Genesis to enter top-level endurance racing with LMDh car

Sep 12, 2024 at 12:00 PM

Genesis Revs Up for Endurance Racing Dominance with LMDh Program

Genesis, the luxury automotive brand, is set to make a bold move into the world of endurance racing with the announcement of its LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) program. This strategic decision aims to elevate the brand's performance image and pave the way for future technological advancements in its road cars, including those under the newly established Magma performance sub-brand.

Powering the Future of High-Performance Driving

Embracing the LMDh Challenge

Genesis' foray into the LMDh arena aligns the brand with industry heavyweights like Cadillac, Lamborghini, Porsche, and others who have already committed to this cutting-edge racing platform. The LMDh category offers a unique opportunity for Genesis to showcase its engineering prowess and compete for the coveted outright victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, the crown jewel of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) calendar.

Unlocking Technological Synergies

The LMDh program will serve as a testbed for Genesis, allowing the brand to develop and refine advanced technologies that will eventually trickle down into its production vehicles, including the upcoming Magma models. The flexibility of the LMDh regulations, which permit a wide range of powertrain configurations, aligns with Genesis' vision of blending high-performance and sustainability.

Hyundai Motorsport's Expertise Fuels the Effort

Hyundai Motorsport, the renowned motorsports division responsible for Hyundai N's success in various rally and touring car series, will oversee the Genesis LMDh program. This partnership leverages the squad's proven track record, which includes Manufacturers' titles in the 2019 and 2020 World Rally Championship seasons, as well as multiple championships in the highly competitive TCR series.

Exploring the LMDh Regulations

The LMDh regulations offer constructors a significant degree of freedom when it comes to the powertrain, with the only limitation being a maximum output of 670 horsepower. This flexibility allows Genesis to explore innovative solutions that could potentially find their way into future Magma models, further enhancing the brand's performance credentials.

Keeping Costs in Check

To maintain a level playing field and control costs, the LMDh rules require teams to use donor chassis from one of four approved suppliers: Oreca, Dallara, Ligier, or Multimatic. This approach ensures that the focus remains on engineering and innovation, rather than being overshadowed by exorbitant development budgets.

Synergies with the X Gran Racer Concept

The Genesis LMDh program shares technological similarities with the brand's recently unveiled X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo race car concept. This connection suggests that the learnings and advancements from the LMDh program could potentially find their way into future Magma models, further strengthening the brand's performance credentials and appeal to enthusiasts.

A Transformative Journey Ahead

Genesis' decision to enter the LMDh arena represents a significant milestone in the brand's evolution. By leveraging the power of endurance racing, Genesis aims to elevate its image, showcase its engineering prowess, and pave the way for a new era of high-performance driving experiences. As the brand continues to expand its lineup and establish the Magma sub-brand, this LMDh program promises to be a transformative journey that will redefine the boundaries of what a luxury automotive brand can achieve on the global racing stage.