Hyundai’s luxury division Genesis has put BMW, Mercedes-AMG and Audi on notice by revealing a new performance sub-brand: Magma.
A total of four Genesis Magma concepts have been unveiled ahead of their public debut at the New York motor show, which kicks off on March 29.
Genesis has tapped recently appointed brand partner Jacky Ickx – who won the 1977 Bathurst 1000 with Allan Moffat, and took six outright wins at Le Mans – to lend his expertise towards developing Magma’s production vehicles.
The brand says it “ultimately aims to develop a high-performance Magma model for each production vehicle in the existing lineup, maximising both aesthetics and performance”.
The first vehicle locked in for production is the Genesis GV60 Magma Concept, which takes the brand’s existing electric SUV and transforms it into a low-slung performance car.
There are a range of exterior tweaks such as wider wheel arches, a new front bumper, a rear diffuser and rear spoiler, as well as performance brakes, sticky semi-slick tyres around 21-inch aero-disc wheels and lower springs.
These changes aren’t just cosmetic, with Genesis claiming the larger front air intakes help to cool its batteries, allowing it to go harder for longer.
While it has been confirmed for production, there are no details on the specifics of the GV60 Magma’s drivetrain.
The existing GV60 Performance variant develops 360kW of power and 700Nm of torque from its dual electric motor setup.
Genesis could borrow parts from the closely related Kia EV6 GT and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N – underpinned by the same electric vehicle platform as the GV60 – which produce up to 430kW/740Nm and 478kW/770Nm, respectively.
Though there are no images, Genesis claims its interior now features diamond-stitched Nappa leather and suede-lined bucket seats, with orange and titanium colours continuing from the exterior theme.
This colour scheme carries across to the remaining three concepts: the GV80 Coupe Concept, G80 Magma Special and X Gran Berlinetta Concept.
According to Genesis, the GV80 Coupe SUV was always intended to score a Magma makeover, with its bright orange paint and titanium-colour wheels standing out.
X Gran Berlinetta Concept
The brand claims the Magma version of its G80 sedan has also been enhanced with improved driving performance, though it hasn’t detailed what changes have been made to make this so.
Unfortunately this sports sedan won’t come to Australia, as it will be a Middle East market special.
Genesis also included the most recent version of its X Gran Berlinetta VGT Concept revealed last year.
Originally designed for the Vision Gran Turismo Series in the iconic Playstation game of the same name, it has now dropped the ‘VGT’ title – however the low-slung coupe is no closer to production.
Further details on whether any of the Genesis Magma models come to Australia will be announced after their respective launches.
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