- Genesis G80 Magma will be sold only in a handful of countries.
- Twin-turbo V6 upgraded to 525 hp with new suspension tweaks.
- Reworked fascias, Brembo brakes, and blacked-out trim added.
It’s been nearly two years since Genesis unveiled a Magma-badged version of the G80 sedan at the New York Auto Show, sparking speculation that a limited production run might follow, tailored specifically for the Middle East. That rumor has now become reality, though it brings disappointing news for American buyers.
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At a recent event in the UAE desert, where Genesis also debuted its flamboyant V8-powered Skorpio X Concept, the company finally confirmed production plans for the G80 Magma. As expected, production will be capped at just 20 units, each one reserved for the Middle Eastern market, with a strong emphasis on availability in the UAE.
Created as the brand’s nearest rival to the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63, the G80 Magma sports the company’s flagship 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6. But this isn’t the standard unit. Output has been pushed to 525 horsepower, a jump of 150 hp over the regular G80.
Genesis hasn’t provided details on how this boost was achieved, but the upgrade should fundamentally alter the car’s dynamics and on-road presence.
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To match the added power, the suspension has been reworked, with a lower ride height and stiffer setup. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power through an all-wheel drive system, and while the hardware sounds familiar, the tuning likely reflects the Magma’s more aggressive intentions.
Visually, the car has much more dramatic bodywork. It includes a reworked front fascia with a blacked-out grille and new black air intakes. Genesis has also equipped it with new wheels, a set of Brembo brakes, and a more prominent rear end, complete with a lip spoiler, a black diffuser, and new tailpipes.
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Upgrades have also been made to the interior. The most significant change is the installation of Recaro seats, trimmed in black leather and Alcantara with bright orange backs and orange-and-white contrast stitching.
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Pricing hasn’t been announced. Nor has Genesis explained why it invested in developing such a model only to produce 20 examples, all for a single region. Whether this is a regional experiment or the beginning of a wider rollout remains to be seen, but for now, those outside the Middle East will have to admire the G80 Magma from afar.