Genesis Is Building a Mid-Engine Supercar: Here Is Everything We Know

Genesis completely blindsided the automotive world last month by unveiling the Magma GT Concept. This low-slung, mid-engine supercar is set to define the next ten years for the luxury marque—and every indicator suggests Genesis is actually going to build this thing.

The young luxury brand has serious racing aspirations, aiming to join the World Endurance Championship by 2026 and IMSA by 2027. To do that, they need a road-going counterpart to legitimize the effort. We aren't just looking at a single model, either; a production Magma GT could lead to lightweight track variants and even a dedicated GT3 R spec. As Luc Donckerwolke, the brand’s Chief Creative Officer and President, put it: "You will have the whole palette."

Despite looking remarkably production-ready, Genesis was hesitant to drop hard specs. The concept made a noise distinctively like a V-8 during its debut, which is curious considering Genesis doesn’t currently offer a V-8. For now, executives are keeping their lips sealed regarding what’s under the hood.

The Magma GT Concept represents a massive leap forward. A legitimate mid-engine supercar anchored by a racing program proves to the rest of the industry that Genesis is serious about performance. While we wait for the official arrival, here is everything we know so far about the upcoming Genesis supercar.

Currently, Genesis relies on an alphanumeric naming strategy—G for sedans and GV for SUVs—followed by a number indicating size. "Magma" is the newly launched performance sub-brand, which is usually appended to the model name, such as the Genesis GV60 Magma.

"Magma GT" isn’t a terrible name, but it remains to be seen if it will survive the transition to production. For context, the brand has tentatively named its Le Mans hypercar the GMR-001, which sounds less like a car and more like a synthetic preservative found in junk food.

Since the current Genesis lineup lacks a mid-engine layout, the GT will almost certainly utilize a bespoke architecture. The wider Hyundai Group has been experimenting with mid-engine platforms for nearly a decade, though it is unknown if that R&D will directly benefit this project. We can expect extensive use of carbon fiber and other lightweight composites, though specific details remain thin.

What Engine Will It Have? Genesis has been tight-lipped about the powertrain, but the concept displayed last month strongly hinted at V-8 power. We know Genesis is developing a new twin-turbocharged V-8 for its Le Mans racer—essentially combining two 1.6-liter four-cylinders—but that is a race engine that might not be suitable for a street car.

If Genesis intends to release a full lineup of mid-engine supercars, we could see multiple powertrain options. While the debut concept implied a V-8, the entry-level model might feature something different, such as a high-output version of the brand’s twin-turbo V-6 hybrid.

Currently, the 3.5-liter hybrid in the GV80 produces 409 horsepower, which feels underwhelming for a machine as aggressive as the Magma GT. However, it could serve as a baseline. The theoretical X Gran Berlinetta concept boasted a V-6 paired with electric motors for a staggering 1,071 combined horsepower, which sounds far more fitting for a supercar flagship.

It is highly probable that at least one version of the new supercar will feature electrification. The brand already utilizes mild-hybrid technology, and a more potent application of that tech is expected to help propel the Magma GT.

Expect the production model to stay very true to the concept. The car will maintain the mid-engine silhouette and the brand’s signature twin-line lighting elements. Aside from a few regulatory tweaks here and there, the design looks practically finished.

Genesis hasn’t confirmed a launch date for the production Magma GT. However, given the plan to enter the WEC in 2026 and IMSA in 2027, a debut aligning with those dates makes sense.

The concept already sports standard-sized side mirrors and road-legal wheels, implying the design team is nearly done. A full reveal by the end of 2026 seems the most likely scenario.

Pricing remains a total unknown. Given the bespoke chassis and the mystery surrounding the powertrain, the starting price will undoubtedly exceed $100,000. If the lineup is as extensive as promised, the costs could vary wildly, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a top-tier GT3 variant push past the $200,000 barrier.