- Genesis will race an LMDh car but hasn’t said where
- An LMDh program could result in Genesis chasing the outright win at Le Mans
- Technology from the program could filter down into road cars, including those from new Magma division
Genesis is set to join the likes of Cadillac, Lamborghini, Porsche, and others with a racing program built around a new LMDh car.
Details on timing and the particular series Genesis will enter haven’t been released. LMDh cars are currently eligible for the respective GTP and Hypercar classes of the IMSA SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship.
LMDh is also eligible for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, meaning Genesis may soon chase an outright win in the French classic. The Le Mans race serves as the main event on the WEC calendar.
Genesis said the LMDh program will help development of future technology for road cars, while also promoting the brand in a performance light, something that has become more vital as Genesis prepares to launch cars under the recently established Magma performance sub-brand.
Genesis Magma concepts
“Genesis is proud to announce its ambitious entry into the world of endurance racing through the LMDh program,” the automaker said in a statement. “Genesis is actively exploring programs to strengthen its high-performance image, and after a thorough evaluation of various options, LMDh emerged as the most strategic choice for us at this time.”
Constructors have a lot of freedom when it comes to the powertrain that can be used in an LMDh car, though the maximum output must be limited to 670 hp. LDMh rules also require teams to use donor chassis from one of four suppliers in an effort to keep a lid on costs. The list includes Oreca, Dallara, Ligier, and Multimatic.
Most LMDh cars run a combination of a gas engine and a single motor-generator. The setup is similar to what Genesis used for its X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo race car concept unveiled in June, and may eventually filter down into new Magma models.
Hyundai Motorsport, which handles Hyundai N’s efforts in various rally and touring car series, will oversee Genesis’ LMDh program. Previous successes by the squad include Manufacturers’ titles in the 2019 and 2020 seasons of the World Rally Championship and several titles in various TCR series.
