News
Genesis reveals ‘Magma’ high-performance division with very orange GV60
Genesis will launch a new high-performance sub-brand for its electric cars called Magma
Words by: Mark Nichol
Published on 26 March 2024 | 0 min read
The extremely orange thing you’re looking at here is the Genesis GV60 Magma, the first car to showcase a new high-performance division from the Korean company. It’s on display at the New York Auto Show right now, alongside the Genesis Neolun concept, which you can read all about here.
Genesis hasn’t given away any technical detail, aside from saying that it “enhances the design and performance of the existing model for an even more dynamic and powerful driving experience.” The existing model, for reference, is a top-spec GV60 with twin electric motors, 482 horsepower, four-wheel drive and 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds. Genesis is alluding to the fact that the production GV60 Magma – any Magma car, for that matter – won’t just be an exercise in massive horsepower. Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis’s design boss, said: “While speed and performance are important, the Genesis Magma Program will look beyond, prioritising the driving experience to kindle the joy of sporty driving with effortless comfort”. The changes for the Magma over a standard GV60 include a lower and wider front air intake, increased downforce, a significantly lower ride height and a set of 21-inch titanium-coloured wheels. Roof fins channel air to the new rear wing, also improving downforce and ultimately cornering grip. The interior features bucket seats with body-coloured backs, and diamond stitching in the same fetching shade of orange; Magma Orange will no doubt become a colour exclusive to the production car. It’s not clear when the GV60 Magma will make production, but figure on early 2025. Every Genesis model will get the same treatment, as the company doubles down on competing with Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Jaguar – all of whom have high-performance sub-brands. It's also not clear how we got through this without saying "erupts", "flows", or "hot". But we did.
Genesis hasn’t given away any technical detail, aside from saying that it “enhances the design and performance of the existing model for an even more dynamic and powerful driving experience.” The existing model, for reference, is a top-spec GV60 with twin electric motors, 482 horsepower, four-wheel drive and 0-62mph in 4.0 seconds. Genesis is alluding to the fact that the production GV60 Magma – any Magma car, for that matter – won’t just be an exercise in massive horsepower. Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis’s design boss, said: “While speed and performance are important, the Genesis Magma Program will look beyond, prioritising the driving experience to kindle the joy of sporty driving with effortless comfort”. The changes for the Magma over a standard GV60 include a lower and wider front air intake, increased downforce, a significantly lower ride height and a set of 21-inch titanium-coloured wheels. Roof fins channel air to the new rear wing, also improving downforce and ultimately cornering grip. The interior features bucket seats with body-coloured backs, and diamond stitching in the same fetching shade of orange; Magma Orange will no doubt become a colour exclusive to the production car. It’s not clear when the GV60 Magma will make production, but figure on early 2025. Every Genesis model will get the same treatment, as the company doubles down on competing with Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Jaguar – all of whom have high-performance sub-brands. It's also not clear how we got through this without saying "erupts", "flows", or "hot". But we did.
