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Genesis Magma's Racing Ambitions

General Report December 11, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Genesis Magma Racing Overview
  3. GMR-001 Hypercar Development
  4. Technical Partnerships
  5. Driver Recruitment and Team Structure
  6. Competitive Strategy
  7. Challenges and Operational Considerations
  8. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • Genesis is making a bold move into the realm of endurance racing with the creation of Genesis Magma Racing, targeting participation in prestigious competitions such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA SportsCar Championship. Central to this endeavor is the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar, engineered to meet LMDh regulations and featuring advanced hybrid technology. Partnerships with industry leaders like ORECA and Hyundai Motorsport play a crucial role in building a strong foundation for competitive success. Leading the charge is Cyril Abiteboul, a seasoned motorsport executive who is spearheading the team's strategic direction and management.

2. Genesis Magma Racing Overview

  • 2-1. Introduction of Genesis Magma Racing

  • Genesis Magma Racing was officially unveiled as part of the brand's ambitious entry into professional motorsports during a premiere event held at the Armani Hotel in Dubai, UAE, on December 4, 2024. This event marked a significant milestone for Genesis, highlighting its dedication to high-performance luxury and its intent to compete at the highest levels of endurance racing. Genesis Magma Racing aims to showcase the brand's engineering expertise and commitment to innovation in a competitive environment, particularly through its participation in prestigious championships like the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship.

  • 2-2. Objectives for WEC and IMSA Participation

  • Genesis has outlined clear objectives for its participation in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship, both of which are recognized for their rigorous competitive standards and the challenges they present. For the WEC, set to commence in 2026, Genesis plans to field two vehicles, showcasing sophisticated hybrid technology and racing capabilities designed to meet the high demands of endurance racing. Following this, in 2027, the brand will expand its efforts by competing in the IMSA championship. The overarching goal for Genesis Magma Racing is to blend speed, reliability, and innovative engineering to make a significant impact in the world of competitive endurance racing.

3. GMR-001 Hypercar Development

  • 3-1. Design and Specifications of GMR-001

  • The GMR-001 Hypercar has been developed under the FIA LMDh category rules and is expected to compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting in 2026 and in the IMSA GTP program in 2027. The design follows Genesis’ Athletic Elegance language, featuring a signature parallel LED lighting layout and a distinctive front-to-rear parabolic line which serves as a unique aerodynamic element, enhancing airflow towards the rear diffuser. The chassis for the GMR-001 will be supplied by Oreca, maintaining adherence to competitive regulations that aim to keep costs manageable while ensuring close racing.

  • 3-2. Hybrid Technology and Engine Choices

  • The GMR-001 Hypercar will integrate a hybrid system developed by a consortium of Bosch, WAE, and Xtrac, utilizing standard components that comply with LMDh regulations. Although Genesis has not confirmed the specific combustion engine to be employed, it is speculated that the team might opt for a twin-turbocharged V6, actively used by competitors such as Alpine, Ferrari, Peugeot, and Toyota. This choice could align with Genesis' performance aspirations, as the design was also inspired by the 1149kW X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo Concept. In contrast, other manufacturers like BMW and Cadillac prefer V8 engines, while Aston Martin plans to incorporate a V12 in its future hypercar.

4. Technical Partnerships

  • 4-1. Collaboration with ORECA

  • Genesis Magma Racing's entry into endurance racing is marked by a significant collaboration with ORECA, a well-known manufacturer in the motorsport industry. This partnership is crucial in establishing the technical foundation needed to compete in high-level endurance events such as the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA SportsCar Championship. The collaboration allows Genesis to leverage ORECA's experience in designing and building competitive racing vehicles, leading to the creation of the GMR-001 Hypercar, which is set to race in these prestigious events.

  • 4-2. Support from Hyundai Motorsport

  • Hyundai Motorsport plays a pivotal role in supporting Genesis Magma Racing's ventures in endurance racing. With over ten years of experience in global race and rally activities for Hyundai Motor Group, Hyundai Motorsport will provide substantial backing for Genesis’s operations in the WEC starting in 2026, followed by participation in the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2027. This support encompasses technical expertise, logistical resources, and strategic guidance, reinforcing Genesis's commitment to innovation, performance, and success on demanding tracks worldwide.

5. Driver Recruitment and Team Structure

  • 5-1. Profile of Key Drivers: André Lotterer and Luis Derani

  • André Lotterer and Luis Felipe Derani have been selected as the drivers for the Genesis Magma Racing Team. Lotterer holds an impressive record with a total of 84 wins and 166 podium finishes in his racing career, showcasing his expertise and competitive spirit. Luis Felipe Derani is recognized for his exceptional talent, having won prestigious events such as the Daytona 24 Hour and Sebring 12 Hour competitions simultaneously in 2016. Their profiles highlight their capabilities and experience, essential for the high-performance demands of Genesis Magma Racing in endurance events.

