Genesis, the luxury brand of Hyundai Motor Group, unveiled two grand tourer (GT) concept cars for its high-performance brand Magma ahead of its Le Mans 24 Hours debut and declared it would enter the high-performance car market. Genesis signaled mass-production potential with the Magma GT concept and showcased its growth in racing technology through the Magma GT3 concept.
Cyril Abiteboul, head of Hyundai Motorsport and Magma Racing team principal, announced Genesis' entry into the GT market at a media conference on the 12th (local time) at Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France.
GT is a name mainly attached to models that simultaneously pursue high-speed long-distance driving capability, strong performance, luxurious ride comfort, and everyday usability.
Abiteboul said, "There are various opportunities in the GT market," adding, "Three brands currently account for more than 50% of the overall market, and we intend to take on this market." However, he did not present specific plans on the timing of the entry or products.
Luc Donckerwolke, chief design officer (CDO) of Hyundai Motor Group, described the Magma GT as a "beauty" and the Magma GT3 as a "beast."
The Magma GT concept was designed to look sleek yet elegant in line with the GT meaning of a high-performance luxury vehicle suitable for long-distance driving. The GT3 concept was designed to make it immediately clear that it is a racing car built for the circuit, with features such as a large front splitter.
The two concept cars were built extremely low, while being quite wide and large. They felt at least the size of a midsize sedan.
The Magma GT concept has the proportions of a classic high-performance sports car and features scissor doors, in which the doors open upward. Genesis' two-line headlamps, a radiator grille wrapping the lower front, and a large rear diffuser created the atmosphere of a high-performance car.
Inside, luxury was emphasized along with a dynamic feel. The dashboard, headliner, and doors were finished in suede, and the center console and seats featured a "tufting pattern" used in high-end sofas.
The gear lever looked like that of a manual transmission, but shifting was only possible between R and D. The instrument cluster was an electronic display configured to emulate mechanical gauges. All climate controls were integrated into the display.
The Magma GT is a concept car developed with mass production in mind, but there are many hurdles to clear before reaching production. José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor, said, "We must review scientific, technological, and financial feasibility," adding, "We are currently conducting a financial review and will revisit pricing soon for profitability."
Abiteboul also said, "We are seeking a direction that is practical and competitive," adding, "We will draw up follow-up plans after gauging market response."
On this day, Genesis unveiled the Magma GT3 concept for the first time in the world. Genesis said the design reflects GT3 technical regulations, applying configurations optimized for race environments, including aerodynamic performance, durability, and cooling efficiency.
The car incorporates a wealth of technology Genesis has accumulated while preparing for motorsport competitions such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The interior reproduced a racing car's cockpit as is.
A Genesis official said, "We are preparing to compete in earnest in the European market, where high-performance car brands are numerous," adding, "If we build recognition and prove our technological prowess through this Le Mans 24 entry, we think we have a strong chance."