Though it hasn’t even had time to cool and solidify, the Genesis Magma GT, a mid-engined, V-8 stunner from the Korean Luxury brand’s new performance subdivision, is already spawning variants.
Speaking with Autocar, Genesis President and Creative Director Luc Donckerwolke indicated that multiple versions of the Magma GT were on the way, including cabriolets, hardcore track models, and more. “We will add S, GTS, roadster, lightweight, club sport, a GT3 road car, a GT3 R for track use,” he told the U.K.-based publication. “It’s a complete life cycle of products to offer different possibilities to customers that will combine performance and luxury inside.”
If you’re at all a fan of how Porsche treats its sports cars, particularly the 911, the plan above will sound eerily familiar. But Donckerwolke insisted that he merely took inspiration from Porsche’s “clever life-cycle management,” and did not intend to position the Magma GT as a direct rival. Hyundai Motor Group technical chief Manfred Harrer, who has worked at Porsche on the 911 in the past, echoed Donckerwolke’s careful wording by admitting, “We cannot go up against such an icon. We have to find our own way.”
Listen, whether or not aping the Porsche plan is intentional or just a convenient coincidence, we’re not going to judge. The 911 has been wildly successful because its product planners and engineers are constantly adjusting the mixer board of components and traits to stretch the car into every niche, from lavish grand tourer to razor-sharp track day assassin. Should the Magma GT wish to push its envelope of use cases similarly, that seems like only a good thing for driving enthusiasts
Technical details remain scant on this looker, but expect it to arrive sometime later this decade. Genesis wants to take the production version racing, too, which is exciting. You won’t have to wait that long to see Magma on a racing grid, though; the company’s Hypercar, the GMR-001, unveiled earlier this year, is slated to join the World Endurance Championship grid next year.