Genesis is making bold moves in the world of endurance racing, setting the stage for an ambitious entry into the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026. In a surprising twist, the luxury automaker has revealed that its new LMDh race car will feature a V8 engine derived from Hyundai’s high-performance 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four—an engineering feat that showcases Genesis’ innovative approach to motorsport. With an unveiling slated for April and testing scheduled for August, the countdown has begun for Genesis’ grand entrance into the racing arena.
Building a race car from the ground up is a daunting challenge, particularly for a brand with no prior motorsport pedigree. To accelerate development, Genesis has tapped into Hyundai’s rallying expertise, leveraging the battle-tested technology from its World Rally Championship (WRC) program. Rather than designing an engine from scratch, the team at Genesis Magma Racing opted for a pragmatic yet performance-driven approach. Cyril Abiteboul, the team’s principal, explained the rationale behind this decision: “We elected to go with a V8, precisely because the V8 was a great opportunity not to have to redesign a complete engine from scratch and instead take inspiration from our [Hyundai Motor Group’s] existing WRC engine.”
Hyundai’s WRC program boasts an impressive track record, with two manufacturers’ championships, a driver’s title, and 29 rally victories under its belt. By essentially doubling Hyundai’s 1.6-liter turbo four into a V8 configuration, Genesis hopes to blend the proven reliability and performance of rally engineering with the endurance demands of long-distance racing.
Of course, crafting a championship-worthy endurance car requires more than just a powerful engine. That’s where Oreca, a respected French chassis developer, comes in. Best known for its work with Alpine and Acura, Oreca has a history of delivering competitive race cars. By partnering with an experienced chassis builder, Genesis is ensuring that its debut in the highly competitive WEC is backed by robust engineering and design expertise.
The new Genesis LMDh contender is set to make its public debut in April, offering enthusiasts a first glimpse at the automaker’s foray into endurance racing. With testing commencing in August, the team is gearing up for an intensive development period leading up to its official competition debut. The 2027 season will see Genesis enter the IMSA SportsCar Championship, with aspirations to take on the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans that same year.
Genesis’ move into endurance racing is more than just a technical challenge—it’s a statement of intent. The brand is eager to carve out a reputation in the world of motorsport, competing at some of the most prestigious racing venues on the planet. With its engineering team in place, drivers secured, and development timeline set, all that remains is the rigorous process of testing and fine-tuning—a grueling yet essential step toward making history on the track.
