Genesis is entering GT3 racing, and here’s the concept for its race car.

      Genesis

      The most significant automotive news and reviews, without any nonsense.

      Subscribe to our free daily newsletter to receive the most important stories directly in your inbox every weekday.

      Last November, Genesis made a notable impression by unveiling its Magma GT Concept, an attractive coupe reminiscent of a supercar. At that time, Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis’ Chief Creative Officer, mentioned to The Drive that it could have as many variations as a Porsche 911. Now, the Korean automaker is following through on that statement by introducing its performance-oriented racing model: the Genesis Magma GT3 Concept.

      Unveiled today at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, where Genesis is set to compete in the Hypercar class for the first time, the Magma GT3 Concept outlines a “potential future direction” as it explores additional racing avenues outside of the World Endurance Championship’s top category.

      The GT3 was conceived in collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport. Although it still carries the “concept” label, it appears ready for the racetrack. During the reveal, Head of Hyundai Motorsport Cyril Abiteboul remarked that the GT3 will complete the Genesis racing lineup and act as a business case for potential sales to racing teams and drivers.

      This approach aligns with the automaker’s vigorous strategy to grow in Europe and establish South Korea as a prominent player in global motorsports, which will necessitate significant marketing efforts and resources. Providing a vehicle for competition in a class beyond Hypercar would greatly aid this initiative.

      “The Magma GT Concept and Magma GT3 Concept represent two distinctive yet connected interpretations of Genesis performance,” stated Donckerwolke. “The Magma GT Concept reflects our vision of luxury and athleticism on the road, while the Magma GT3 Concept adapts that philosophy for the racing environment, where performance, efficiency, and purpose drive every aspect. Together, they illustrate how Genesis is exploring the full range of high performance—from refined grand touring to relentless motorsport.”

      Similar to the standard GT, the GT3 Concept impresses when viewed up close. The integrated headlights in the center of the bumper are striking, and the DRL light signatures at the corners provide the unmistakable Genesis aesthetic. The bold front and rear diffusers, large rear wing, and sleek roofline distinguish it from any other vehicle on the market. Once it hits the racetrack, it will undoubtedly make a significant impression amid competitors like Ferraris, Porsches, and other European brands.

      Abiteboul also highlighted that the GT3 Concept represents an exploration of the category's technical regulations, which served as the guiding principle for the project. Instead of starting with a road-going model and adapting it for racing, the approach was inverted. He referred to it as a “performance-first design approach.” Naturally, a street-legal version must be available for the GT3 to comply with the WEC or IMSA’s GT-class regulations, so this concept mainly pertains to the vehicle's initial design rather than its actual production and development.

      At the end of the presentation, Donckerwolke pointed to Manfred Harrer, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s R&D division, and stated, “Manfred said it’s going into production.”

      The Genesis Magma Racing team is competing in its inaugural WEC season this year, having scored points in just its second race and qualifying in impressive sixth and ninth positions for Saturday’s 24-hour event.

      Have a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com.