Genesis has spent the last 10 years building credibility in a luxury segment that traditionally rewards heritage over innovation. The Korean marque started with executive sedans, moved into crossovers, and now has unveiled what could be the brand’s first proper sports car.
The Magma GT Concept, revealed last week at a special event in France, is a mid-engine concept that establishes the foundation for Genesis’ next decade of performance ambitions, including plans to compete in GT racing alongside its GMR-001 prototype program entering the World Endurance Championship in 2026.
The First Real Sports Car from Genesis
Every surface on the Magma GT tells you exactly what it’s designed to do. The low-set bonnet flows into an elongated roofline that slopes toward the rear in classic GT proportions. Wide, muscular rear fenders give the car a planted stance while a narrowing boat-tail cabin emphasizes a “low and wide” posture. Front canards are integrated directly into the headlamps to add downforce while maintaining the brand’s design identity.
The G-Matrix pattern, which we’ve seen across Genesis’ lineup, expands from the front splitter into wing-like aerodynamic forms here. At the rear, a mechanical interpretation of the brand’s two-line lamp graphic sits above the fully optimized aero structure.
Butterfly doors, a mid-rear engine layout, and Recaro bucket seats round out the package. Genesis hasn’t released powertrain specs yet, but reports from the reveal suggest a V-8 — likely a modified version of what’s powering the GMR-001 race car, which produces around 670hp with hybrid assist.
Racing Ambitions
Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke, who previously led design at Bentley, describes the Magma GT’s approach as “Effortless Performance.” Genesis wants this car to enhance driver skill, blending motorsport capability with the luxury-driven ethos the brand has cultivated over the past decade.
Aside from being a road car, Genesis confirmed long-term ambitions to develop a GT racing variant alongside the GV60 Magma performance EV that debuted at the same event. It’s part of a larger performance roadmap announced in September that outlined plans for a “performance icon, or halo car,” suggesting production intent even if Genesis hasn’t formally committed yet.
Spec Sheet
Model: Genesis Magma GT Concept
Layout: Mid-rear engine
Engine: V-8 (unconfirmed, likely modified from GMR-001 race car)
Horsepower: TBD (GMR-001 produces ~670 hp with hybrid system)
Seating: 2 (Recaro bucket seats)
Key Features: Butterfly doors, integrated canards, G-Matrix aero elements, boat-tail cabin, optimized rear aero structure
Racing Plans: Future GT-class racing variant planned
Pricing & Availability
Genesis hasn’t announced production plans or pricing for the Magma GT Concept. However, the brand’s dialogue around the model suggests this is more than a show car. For now, consider it a very tangible preview of where Genesis is headed over the next decade.
Recap
Genesis Magma GT Concept
Genesis just dropped the Magma GT Concept, a mid-engine sports car that’s not just a design study but the actual blueprint for their performance ambitions over the next decade, including plans to race in GT competition. After 10 years of building luxury sedans and SUVs, the Korean brand is finally making a proper halo car that prioritizes driver confidence and balance over just raw speed.
