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Genesis's New Hypercar, the GMR-001, Begins Comprehensive Testing Ahead of Le Mans

Genesis subjected its Le Mans contender to a 500-lap practice run at Circuit Paul Ricard.

Racing pioneers Genesis have commenced extensive testing for their latest GMR-001 hypercar in...
Racing pioneers Genesis have commenced extensive testing for their latest GMR-001 hypercar in preparation for the prestigious Le Mans competition.

Genesis's New Hypercar, the GMR-001, Begins Comprehensive Testing Ahead of Le Mans

Genesis, the luxury brand under Hyundai, is making waves in the motorsport world with the testing of its new hypercar, the GMR-001. The vehicle, which is set to compete in next year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, has been undergoing rigorous testing with seasoned racers André Lotterer and Pipo Derani behind the wheel.

Lotterer, with his extensive experience in Formula 1, Formula E, and the World Endurance Championship, and Derani, a multiple-time winner at the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona, have been putting the GMR-001 through its paces. During testing, Lotterer praised the car's performance, stating that it was well-performing during trials but further improvements are still needed. He also mentioned that the feedback from the GMR-001 is natural, instinctive, and enjoyable to drive.

The GMR-001's testing is in the "first phase" and is primarily focused on software, particularly the powertrain, as it is a hybrid car. The vehicle is powered by a 3.2-liter twin-turbo V-8, which is two fused four-cylinder engines repurposed from rally cars, expected to make around 670 horsepower.

The testing of the GMR-001 has included driving on smaller tracks, where pushing the car to its limits was not possible. However, the car completed over 500 laps at the Circuit Paul Ricard, a track that has hosted numerous Formula 1 races, indicating that it is handling well under high-speed conditions.

FX Demaison, the technical director of Genesis Magma Racing, made a statement about the testing focus, saying, "Our primary goal is to ensure that the GMR-001 is reliable and performs consistently under all conditions. We are focusing on making improvements across all aspects of the car, from the powertrain to the aerodynamics."

As Genesis prepares for its debut at Le Mans, it seems they are not alone in using racing exploits to gain attention. Cadillac, gearing up to enter the Formula 1 grid next year, is also employing a similar strategy. The future of motorsport is undoubtedly exciting, with manufacturers like Genesis pushing the boundaries of technology and performance.

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