Genesis Le Mans GMR-001 supercar will be equipped with two WRC engines

Hyundai Motorsport boss says the WRC engine that will make up the V8 will offer good weight and serviceability should something go wrong during the 24-hour race

Genesis will compete in endurance racing in 2026 with its new GMR-001 LMDh supercar, but the company is under pressure to meet the deadline because the car has not yet begun manufacturing. At this stage, all it has is a scale model. Heading into the 2026 campaign, the newly formed Genesis Magma Racing team will draw on Hyundai’s expertise in other motorsport areas, including the World Rally Championship.

This will start with the engine. Hyundai Motorsport president Cyril Abiteboul says Genesis “probably” should use a V6 engine in its LMDh supercar, but due to time constraints the brand will combine two of Hyundai’s four-cylinder engines used in the WRC to create a V8.

Read: New Genesis GMR-001 supercar aims for Le Mans glory

The specifications of this V8 engine are not yet known, but it is likely to be turbocharged and, like other LMDh prototypes, it will use hybrid technology. Regulations limited output to 671 horsepower, and rear-wheel drive was mandatory. Abiteboul told Road & Track that using Hyundai’s existing four-cylinder engines would not only help Genesis get on the grid in 2026, but that the engines already offer good “weight, energy efficiency, (and) serviceability in case of competition.” Whatever happens during this period.”

The basis of the GMR-001 will be the Oreca chassis. Acura and Alpine also use this chassis. Interestingly, Genesis won’t be following the lead of most of its rivals (including Ferrari and Porsche) in working with teams on factory-backed projects. Instead, it will be operated exclusively by Genesis Magma Racing. This could be a challenge, as all other brands launching LMDh prototypes from the 2023 season are doing so with partner teams with endurance racing experience.

To prepare for LMDh, Genesis will compete in LMP2 racing with European Le Mans Series team IDEC Sport for the 2025 season. This will help it build its equipment for the 2026 competition.

“We had discussions with Cyril,” said Luc Donkerwolke, chief creative officer of Hyundai Motor Group. “Given the tight timeframe, (we considered) whether participating in LMP2 next year would be a huge financial and manpower drain that would distract us from 2026. Ultimately, they decided it was the right path.

“We are recruiting talented and motivated people from around the world to build this team, which must come together,” Donckerwolke added. “They have to grow together. That’s why we’re working hard to be in LMP2 next year. We’re putting pressure on the team in real time to get these guys together and be ready for 2026.”