Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar Brings Back V8 Power

Genesis, the premium marque under Hyundai, is reigniting the spirit of performance with a bold move—bringing back the V8 engine. After bidding farewell to its last V8-powered model, the G90, in 2021, Genesis is turning the page with a cutting-edge V8 hybrid engine developed by its high-performance Magma Racing Division. The new powertrain has now reached a major development milestone: it has been installed and fired up in the upcoming GMR-001 Hypercar, with track testing scheduled to begin soon.

This development not only signals Genesis’ serious intent in the world of motorsport but also lays the groundwork for future street-legal high-performance models. The comeback of the V8 is no longer a dream—it’s in motion.

Highlights of the Genesis V8 Return

• Genesis confirms V8 engine development via Magma Racing
• New V8 hybrid setup tested in GMR-001 Hypercar
• Engine based on two WRC-spec 4-cylinder units, paired with electric assistance
• Vehicle scheduled to debut at Le Mans in 2026
• Focus on motorsport-to-street car technology transfer
• New torque vectoring system under development for enhanced agility
• Likely road applications in the G80 Magma and future Genesis hybrids
• GV60 Magma electric performance crossover coming soon

A New Era for Genesis Performance

The Magma Racing Division—Genesis’ answer to BMW M and Mercedes-AMG—is leading the charge into the future of high-performance engineering. The new V8 engine, essentially crafted by merging two WRC-spec four-cylinder blocks and pairing them with electric propulsion, has now been installed in the GMR-001 Hypercar.

This innovative V8 hybrid setup is the first tangible product from Magma Racing and represents a pivotal shift in Genesis’ approach to performance. After months of rigorous dyno testing, the engine has officially fired up, with real-world track testing imminent. The ultimate goal? A debut at the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans.

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Performance Limited by Racing Rules, Not Innovation

While Genesis has not yet disclosed the exact power figures, it is known that Le Mans regulations cap competitors at 671 horsepower. This cap will define the hypercar’s output in racing form, but the broader objective extends beyond the track. Genesis is using the GMR-001 Hypercar as a testbed for what it calls a “next-generation propulsion system”—a powertrain designed to combine performance, efficiency, and cutting-edge hybrid technology.

The philosophy is clear: innovations honed on the track will eventually make their way into Genesis road cars. This motorsport-to-road transfer aligns with strategies seen in brands like Ferrari and Porsche, and positions Genesis to compete on an entirely new level.

Bringing Back Agility: Torque Vectoring and More

In addition to the hybrid V8 powertrain, Genesis is also working on a state-of-the-art torque vectoring system designed to enhance driving agility across all speed ranges. This advancement hints at a holistic performance upgrade that extends beyond raw horsepower, emphasizing driver engagement and precise handling—core elements of a true performance machine.

The Magma Legacy: Road Cars on the Horizon

Although the GMR-001 Hypercar is not slated for production, its DNA will almost certainly influence future models in the Genesis Magma lineup. One such candidate is the G80 Magma, a special edition initially unveiled for the Middle East. With hybrids confirmed for the Magma family, it’s only a matter of time before a road-going version of the GMR-001’s powertrain reaches consumers.

Genesis’ first Magma-branded street model, however, will likely be the GV60 Magma, an all-electric crossover sharing performance underpinnings with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. This vehicle is expected to make its full debut by the end of the year and is set to target rivals from BMW’s M division and Mercedes-AMG.

Technical Snapshot: GMR-001 Hypercar (Known Data)

A Reignited Future for Genesis

The return of the V8 through the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar marks more than just a nostalgic nod to the past—it’s a signal of intent. Genesis is no longer content with being an elegant alternative to German luxury; it is now setting its sights on becoming a true performance brand.

With Magma Racing laying the foundation and the GV60 Magma poised to hit the streets, the revival of the V8 is just the beginning. The hypercar’s track debut in 2026 may be its first test, but its real impact will be measured by how successfully its engineering filters into the cars everyday drivers can own—and enjoy.