Derani, Lotterer Named Development Drivers; Genesis Magma Racing Will Field LMDh Platform Entry
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Genesis confirmed its plan to join the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship beginning in 2027 with the brand’s LMDh platform race car. The announcement came today in Dubai, where Genesis Magma Racing was introduced as the team that will operate the program under the guidance of Hyundai Motorsport.
Genesis and Hyundai Motorsport announced in September plans to produce an endurance prototype. Today’s announcement outlined a development program in 2025 with Pipo Derani, the two-time WeatherTech Championship champion and Andre Lotterer, fresh off winning the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar title, as the drivers. Derani and Lotterer will also be among the driver lineup when Genesis makes its endurance racing debut in the 2026 WEC season, with the WeatherTech Championship entry to follow in ’27.
“This entry into motorsport is a natural evolution for Genesis,” said Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer of Genesis. “As we look to push the boundaries of our brand, motorsport allows us to bring the spirit of hyperspeed – which drives how we create and innovate – in a way that aligns perfectly with our core values: audacious, progressive and distinctly Korean.”
The LMDh prototype, named the GMR-001 Hypercar, was developed at Genesis Design Europe and features Genesis’ signature Two Lines lighting, with sleek, horizontal lights wrapping around the front and rear, emphasizing both width and aerodynamic purpose. This unique lighting seamlessly integrates into the car’s flowing bodywork, underscoring Genesis’ minimalist design principles while enhancing visual impact.
“It’s always good news when a manufacturer confirms its plans to participate in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and we are delighted to welcome Genesis in 2027,” said IMSA President John Doonan. “The early images of the new Genesis are striking and further validate the LMDh platform, as well as our vision for how manufacturers would utilize it to represent their brands when we co-authored the ruleset alongside our ACO colleagues. We’re looking forward to seeing the program continue to develop and join IMSA fans in eager anticipation of Genesis entering WeatherTech Championship GTP competition.”
Inspired by Genesis’ Magma lineup, the exterior combines subtle sculptural details that underscore the car’s athleticism and high-speed agility. Smoothly contoured surfaces guide airflow across the body, optimizing aerodynamic efficiency.
The side profile of the GMR-001 Hypercar features a sweeping parabolic line, a Genesis hallmark that transitions fluidly from front to rear. This line enhances airflow toward the rear diffuser, improving downforce and handling on the track. A concave rear section, framed by an active spoiler, adjusts to driving conditions, balancing drag reduction with stability for high-speed racing.
“The GMR-001 Hypercar and our Magma models represent a fusion of Genesis’ performance ambitions with our design-driven DNA,” Donckerwolke said. “From the intense orange of Magma, symbolizing Korean passion and energy, to the precision engineering behind each component, we are entering a new chapter, where speed meets elegance.”
Cyril Abiteboul, president of Hyundai Motorsport, will serve as team principal for Genesis Magma Racing. Having recently secured titles in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) and TCR World Tour, Hyundai Motorsport is well-prepared to support the Genesis LMDh project.
“The official launch of Genesis Magma Racing is a momentous occasion,” Abiteboul said. “As the backbone of Hyundai Motor Group’s global motorsport activities, Hyundai Motorsport will play a vital role in this latest ambitious program. We are elevating our circuit racing expertise to a whole new level as we prepare to compete in some of the world’s most challenging series.”
Derani, whose WeatherTech Championship titles in 2021 and ‘23 came with Action Express Racing and manufacturer Cadillac, can’t wait to get started with the Genesis program.
“The ambition behind Genesis’ endurance racing project and the track record of those involved was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse,” Derani said. “As a driver, being involved in a project from the start is highly rewarding. I look forward to bringing my experience of developing cars and winning titles to the team. Given the competitiveness of LMDh, it will be a big challenge, but I believe all the necessary ingredients are here to make this endurance journey successful.”
(Images: Genesis/Hyundai Motorsport)