  • 5-2. Management and Strategic Direction under Cyril Abiteboul

  • Cyril Abiteboul is at the helm of Genesis Magma Racing, providing strategic direction and management expertise. His leadership is critical as Genesis embarks on its ambitious journey in endurance racing, aiming for participation in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) starting in 2026 and subsequently in the IMSA SportsCar Championship in 2027. Under his guidance, the team is set to leverage the experience and support of Hyundai Motorsport, which has over a decade of involvement in global motorsport activities. This partnership is integral, ensuring that Genesis has the necessary support and infrastructure to compete at the highest levels in the challenging landscape of endurance racing.

6. Competitive Strategy

  • 6-1. Dual Championship Strategy: WEC and IMSA

  • Genesis Magma Racing has announced its plans to compete in two major endurance racing championships: the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The team is set to participate in the WEC starting in 2026 and the IMSA championship from 2027. This strategy is aimed at maximizing exposure and competitiveness across multiple platforms, leveraging the unique opportunities presented by each championship. The racing program will also include participation in the 2025 European Le Mans Series with an LMP2 team, which acts as a preparatory step for their more ambitious endeavors in the top-tier championships.

  • 6-2. Market Positioning and Branding

  • Genesis Magma Racing's entry into endurance racing is not only a sporting venture but also a strategic initiative for brand positioning. The team will compete with its GMR-001 Hypercar, designed to embody Genesis's 'Athletic Elegance' philosophy, emphasizing luxury while integrating cutting-edge technology. The branding strategy is bolstered by partnerships with motorsport experts such as ORECA and IDEC Sport, which aid in fielding two cars in both the WEC and IMSA series. The selection of experienced drivers like André Lotterer and Luis 'Pipo' Derani further enhances Genesis's competitive image. By participating in prestigious events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and Daytona 24, Genesis aims to align its brand with high-performance and luxury within the global motorsport community.

7. Challenges and Operational Considerations

  • 7-1. Logistical Challenges of Competing in Two Championships

  • Genesis Magma Racing is officially embarking on a complex dual-championship strategy by participating in both the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA SportsCar Championship. Competing in these two prestigious series requires careful logistical planning and resource allocation. The team has confirmed a two-car effort in the WEC, set to begin in 2026, and plans to expand into IMSA in 2027. Consequently, their operational framework must efficiently manage travel, team coordination, vehicle logistics, and maintenance across different racing venues and schedules, potentially leading to increased operational costs and scheduling conflicts as they balance their commitments in both championships.

  • 7-2. Adaptation and Learning Strategy through LMP2 Participation

  • To prepare for its upcoming challenges in endurance racing, Genesis Magma Racing will engage in LMP2 participation as a strategic learning initiative. The team, in collaboration with IDEC Sport, is set to field an LMP2 entry during the 2025 European Le Mans Series before its WEC debut in 2026. This step is crucial for acclimatizing the team to the rigorous demands of endurance racing, allowing them to refine their operational strategies, improve driver performance, and validate the GMR-001 Hypercar under competitive conditions. The experience gained from this participation will be integral to enhancing the team’s competitiveness and effectiveness as they transition to their primary racing goals.

Conclusion

  • Genesis Magma Racing's foray into endurance racing represents a significant strategic initiative to elevate the brand's presence in global motorsport. Through the development of the GMR-001 Hypercar, Genesis is showcasing its commitment to innovation and luxury in high-performance automotive engineering. While experienced leadership under Cyril Abiteboul and robust technical partnerships bolster Genesis Magma Racing’s capabilities, the dual championship strategy poses logistical and operational challenges that require meticulous planning and execution. To solidify its standing in the competitive world of endurance racing, Genesis Magma Racing must leverage its technical strengths and strategic collaborations effectively. The approach paves the way for Genesis to potentially revolutionize its market positioning by aligning luxury with motorsport prowess, anticipating future improvements in racing technology and brand recognition.

Glossary

  • Genesis Magma Racing [Team]: Genesis Magma Racing is the newly established racing team for Genesis, focusing on endurance racing in the WEC and IMSA championships. It represents the brand's commitment to high-performance engineering and luxury in motorsport. The team's strategy includes leveraging partnerships with established racing entities and recruiting experienced drivers to enhance competitive performance.
  • GMR-001 Hypercar [Vehicle]: The GMR-001 Hypercar is Genesis’s flagship racing prototype designed to compete under the LMDh regulations in the WEC and IMSA. It incorporates advanced hybrid technology and is developed in collaboration with ORECA, showcasing Genesis’s ambitions in high-performance luxury automotive engineering.
  • Cyril Abiteboul [Team Principal]: Cyril Abiteboul serves as the team principal of Genesis Magma Racing, bringing extensive experience from his previous roles in motorsport management. His leadership is crucial in steering the team towards achieving its competitive objectives in endurance racing.

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