Genesis — Hyundai Motor Group’s premium brand — has announced that it is set to compete in the top level of endurance racing with an LMDh prototype. The new project adds another pillar to Hyundai Motorsports’ portfolio, which currently includes programs in WRC and TCR competition.
“Genesis is proud to announce its ambitious entry into the world of endurance racing through the LMDh program,” a company statement read. “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.
“We have carefully analyzed LMDh and found it to be a natural fit for our motorsport ambitions and a valuable platform to drive the development of future mobility technologies for road cars. Endurance racing presents an unparalleled opportunity to showcase Genesis’ cutting-edge technology, design philosophy and performance-driven character in a highly competitive arena. This project is part of our broader vision for the future of mobility.”
Great news from Genesis today…#WEC #Genesis #Hyundai pic.twitter.com/qQkBBZsveB
— FIA World Endurance Championship (@FIAWEC) September 12, 2024
The announcement included no confirmation of a chassis partner, no timeline for the car’s debut and no indication of which championships it will enter. However, industry sources suggest that the program will see the Korean brand compete in both the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Hypercar class as well as IMSA’s GTP category, meaning it will have a presence at both the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Le Mans 24 Hours, subject to entries being approved.
As for its chassis partner, RACER sources suggest ORECA has been chosen and the target is for a 2026 debut. A works team is being put together for the WEC arm and the selection process for an IMSA service provider in understood to be in its final stages.
As RACER reported yesterday, development of the program is well underway with staff members being moved close to the Paul Ricard circuit in the south of France. An ELMS LMP2 effort is being put together for next year to enable key personnel to get up to speed with ACO racing.
Genesis Motor is a very recent addition to the global automotive family, launched in late 2015 as an independent brand of the Hyundai Motor Company. The brand launch came after Genesis was featured for more than a decade as the halo model name for Hyundai with both luxury sedans and sports coupes named Hyundai Genesis.