner.
- Pipo Derani, a seasoned endurance racer.
- Jacky Ickx, six-time Le Mans winner, joins as a brand ambassador.
To further strengthen its driver lineup, Genesis has partnered with IDEC Sport to create a driver development program. This initiative will help identify and train emerging talents through LMP2 entries in the European Le Mans Series.
Genesis GMR-001 LMDh Race Car Specifications
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Future of Genesis GMR-001 in Motorsports
With the development of the GMR-001 in full swing, Genesis is positioning itself as a formidable player in endurance racing. The project not only highlights the brand's technological expertise but also strengthens its motorsport legacy. The first test runs in August 2025 will offer a glimpse into Genesis' potential to challenge established competitors like Ferrari, Toyota, and Porsche.
Stay tuned for the official GMR-001 debut in April 2025! 🚀
