Electric Cars

Genesis has achieved a major development milestone for its forthcoming 2026 World Endurance Championship (WEC) LMDh competitor, the GMR-001 Hypercar. The vehicle's 3.2-liter twin-turbo V8 engine was brought to life for the first time on July 9 at the ORECA Motorsport workshops, near the Paul Ricard circuit. This inaugural engine fire-up, described by Genesis Magma Racing team principal Cyril Abiteboul as the "GMR-001 Hypercar coming to life," signals a pivotal moment for the team as they prepare for testing sessions scheduled to commence next month.

During this initial static test, engineers successfully engaged all seven gears of the transmission and rigorously evaluated the bespoke hybrid system. This included charging the batteries directly from the engine and subsequently channeling that energy to the rear driveshafts, mirroring real-world track conditions. The engine's core technology is derived from Hyundai's successful World Rally Championship program, with many components adapted and refined from the 1.6-liter inline-four engine found in the i20 N Rally 1. Development of this internal combustion unit began in June 2024, followed by comprehensive bench testing at Hyundai Motorsport's headquarters in Frankfurt in February, and subsequent dyno testing over several months to confirm its performance and efficiency. According to Genesis, the project remains "exactly according to schedule," a remarkable feat given the tight development timeline initiated last September.

Looking ahead to its 2026 WEC Hypercar class entry, Genesis plans to operate its own team from the Ricard base. To expedite their learning curve, Genesis has strategically partnered with IDEC Sport, a seasoned participant in the Le Mans 24 Hours and European Le Mans Series (ELMS) in the LMP2 category. This collaboration currently sees Genesis and IDEC campaigning an ORECA-Gibson 07 P2 car in the ELMS, driven by Jamie Chadwick, Daniel Juncadella, and Mathys Jaubert. As for the GMR-001 Hypercar's driver lineup, three-time Le Mans champion Andre Lotterer and Pipo Derani, a four-time winner of the Sebring 12 Hours, are the only confirmed drivers so far for the two cars slated to compete in the 2026 season.

This achievement highlights the dedication and precision required at the pinnacle of motorsport. It serves as an inspiring example of how meticulous planning, innovative engineering, and collaborative efforts can overcome significant challenges and bring ambitious visions to fruition. Such progress not only pushes the boundaries of automotive technology but also fuels the passion for excellence and competitive spirit within the racing community, demonstrating that with perseverance and strategic partnerships, groundbreaking feats are always within reach.

This exclusive podcast episode offers a captivating journey into the heart of Super Touring Power 3, a highly anticipated annual event that pays homage to the glorious era of the British Touring Car Championship in the 1990s. The discussions provide a unique comparison between the racing vehicles of yesteryear and today, revealing the significant technological advancements and financial commitments involved in high-level motorsport across different generations.

Super Touring Power 3 Unveils Historic and Modern Perspectives in a Riveting Podcast

On July 24, 2025, during the esteemed Super Touring Power 3 event, Autosport's Editor-in-Chief, Kevin Turner, conducted an insightful interview session. This special edition of the Autosport National Podcast brings listeners into the world of legendary touring car racing through the eyes of two prominent figures: seasoned Super Touring competitor Patrick Watts and the 2022 British Touring Car Championship victor, Tom Ingram. Ingram candidly shares his inaugural experience at the event, drawing compelling parallels and contrasts between the touring cars of the 1990s and the sophisticated machines of today. Meanwhile, Watts offers a detailed perspective on the highly specialized nature of the Super Touring era, emphasizing the astonishing expenses required for a comprehensive rebuild of a 90s Super Touring car. Their conversation paints a vivid picture of motorsport evolution, underscoring both the passion and the practicalities of maintaining these iconic racing legends.

This podcast serves as a powerful reminder of how motorsport continually evolves, not just in terms of speed and technology, but also in its financial landscape. The insights shared by Ingram and Watts highlight the enduring legacy of Super Touring cars and underscore the dedication required to preserve and celebrate such a rich racing heritage. It's a testament to the fact that while technology progresses, the raw passion and the stories behind the machines remain timeless.