Genesis Magma GT Concept is an unexpected twin-turbo V8 supercar

Genesis Magma GT Concept: an unexpected supercar

This is not something we expected to see. Genesis – Hyundai’s luxury division, previously best known for plush saloons and chrome-heavy SUVs – is preparing to introduce its own supercar, complete with a twin-turbo V8.

Have we somehow drifted off and returned to the 1990s? If we have, we would happily remain in this Golden Era a little longer.

Sadly not: it is 2025, and Genesis means business. During the launch of its Magma performance range at Circuit Paul Ricard, the company shared further information about the GMR-001 hypercar it is developing for Le Mans, before revealing the production-ready GV60 Magma.

The latter is, in effect, a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N wearing a very orange outfit. This surprise supercar, though – presented in Steve Jobs fashion by design chief Luc Donckerwolke, accompanied by throaty revs and wheelspin – is entirely bespoke. And it looks exceptionally cool.

A road-going Genesis for GT3 racing

Official material describes the Magma GT Concept shown here as “the halo model guiding Genesis’ long-term performance strategy, including future GT racing ambitions”. Donckerwolke subsequently told TG that he wants to move Genesis into customer GT3 racing. That requires a car capable of taking on Ferrari 296s and McLaren Arturas, and one that must be homologated through the production of at least 200 examples. The route towards homologation begins with a concept – the one displayed here.

He also confirmed that it will use Genesis’ 3.2-litre twin-turbo V8, created by combining two 1.6-litre four-cylinder Hyundai rally engines, which will also power its Le Mans Hypercar. In the racing car, that engine will operate alone; the road-going version, however, will gain a hybrid system à la the Artura and 296, both of which remove their electrical assistance when they go racing.

Magma GT Concept design and performance vision

Luc has said that the design is not yet completely finalised, although most of its present appearance will remain when the car enters production. That is welcome news, as it is a real beauty. There are scissor doors, muscular rear wheelarches and an engine positioned directly behind a tapering ‘boat-tail’ cabin that gives it a genuinely rapid stance. The dive planes incorporated into the headlights are particularly appealing, too. They may prove rather costly in GT3 competition, but hopefully they will stay on the road car.

“The Magma GT Concept represents the pinnacle of our performance vision and stands as a symbol of our commitment to true motorsport capability,” said Donckerwolke.

“It isn’t defined by raw aggression or uncompromising speed – it is defined by balance. This is a car that feels instinctively connected to its driver, composed under pressure, and meticulously tuned so that every component serves a single purpose: to make performance effortless.

“This is not simply a faster Genesis. It is the most complete expression of Genesis performance to date.”

Genesis announcing plans to contest Le Mans with a hypercar a couple of years ago was already a considerable surprise. A road-going supercar and a GT3 programme as well? We are completely flabbergasted.