Genesis Unveils Ambitious V8 Engine Plan for LMDh Contender

In a bold move that underscores its commitment to endurance racing, Genesis has announced the development of a twin-turbo V8 engine for its upcoming LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) contender. This announcement marks a significant milestone for the South Korean luxury brand as it prepares to compete at the highest levels of motorsport.

A New Era for Genesis in Endurance Racing

Genesis, known for its luxury vehicles, is set to make a splash in the world of endurance racing with its new LMDh program. The brand’s entry into the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is a testament to its ambition and dedication to motorsport excellence.

The new LMDh car, set to debut in the 2026 WEC season, will be powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine. This engine is based on technology derived from Hyundai’s successful World Rally Championship (WRC) program, showcasing the synergy within the Hyundai Motor Group.

Technical Innovations and Strategic Partnerships

The development of the V8 engine is being spearheaded by Francois-Xavier Demaison, the technical director of Hyundai Motorsport. The engine will leverage Hyundai’s extensive experience in rallying, ensuring that Genesis’ LMDh contender is both powerful and reliable.

Genesis has also partnered with ORECA, a renowned chassis manufacturer, to develop the LMDh prototype. This collaboration allows Genesis to benefit from ORECA’s expertise in building competitive racing cars, further enhancing the performance potential of the new LMDh vehicle.

Commitment to Long-Term Success

Cyril Abiteboul, the team principal of Genesis Magma Racing, emphasized the brand’s long-term commitment to endurance racing. “We are not here to do one thing and move on to something else. We are here to stay, to do a good job, to be competitive and build up the narrative,” Abiteboul stated

This commitment is reflected in Genesis’ strategic approach to its LMDh program. The brand plans to stagger its entries into the Hypercar and GTP classes, debuting in the WEC in 2026 before joining IMSA in 2027. This phased approach allows Genesis to focus on developing a competitive car and building a strong foundation for future success.

A Statement of Intent

The launch of Genesis’ LMDh program was a grand affair, held at the base of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The event was designed to make a statement, highlighting Genesis’ serious intentions in the world of endurance racing. The presentation included a scale model of the GMR-001, the car that will compete in both the WEC and IMSA championships.

Abiteboul’s comments during the launch event underscored Genesis’ strategic vision.

“We need to be humble, pragmatic and realistic about the learning curve. We are not strangers to circuit racing because we [Hyundai] do TCR, but the difference between that and prototype racing is big,” he explained.

Looking Ahead

As Genesis prepares for its debut in endurance racing, the motorsport community is eagerly anticipating the impact of the brand’s entry. With a strong technical foundation, strategic partnerships, and a clear long-term vision, Genesis is poised to become a formidable competitor in the LMDh category.

The development of the twin-turbo V8 engine and the collaboration with ORECA are just the beginning. Genesis’ commitment to excellence and its strategic approach to endurance racing suggest that the brand is ready to make a lasting mark on the sport.