Genesis Starts Its V-8 Hypercar Engine and It Sounds Wild

A powerful first step toward Genesis Magma Racing’s 2026 WEC debut

• Genesis has successfully started its brand-new V-8 hypercar engine, marking a significant step in the development of GMR-001.
• The powerful engine has been developed using two Hyundai WRC engines, which give powertrain a bold and aggressive sound even when it is at idle.
• This test wasn’t merely for show; the team ran the engine through all gears and tested the entire hybrid system to power the rear wheels.

Whether you’re working on a project car in your home garage or prepping a car for the world’s toughest racing series, firing up a brand-new engine for the first time is always a daunting task. Genesis Magma Racing just hit that milestone with their GMR-001 hypercar. The car is turning each and every head.

The team behind the project fired up the V-8 engine as part of their preparations for the car’s debut in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Genesis states that the development began right after the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Just a few weeks later, the first chassis is nearly complete, and the engine has come to life.

What’s special about this powertrain? It’s made by combining two of Hyundai’s four-cylinder WRC engines to build a high-revving V-8. Even when it’s at idle, it sounds similar to a rally car. The engine has that raw growl fans love to hear.

But this wasn’t just a quick engine start for show. Genesis reports that the test included running through the full rev range in all gears. Engineers have also tested the entire hybrid system by charging the charging batteries and delivering electric power to the rear wheels. This made sure that everything worked together smoothly.

Now that the engine test is done, Genesis and its partner Oreca (popular for building racing chassis) will complete the first test car. That vehicle will go to the GMR team in coming August for genuine testing. After that, the automaker will shift its complete focus on getting the car ready for official approval ahead of the 2026 racing season.