Genesis has unveiled a racing version of the gorgeous X Gran Berlinetta Concept from last year, featuring more aggressive aerodynamics and a significant power boost. The beefed-up hypercar, named Genesis X Gran Racer Vision GT Concept, is the crown jewel of the Korean brand’s newly-formed Magma program. The new concept made its debut at the Busan International Mobility Show 2024 as the fourth Genesis developed for the Gran Turismo video game series. It retains the sleek proportions and sculpted bodywork of the original X Gran Berlinetta, albeit with oversized aero components and racing wheels.
The front now boasts a more prominent splitter and carbon fiber canards. The fenders are vented, and redesigned side skirts lead to a significantly larger diffuser at the rear. This setup is topped off by a massive rear wing with a central fin and integrated LEDs, giving it a look that’s ready for Le Mans. The exposed carbon fiber bits create a striking contrast with the Magma shade, the signature color of high-performance Genesis models. Finally, there is a new set of center-lock wheels with aero discs at the front, wrapped in Michelin slicks.
The interior has also been updated with
motorsports-inspired elements. Most surfaces are covered in Alcantara,
complemented by carbon fiber accents and redesigned switchgear. Genesis added a
new yoke steering wheel with integrated dials and controls, allowing the driver
to make quick adjustments to the chassis setup. The Digital Panorama Interface
remains on the dashboard but is now complemented by a slim center console with
additional switches. Finally, an integrated roll cage, a roll bar behind the
headrests, and stronger cross beams in the doors enhance safety on the
(virtual) track.
The Genesis X Gran Berlinetta already
delivered hypercar levels of performance with a combined output of 1,071 hp and 1,337 Nm from its electrified V6. However,
this wasn’t enough for the Genesis X Gran Racer Vision GT, which boasts an even
more impressive 1,540 hp and 1,427 Nm of
torque. The power increase was made possible by a tweaked electric motor, now
producing 670 hp, up from the 201 hp of the
previous concept. The mid-mounted Lambda II V6 engine maintains its output of
870 hp, aided by an electric supercharger.
Like the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta, the X
Gran Racer was created purely as a design study. This means you’ll only have
the chance to drive it in the Gran Turismo video game on your PlayStation 5
console. Nevertheless, these hypercar concepts are expected to influence the
design of future Genesis products and could even pave the way for a new halo
model for the brand in the not-too-distant future.
