Hyundai’s Luxury Genesis division now has its own performance sub-brand: Magma. Somewhere, sometime in 2026, you’ll be able to buy the first production car from Genesis’ Magma division, the GV60 Magma you see here.
Everything started in 2023 with the GV80 Coupé Concept, where we first saw the flaming-Cheeto orange/red that is Magma’s signature color. In March 2024, we saw the GV60 Magma Concept (predecessor to this). And we have also seen concepts like the X Gran Berlinetta, X Gran Racer, G80 Magma Special, and the GMR-001 Hypercar.
The GV60 Magma is a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive, 640-hp, performance car capable of lapping race tracks around the world and feeling good doing so. 0-100 kph comes up in 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is 164 mph.
That might affect the range, of course, which is not listed yet. The range for the nearly identical Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV GT is 300 and 315 kilometers, respectively (EPA standard). Is the GV60 Magma just a rebadged Hyundai Ioniq 5 N/Kia EV6 GT/ Ioniq 6 N? Mostly, yes, because all of them ride on Hyundai’s EGMP electric vehicle architecture.
Unique combination
In addition to the flaming paint, Genesis does some tuning unique to the Magma’s goal of combining a luxury ride with track-ready performance.
“The GV60 Magma combines the comfort of a luxury GT with the agility of a track car to deliver a differentiated driving experience across various driving conditions. It is the ultimate everyday sports car, perfect for daily drives while offering the power to unleash your alter ego when the moment demands,” Genesis says.
The front and rear bumpers have been modified to improve airflow and maintain balance. This design suppresses lift at the front while generating sufficient downforce at the rear. Along with the rear spoiler, this helps ensure stability at high speeds.
The chassis is specifically set up for Magma and, according to Genesis, provides “exceptional grip and handling suitable for high performance.” The brakes, for instance, feature 400 mm discs in front for what Genesis promises is “strong and stable braking power while supporting responsive and precise control during high-performance driving.”
Pirelli provided the widest tires for any Hyundai/Kia/Genesis ever, measuring 275 mm wide, wrapped around 21-inch wheels you won’t see on any other product.
All components upgraded
Genesis says the battery and thermal management system have been optimized to handle the heat load of the two high-revving motors and to improve cooling performance. At the same time, the boost mode’s duration has been extended to maximize performance. Additionally, the thermal management system ensures stable battery performance “even during intense driving.”
The dampers and the all-wheel drive system have been set up to improve ride comfort and optimize power distribution, while the eDiff “has been enhanced to improve cornering and traction.”
The hub carrier changed, and the front and rear suspension have been upgraded. The body stiffness has increased with the addition of 26 inches of adhesive. Judiciously placed L-brackets increase steering stability. Torsional rigidity is up 97%.
There are five drive modes: Sprint, GT, My Mode, Boost mode, and Launch Control. On top of that, a Virtual Gear Shift and a Magma-Exclusive driving sound “centered around maximizing the brand’s emotional driving experience.” Genesis says the sound works with the VGS “to reproduce a high-revving engine to deliver an immersive and emotionally engaging driving experience.”
A Mercedes AMG, BMW M, or Audi RS competitor?
Other than being a fourth member of the performance car group at Hyundai, the ambitions of the Magma seem to aim higher. With Magma, Hyundai’s luxury brand Genesis wants to compete with other performance sub-brands like AMG and BMW M. No lack of ambition here.
We don’t know how much this Magma will cost, but it will surely be cost-competitive. How it will ultimately drive, we will have to experience. Genesis invited a bunch of journalists to the Circuit Paul Ricard in France, but they couldn’t drive it yet.
Instead, three-time Le Mans winner Andre Lotterer demonstrated the possibilities of the car in the hands of a racing driver. Lotterer and teammate Pipo Derani will lead Genesis’ Hypercar effort in the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship.
The bigger picture here is that Genesis will offer Magma models across much of its current lineup, just as Audi does with the RS badge, BMW does with its M line, and Mercedes-Benz does with AMG.
“Magma is always the best of the best of Genesis models,” said Luc Donckerwolke, chief creative officer of Genesis. “It’s the superhero of Genesis; a bionic cocktail between the values of the original model, the donor vehicle, and this extra facet,” he added.
