Just as promised earlier this month, Genesis has brought its X Gran Berlinetta Concept to life at the Mount Panorama circuit. This will be the first time the concept supercar – which later became a virtual race car in Grand Turismo 7 as the X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo Concept – has landed on a racetrack. It was joined by the GV60 Magma Concept, the designated first production model of the Korean automaker’s Magma performance sub-brand.
Both the X Gran Berlinetta Concept and the GV60 Magma Concept were piloted by Jacky Ickx, a Genesis brand ambassador and legendary race car driver, which would be a fitting return to the racetrack where he famously won the Bathurst 1000 with co-driver Allan Moffat in the mighty Ford Falcon XC V8. It was Ickx’s first visit to the Mount Panorama circuit when he won the endurance race.
Was The Concept Powered By A V8?
When the X Gran Berlinetta Concept debuted, it was powered by a front mid-mounted Lambda II V6 engine that works in concert with an electric motor for a combined output of 1,071 horsepower and 986 lb-ft of torque, with a rev limit of 10,000 rpm. In its virtual race car version, it made a lot more at 1,540 hp and 1,051 lb-ft. However, its real-world appearance in Australia raises questions based on the soundtrack it made – a sound that could rival Lexus’ best-sounding V8 coupe.
Related
What The Lexus LFA Taught Lexus’ Best-Sounding V8 Coupe
The Lexus LFA’s engine sound is legendary and the same sound technology used in that model was passed down to the Lexus LC.
While Genesis didn’t share any details about the X Gran Berlinetta Concept that made the track appearance, clips of its exhibition runs circulated on YouTube, including the Bathurst’s official livestream, gave us an idea of what powered the supercar. The deep rumble sounded like it came from a V8, especially during a cold start, but we’re not certain at this point – at least until we get an official confirmation from Genesis.
“I was blown away by the X Gran Berlinetta Concept, which was a wildly powerful and loud machine to drive. I could tell the crowd really enjoyed both the sight and the sound as I went by. Being an EV, my laps in the Genesis GV60 Magma Concept were quite different, and a lot quieter, but the torque and the thrust you get from a modern electric vehicle like that… truly, it’s quite something. The GV60 Magma Concept feels a long way from the Ford Falcon I drove here last time, and quite a lot faster. “
– Jacky Ickx, Legendary race car driver and Genesis brand ambassador
Magma’s Impressive Public Outing
Obviously, Ickx was amused by the performance of the X Gran Berlinetta Concept’s track performance, especially in how it instilled emotions in the attendees of the event. However, the 80-year-old racing legend was also impressed by the GV60 Magma Concept – one of the future Magma lineup that will top the Genesis range. In production form, the GV60 Magma would be the luxurious twin of the brilliant Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
Related
Genesis Planning A Rival To AMG’s Luxury Flagship
Hot Magma treatment won’t be limited to compact and midsize Genesis models.
Apart from making high-performance Genesis models, the automaker is also entering the world of endurance motorsport with the Genesis Magma racing. It will initially compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a new, piping hot hypercar, followed by the IMSA SportsCar Championship (IMSA) in 2027.
News Summary:
- Genesis’ Hottest Magma Supercar Makes Its First Racetrack Appearance
- Check all news and articles from the latest Tech updates.
- Please Subscribe us at Google News.