Genesis GMR-001 Could Be Le Mans' Biggest Surprise in 2026

Genesis is seriously entering the racing world. The GMR-001, Genesis’ first-ever Hypercar for endurance racing, has passed a very important milestone in its development—the dyno test. With a new infrastructure in France for the purpose of racing in Europe, Genesis is ready to not just race around a track but race on a global scale.

GMR-001 Engine Passes Dyno Test

The engine for the GMR-001 is a twin-turbo V8 hybrid, which just passed its dyno test.A dyno test puts a performance engine through simulated race conditions to make sure it can survive the intense heat, stress, and non-stop workload seen in grueling events like Le Mans.

Why does this matter to fans:

• This means testing is now a greenlight for live testing later in 2023
• The engine encapsulates Hyundai's roots in rally and Genesis' roots in luxury
•  It demonstrates that Genesis is not just catching up, they are innovating

Genesis Moves to Racing Country

Cyril Abiteboul, the head of Genesis Magma Racing, revealed that the team has established its operational base in Le Castellet, France—right near the iconic Circuit Paul Ricard. This is a smart move as this is a hotbed of European motorsport, and just next door to their chassis partner, Oreca.

Why this is cool:

• They are located at one of the best test tracks in Europe
• Chassis development is happening at the same place
• Great location for logistics and development time

Meet the Star Team Behind the Wheel

Genesis hired some of the best minds in motorsports to lead this initiative. From F1 veterans to Le Mans champions, they have a stacked pit crew and brain trust.
 
Key Team Members:

• Cyril Abiteboul – Former Renault F1 boss
• Justin Taylor – Former Audi and Cadillac race engineer
• Gabriele Tarquini – Touring car legend
• Anouck Abadie – Race team manager

They even have 3-time Le Mans winner, André Lotterer, involved to help them with their LMP2 program in 2025, basically a dress rehearsal for their Hypercar debut.  

Genesis Grows in Europe with Racing Aspirations

According to design chief Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis will be expanding into four new regions in Europe: France, Italy, Netherlands and Spain. This is more than simply building car sales, it's about brand storytelling.

Why racing helps:

• Builds trust with new luxury markets
•  Motorsports brings performance credibility
•  Fans can truly follow the brand both in the car and on the track

What’s Next for the GMR-001?

Currently, Genesis is running an LMP2 car in the European Le Mans Series to make hands-on racing experiences. This is their training program, it will lay the foundation for their potential 2026 Hypercar debut.

Coming soon:

• First in person testing late 2025
• Potential debut 2026 WEC
• Possible future IMSA GTP entry in America

Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar Specs Overview

Conclusion

With the successful completion of the dyno testing, Genesis Magma Racing has clearly shown that they are not looking to just fill a grid position, they are preparing to win. Genesis is not just racing with the intent to sell cars, but is assembling a great team, in the centre of the European motorsport hub, and launching in key markets, showing that they are combining their racing passion with a global brand launch strategy. Fans of endurance racing and luxury performance now have another great underdog to cheer for, not just for trophies, but to show the world what a Korean performance brand can do on the global stage.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): caranddriver