- The Magma GT hit an Italian hillclimb with a twin-turbocharged 3.2-liter V8.
- The first mid-engined car from Genesis will directly rival the Chevy Corvette.
- Hitting the track alongside the Magma GT was the wild X Skorpio concept.
Genesis has spent the last few years as a purveyor of premium SUVs and sedans with models like the GV70, GV80, G80, and G90, but thanks to a newly found interest in performance cars, it’s also preparing to release models that’ll get even the keenest car enthusiasts excited.
One of these is the Magma GT Concept. Unveiled late last year and since updated to bring it even closer to production, this sexy mid-engined coupe looks every bit as exotic as an Aston Martin and may even spawn more variants including a roadster, a track-focused special and a legitimate GT3 race car.
Read: Genesis’ Magma GT Supercar Concept Edges Closer To Production
Last week, attendees at the Tutto Bene Hillclimb near Lake Maggiore, Italy, got to see the Magma GT up close. While it’s still officially a concept, it proved to be fully functional. Presented alongside it was the even more bonkers X Skorpio, a rally-raid V8-powered off-road design study which is far less likely to hit the production line.
For whatever reason, Genesis remains mum about key technical details of the Magma GT. However, previous reports, as well as this video, make it clear the stunning Coupe is equipped with a V8 engine. As much as we love the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 found in several of the brand’s current models, there’s something properly exotic about a mid-mounted V8.
Hypercar-Derived Power
The company’s new V8 is a twin-turbocharged, 3.2-liter unit that shares many of its parts with the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder of Hyundai’s i20 N WRC rally car.
More: Genesis Made A New V8 Engine From Hyundai’s 1.6L Turbo Four For Racing
A hybridized version of the powertrain is currently being used in the GMR-001 LMDh prototype competing in the World Endurance Championship. Testing and developing this engine in the toughest endurance racing championship on the planet is the perfect way to ensure it’s up for the rigors of use on the road.
When Are We Going To See It On The Road?
Genesis
As for how long we’ll have to wait for the first Genesis supercar to go on sale, well, that remains unconfirmed. Recent reports suggest it’ll hit the market either in 2027 or in 2028.
More: Genesis’ New GV90 Goes After BMW Money With Rolls-Royce Tricks
With up to 800 hp on tap and free from hybridization, it’s shaping up as a legitimate rival to vehicles including the Chevrolet Corvette, McLaren Artura, and Ferrari 296 GTB.
