Genesis still harboring GT3 ambitions

As Hyundai's motorsport division continues to grow in both size and ambition, it has become clear that Genesis is taking a long, hard look at the potential to join the GT3 marketplace.

Its new Magma GT Concept car, which debuted in France last month, was described by the brand as a "halo model guiding Genesis’ long-term performance strategy, including future GT racing ambitions." But when could we expect to see a GT3 from the Korean brand on track?

Speaking with reporters last week at a Hypercar test in Barcelona, Genesis Magma Racing boss Cyril Abiteboul clarified that no decision has yet been made on a GT3 project, despite the launch of its concept car. He did, though, make it clear that a foray into the customer GT racing arena remains a key aspiration for the Hyundai Motor Group brand.

"It's still some dreams, I think, that we'd like to turn into reality," he explained. "We are working hard to turn it into reality.

"A GT3 car requires a number of things to exist; you need a production car, brain power, and the capability to have the right customer support. It's a very competitive environment with brands that are extremely established. You need to convince teams to believe in your product and change. We need to build an ecosystem for that car."

A key area that Genesis needs to focus on in the meantime, before it begins selling GT cars to customers, is building up the brand's sporting reputation and visibility. This is something it hopes to achieve with its eagerly anticipated GMR-001 Hypercar project, which will debut in the FIA WEC next year and in IMSA at some point in 2027.

"It should allow us to establish the brand," Abiteboul said of the objectives for Genesis' prototype effort. "Once we have the brand, let's see if we can get customers to believe in the brand to produce this type of car.

"Producing a GT car, anyone can do it, but the difficulty is the economics of such a project. The automotive industry is tough, people are more in the process of stopping their programs rather than expanding, and we still have WRC (though Hyundai's future in that area remains uncertain beyond 2026, as the new 2027 regulations are "opening more questions than bringing answers" according to Abiteboul).

"We want to make some steps, but each step must be carefully considered. That's really the discussion we are having internally. It's not just about product, it's about the ecosystem. It's a long-term project. As much as I would love to sell one of these, it takes time. I don't want to put any timestamp.

"What I want to make sure is that my organisation is ready for any type of program," he continued. "If we want to do rally, we are ready. There is a decision on GT3; we are ready. If we want to go to Formula E, I am making sure the group is not just capable of software development for that (WEC), but also for Formula E.

"I am making sure we are future-proof as much as possible. We are a big group: Hyundai, Genesis, Kia. We'd like to have an organisation that is scalable and ready for any challenges that could be thrown at us."