Most major automakers have a performance sub-brand or division that focuses on more brutish performance. BMW has the M, Mercedes-Benz has AMG, and Audi has the RS. These offerings are hardcore iterations that push the envelope of performance. In addition, certain brands have slightly less intrusive subdivisions, such as Hyundai’s N Line and Kia’s GT series. These offer sporty iterations. The differences between the two are largely similar to how the BMW M3 and the BMW M340i differ. But Genesis wants to take a different route with its newly formed high-performance Magma series.
This division of the luxury car brand Genesis aims to unlock its untapped performance potential while retaining the plushness and civilized nature for which its luxury cars are known. Hence, Genesis Magma’s USP lies in its focus on being driver-centric and on enhancing the driving experience, not just sheer performance numbers. Thinking out of the box, Genesis wants extensive software features to differentiate their bright-colored sporty take on luxury cars. Staying true to this philosophy is the first-ever production-spec bright orange Genesis—the upcoming GV60 Magma. Here’s everything you need to know about the Genesis Magma division and its plans.
Genesis’s Dormant Volcano Has Erupted
A New And Offbeat Rival To Mercedes-AMG And BMW M Has Arrived
Genesis began as a Hyundai model in 2007. It was the South Korean automaker’s vision of a sporty yet luxurious car with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. The positive traction it received and the interest in a separate entity eventually led to the launch of the Genesis G90 in 2015. Since then, Genesis has been an arch-rival to the German big guns like Audi, Mercedes, and BMW, with its affordable yet equally potent and luxurious lineup of sedans and SUVs.
But there was always a dormant performance side to Genesis. The choice of V6 engines, RWD and AWD drivetrains, and slick-shifting eight-speed automatic gearboxes are all cues of its hidden sporty side. Well, it has finally erupted with the Genesis Magma Division. The “Magma” name first surfaced during a press launch in 2024. It is defined as the “Expansion of Genesis” into the realm of calculated performance and driving appeal. The official Genesis website states,
Beneath the unseen surface, we have captured the essence of magma, condensing its extreme energy to maximize dynamic strength and elegant design. This embodies Genesis’ commitment to pioneering new horizons in high-performance and introducing a new touring culture.
In simple terms, this subdivision aims to offer a performance lineup of every Genesis model, including sedans, SUVs, and the all-electric GV60. During development, all “Magma” models will feature a bright orange paint job to help them stand out. The Magma versions of Genesis cars will take on established players from the BMW and Mercedes-AMG stables. But it will stand out by giving equal importance to performance, luxury, comfort, and even convenience.
The Idea Behind Magma: Genesis’s Alter Ego
Genesis states that its Magma line-up of cars is part of its “son-nim” approach to hospitality. This term roughly translates to “honored guest” and refers to a traditional way of treating guests with the utmost respect, care, and comfort. Genesis plans to deploy this philosophy in its Magma line-up. The special treatment would include creating an emotional bond between the driver and the car, unlike any of its rivals. The aim is to balance raw performance with refined driving dynamics and aesthetics.
The latter includes upscale interiors with plush materials and top-spec technology features with a sporty choice of colors. It has all the performance-focused features, such as aerodynamically enhanced body panels, chassis, and suspension tweaks. In fact, Genesis is so committed to delivering the perfect driving experience on its Magma cars that its first expected production model had racing legend Jackie Ickx as a consultant during its development. Hence, if Genesis is all about luxury and comfort, Magma spices things up with more performance, elevating dynamics, and cool visual upgrades inside and out.
Genesis Getting New Twin-Turbocharged V8 Engine… Sort Of
Unfortunately, this exciting new engine will power the GMR-001 racecar, not, say, the G90 luxury sedan.
From Motorsports To Public Roads
Genesis Plans To Paint It All In “Magma”
Genesis is going all-in with its Magma performance line-up. The most exciting part of this subdivision is its entry into the world of motorsports. Hyundai, Genesis’s parent company, has already established its motorsports division through its participation in the World Rally Championship and beyond. A bright orange stablemate will soon join it since the Genesis Magma Racing division was launched in December 2024.
The endurance-focused GMR-001 hypercar offers a first glimpse of its racing ambitions. It packs the brand’s first-ever V8 engine, which in turn is based on Hyundai Motorsport’s proven 1.6-liter four-cylinder turbo mill from the WRC. It, in fact, shares about 60 percent of the components. The GMR-001, as per the LMDh regulations, combines an ORECA chassis, an Xtrac gearbox, Bosch MGU, and a Williams Advanced Engineering battery pack.
Now, clearly, this is not a road-legal car, but we expect Genesis to follow the motorsport-to-street car ideology and trickle down a lot of bleeding-edge features to future road-going vehicles. These include handling secrets, hybrid power technology, and aerodynamic body panel designs. The possibilities are limitless, and this approach is primarily why brands like Porsche, Ferrari, and Audi have been able to push the threshold of performance envelope over and over again. Genesis’s recent surprise showcase of a working specimen of the Magma GT V8 supercar prototype hints at its racecar technology for the roads.
Genesis Is Taking BMW’s Approach To Engine Development For Its New Hypercar
Genesis developing a new racing-derived V-8 could define the brand’s future.
The First Wave Of Genesis Magma Cars
A Feisty Version Of The GV60 Is Around The Corner
Now that we are pretty excited about Genesis Magma’s racing ambition, let’s look at what the road-going cars have in store. Genesis has kept us excited over the last two years with showcases of various Magma concepts, all equally enticing and drool-worthy. The G70’s orange fever is showcased in a Track Taxi model, where passengers can experience the world’s most famous racetrack—the Nürburgring —in a twin-turbo G70 3.3T. While this looks very close to a production-spec G70 Magma, we are skeptical of its existence, as the standard G70’s future is currently in flux.
Then there’s the GV80 Coupe Concept that previews a performance Magma SUV. It fuses dynamic design language, plush cabin appeal, and sporty performance in one well-rounded package. It appears to be a beefed-up version of the top-spec standard Genesis GV80 coupe, which packs a hybrid 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that produces 409 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque. Expect the Magma-fied version to be notably more powerful, with superior suspension and braking upgrades and cool interior tweaks.
The G80 Magma special is yet another concept that will follow a similar format. But it goes further with lowered suspension and a wide-body design with supposedly superior aerodynamic body panels. There is also an Electrified G80 Magma Concept, the only one without the distinctive orange paint job. We believe the choice of color on this concept highlights its notably superior electric performance.
All of these concepts are compelling and look just a step away from being greenlit for production. However, the first mass-produced Genesis Magma car will be the GV60 Magma Concept. This all-electric SUV has just completed its final testing phase to refine high-speed performance and luxury. Genesis has proven its upcoming Magma’s endurance by putting it through harsh driving conditions, from California deserts to Swedish snow, and New Zealand’s rugged terrain. The standard GV60 shares its E-GMP platform with the likes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the Kia EV6 GT.
However, expect the Magma model to feature notable tweaks to the suspension and braking systems. Furthermore, the horsepower rating will be notably higher than the standard GV60’s 430 horsepower rating. Other notable visual features in the final production test mule include a lower stance (possibly due to revised suspension springs), aerodynamic air curtains, and distinctive 21-inch forged-alloy wheels. The inside will also get a sporty makeover with orange bucket seats, Nappa leather, and diamond quilting.
Sources: Genesis, WRC