► New Genesis Magma program launches
► Korean brand enters the high-performance ring
► Kicks off with GV60 Magma concept
Genesis has officially confirmed that it will develop and engineer more high-performance versions of its cars via its new Magma program. Its first, bespoke designed Magma model is a high-performance concept of its GV60 electric car.
CAR originally broke the news in 2023, confirming that Genesis was investigating the feasibility of offering high-performance models in its future range of vehicles direct from the source at the brand’s Seoul HQ. The brand has now confirmed that it intends to create a Magma performance edition for each of its models in the range – everything from the GV60 to the G80 and GV80.
And it looks like Genesis has been doing quite a bit to slowly warm us up to the idea of a hot Genesis. First, there was the GV80 Coupe concept, which launched at the 2023 New York motor show in its eye-catching ‘Magma’ orange colour. Then, at the Gran Turismo World finals in December 2023, the brand unveiled the X Gran Berlinetta VGT – an extreme concept car that’s designed for use within the Gran Turismo video game. Elsewhere, the Middle East arm of Genesis unveiled a G80 Performance model painted in Magma and coming complete with an aggressive bodykit.
Now, it seems, with the reveal of the new GV60 Magma concept, the brand has decided to officially tie these four cars together into this new high-performance brand. The GV60 Magma concept is the first car to wear that new Magma name with pride. As well as ‘enhanced performance’ and ‘ample power’ – CAR understands that figure to be more than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N‘s 641bhp – the GV60 Magma concept features a slammed ride height, an extreme bodykit with air ducts for brake cooling and more downforce and aerodynamically-designed 21-inch grey wheels.
Genesis chief creative officer, Luc Donckerwolke, says that the brand will ‘continue to reveal experimental concepts with careful consideration of both technological and aesthetic elements. While speed and performance are important, the Genesis Magma program will look beyond.’
The four cars of the new Magma arm will be on show at the 2024 New York International Auto Show, as well as Genesis’ Neolun concept.