Hyundai’s premium spin-off brand, Genesis, has recently announced its entry into top-flight endurance racing. The brand plans to develop a car according to the LMDh ruleset, which requires competitors to use a greater number of off-the-shelf components compared to the alternative Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) specification.
Under the LMDh rules, the chassis must be sourced from Oreca, Dallara, Ligier, or Multimatic, while the hybrid system is a common part developed by Bosch, WAE, and Xtrac. This approach allows for a more cost-effective and competitive racing platform, attracting several high-profile manufacturers such as Alpine, BMW, Cadillac, Porsche, and Lamborghini.
While Genesis has not yet announced which racing series it will participate in, it is likely to compete in the US-based IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship, given the brand’s focus on the North American market. The announcement comes ahead of the World Endurance Championship’s 6 Hours of Fuji race, indicating Genesis’ commitment to expanding its motorsport portfolio.
The decision to enter endurance racing aligns with Genesis’ repositioning as a more performance-focused brand. Earlier this year, the brand introduced the “Magma” sub-division, signaling its intent to produce high-performance vehicles. Genesis has also expressed its racing ambitions through the X Gran Racer VGT concept, developed for the popular driving game Gran Turismo 7.
The move into endurance racing is a strategic one for Hyundai and Genesis, as it allows them to showcase their engineering capabilities and performance technologies on a global stage. Endurance racing serves as a testing ground for advancements in hybrid powertrains, aerodynamics, and overall vehicle performance. By participating in this highly competitive field, Genesis can enhance its brand image and gain valuable insights for future road car development.
This announcement follows months of speculation about Hyundai’s potential involvement in endurance racing. The Korean automaker already has a strong presence in motorsport, including the World Rally Championship and TCR touring cars. The addition of endurance racing further solidifies Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive technology and performance.
While Genesis has not provided a specific timeline for its racing debut, a 2025 entry seems plausible, considering that both the WEC and IMSA seasons are nearing completion. Fans and enthusiasts can look forward to Genesis’ participation in the upcoming seasons, where they will witness the brand’s engineering prowess and competitive spirit firsthand.
The decision to enter endurance racing reflects Hyundai and Genesis’ continuous commitment to innovation and performance. By leveraging the LMDh ruleset and partnering with reputable suppliers, the brand aims to compete at the highest level while showcasing the capabilities of its road cars. This move not only strengthens Genesis’ position in the luxury market but also demonstrates Hyundai’s determination to establish itself as a global automotive powerhouse.
In conclusion, Genesis’ entry into top-flight endurance racing signifies a new chapter for the brand and Hyundai as a whole. By embracing the LMDh ruleset, Genesis aims to compete against other prestigious manufacturers while showcasing its engineering expertise and performance technologies. This move aligns with Genesis’ repositioning as a performance-focused brand and demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation. Racing enthusiasts and fans can look forward to witnessing Genesis’ debut in the coming years and experiencing the brand’s racing heritage firsthand.