Hyundai’s Genesis to race at Le Mans

An ‘ambitious’ plan to take on the biggest names in motoring could transform the future of this growing brand.

Hyundai’s Genesis luxury arm is set to go head-to-head with European performance brands on the road and track, announcing plans to go racing with an exotic hypercar at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The growing brand will line up alongside Ferrari, Porsche, Toyota and BMW as well as Lamborghini, Peugeot, Aston Martin and Cadillac on the world stage.

It follows Genesis’ commitment to take on the likes of Audi Sport and Mercedes-AMG with a new line of “Magma” performance cars.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the world’s largest car races. Photo: Supplied

Genesis is the latest manufacturer to join the World Endurance Championship, a series that has exploded in popularity among car makers.

It is also going to go racing in the US, where Acura, Cadillac, BMW and Porsche contest the IMSA championship including the Rolex Daytona 24 Hour.

Both championships invite manufacturers to design eye-catching prototype race cars with sophisticated hybrid engines.

Ferrari scored back-to-back wins at Le Mans in 2023 and 2024. Photo: Ker Robertson/Getty Images

Full technical details for the Genesis have not been released.

But in the same way that Lamborghini and BMW race cars use twin-turbo V8 engines related to those under the bonnet of the Lamborghini Urus and BMW M5, Genesis could employ the twin-turbo V6 motor found under the bonnet of cars such as the Genesis G70 sports sedan and GV80 luxury SUV.

A statement released by the Genesis said the brand “is proud to announce its ambitious entry into the world of endurance racing”.

Genesis’ GV60 Magma Concept will take on the Porsche Macan.

“This marks a new chapter in Hyundai Motor Group’s motorsport journey, adding on to Hyundai Motorsport’s successful legacy in WRC and TCR,” it said.

“Endurance racing presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Genesis’ cutting-edge technology, design philosophy, and performance-driven character in a highly competitive arena.

“While we are excited to embark on this endeavour, further details regarding our racing schedule, technical partnerships, and driver line-up will be shared at a later time.

Genesis has flirted with supercars in concept trim.

“We remain focused on ensuring that this program aligns with Genesis’ brand identity and performance ambitions, and we look forward to providing more updates as we finalise our plans.”

The current rule set for international sports car racing has been extremely success in attracting manufacturers. Genesis will combine a production-derived engine with a core chassis developed by an existing motorsports supplier, such as Dallara, and an off-the-shelf hybrid system to create its car.

Older rules turned Le Mans into an expensive arms race that forced manufacturers out after a relatively brief run.

But the current regulations, which are significantly cheaper to join, have lured brands like Genesis with the promise of racing glory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Le Mans organisers require manufacturers to use hybrid power to race around the clock.

New rules will allow brands to bring hydrogen-powered cars to the track soon, giving car makers a new arena to experiment with green technology.

Originally published as Hyundai’s Genesis to race at Le Mans