24h Le Mans
As they count down the days until their first 24 Hours of Le Mans, Genesis Magma Racing have unveiled the faces of their two GMR-001 Hypercars. The intense colours resembling liquid lava form a visual display to accompany the Korean manufacturer’s début at the world’s greatest endurance race.
Genesis Magma Racing do not intend to slip in unnoticed. The Korean manufacturer unveils the glowing GMR-001 Hypercar livery for its first 24 Hours of Le Mans. The powerful, incadescent design can be seen as a statement of the carmaker’s approach to the race.
Next week, at the 94th 24 Hours of Le Mans, the #17 and #19 Hypercars will boast a livery that is clearly an extension of the Magma brand ethos. Deep red blends into bright orange, like volcanic lava captured in full flow.
It’s eye-catching. The front bears the emblematic Magma orange. The rear is an intense red. Between the two, a flowing, almost organic, molten blend.
Genesis explains that the inspiration comes from the volcanic origins of the Korean peninsula, the discrete humility so apparent in the country’s culture. Pent-up energy. Power without the noise. Just presence.
The Magma brand lettering in Hangeul (마그마) stretches the length of the car, suggesting movement like a rapid brushstroke streaking through the darkness.
Onlookers will be able to distinguish the #19 thanks to its white Genesis logo and specific visual accents, while the #17 bears the usual orange and black. Two sisters, two sparks from the same fire.
“For the entire Genesis brand, including of course Genesis Magma Racing, design is one of the foundational pillars,” explains Luc Donckerwolke, Chief Creative Officer of Genesis. “Fans and supporters have been vocal in their love of the Magma orange concept livery that was unveiled last year, and as always, Genesis takes our supporters’ feedback into consideration by bringing it to reality with a bold evolution. More than a race livery, it’s an artful statement — where colour and form convey the unique performance identity of Genesis.”
For Genesis Magma Racing, a maiden Le Mans is about more than racing. It’s stepping out onto the world stage. A founding moment.
The Magma concept attracted plenty of attention in the manufacturer’s village last year. And this year it’s back in the shape of a Hypercar. Now the challenge is to be as impressive at over 300 kph on the Mulsanne Straight as on a presentation stand.
“The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the biggest weekend of our year”, says Cyril Abiteboul, Genesis Magma Racing Team Principal. “It is the toughest test we face during the FIA WEC season, especially as a team in our first season, but it is also our biggest opportunity to show the identity of Genesis and Genesis Magma Racing to the world through racing. Since we launched the team in December 2024, Magma has been a key part of our name and our identity, so to be able to bring Genesis Magma fully to life on track is very important. The cars look fantastic, and as a team we will be working to make sure our performance matches the level of attention that has gone into creating the designs.”
Genesis Magma Racing called on HEXIS to help with that aspect. Together they devised state-of-the-art adhesives that portray the nuances of colour from all angles.
In the mid-June sun, or beneath a canopy of twinkling stars, the GMR-001 Hypercar promises to capture the light at all hours. Comme une braise qui change d’intensité selon l’heure et la vitesse.
At Le Mans, some cars stand out for their past performance. Others by their distinctive sound. Or their outline. Before the race has even begun, Genesis Magma Racing already has already stamped it with its hallmark. Now for the racing!
