Hyundai Motorsport is entering the world of endurance racing with its luxury Genesis brand. The company plans to compete for overall wins using an LMDh prototype that can participate in top-tier events like IMSA’s GTP category or WEC Hypercar, going head-to-head against storied teams such as Porsche and Cadillac.
Although Hyundai has not confirmed whether it will compete in IMSA, WEC, or both, this move marks a significant step forward for the Genesis brand’s image. Racing on such esteemed stages could greatly enhance Genesis’ reputation as a premium performance manufacturer. Competing alongside iconic names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Cadillac, and BMW could bolster Genesis’ credibility among motorsport enthusiasts, which aligns perfectly with Hyundai’s objectives.
In a statement reported by the FIA, Hyundai Motorsport and Genesis announced, “Genesis is proud to announce its ambitious entry into the world of endurance racing through the LMDh program. Genesis is actively exploring programs to strengthen its high-performance image, and after a thorough evaluation of various options, LMDh emerged as the most strategic choice for us at this time.”
The LMDh class features the fastest, most high-performance prototypes vying for overall victories rather than just class-specific wins. This means that Genesis will need to develop a hybrid hypercar from the ground up, as opposed to enhancing an existing model. While lower-tier classes may allow manufacturers to use racing variants of their road vehicles, LMDh entrants must adhere to unique specifications. The chassis must be obtained from one of four approved suppliers—Dallara, Multimatic, Ligier, or Oreca—include a hybrid powertrain generating 500 kW (671 horsepower), and weigh at least 2,270 pounds.
Neither Hyundai Motorsport nor Genesis have divulged a timeline for their LMDh engagement, which makes a 2025 entry seem improbable. Nonetheless, once they do make their debut, it promises to be thrilling to witness Genesis compete against some of the most iconic teams in automotive racing history. Indeed, Hyundai has made remarkable progress over the years.
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