Genesis Magma Racing has fired up its powertrain for the first time, marking an important step in the GMR-001's development.
The powertrain is a new V-8 unit built using two Hyundai WRC four-cylinder engines and will power the GMR-001 starting next year.
Following the test, the chassis will be handed over to Genesis for further testing in August, before homologation for the 2026 season begins.
Whether you're tinkering on a project car in your garage or you work for a race team preparing for its debut season on the global motorsports stage, firing up a new engine for the first time is a crucial step. In preparation for its debut season next year in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), Genesis Magma Racing just completed that very test.
According to Genesis, work to build the first development chassis of the GMR-001 race car began immediately following the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Now, just over a month later, the first chassis is nearly finished.
The new GMR mill will be familiar to any WRC fans, as for all practical purposes, the V-8 powertrain is made up of two of Hyundai's four-cylinder WRC engines. Despite double the number of cylinders, the V-8 at idle even sounds reminiscent of the WRC engine.
This wasn't just Genesis turning the engine over for a quick social media clip and then immediately switching it back off. According to the company, the test included running the engine through a rev range in every gear. The engineers also tested the hybrid system, charging the batteries from the engine and then sending that power to the rear axle.
Now that the car has passed its first engine test, the Oreca team (which is partnered with Genesis to build the chassis) will finish with the final stages of building the first test car before handing it over to the GMR team. Once it's fully built, GMR will begin its first tests in August, with the homologation for the 2026 season starting shortly after.
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