Genesis Concepts Unleashed at Bathurst: Jacky Ickx Tames the Beasts
Image Credit: Genesis.
Crikey! Today, we find ourselves Down Under, not to wrestle a crocodile, thankfully, but to witness two rather interesting Genesis concepts tear up the legendary Mount Panorama circuit. I've seen amphibious Trabants, I've seen electric ferries gliding above the water – but these Genesis machines… they're something else.
First up is the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept. Imagine a sleek, two-door beast that looks like it escaped from a futuristic video game, and you're halfway there. This isn't just a digital dream, mind you. This thing is real, it's functional, and it's loud. Apparently, it packs a mid-mounted V6 engine and an electric motor. So, since it isn't purely electric, I shouldn't be talking about it… But this thing has a combined output of 1,071 horsepower and a monstrous 986 lb-ft of torque!
Image Credit: Genesis.
And who better to tame this wild horse than the legendary Jacky Ickx? This bloke, a motorsport icon, actually drove this beast around Bathurst. He called it "wildly powerful." I can only imagine. I mean, 1,071 horsepower?
Sure, The X Gran Berlinetta is only a concept, a bright orange glimpse into Genesis's future at the Le Mans. But the other car, the GV60 Magma, that's where things get interesting. This one is a preview of a forthcoming production model. This is Genesis's answer to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and the Kia EV6 GT - cousins from the same family, all vying for attention at the family reunion. This electric hot hatch is expected to share some of its bits and bobs with its Korean siblings, but Genesis promises to give it its own unique flavor.
Image Credit: Genesis.
Ickx, who, by the way, won the Bathurst 1000 back in '77 (in a Ford Falcon, no less!), also had a go in this electric marvel. He noted the "torque and the thrust" of modern EVs. He also mentioned it was a tad quieter than the Falcon he used to pilot. No kidding! Going from a roaring V8 to the near-silent whir of an electric motor is like swapping a rock concert for a library recital.
The GV60 Magma is a big deal because it signals Genesis's serious intentions in the performance EV market. They're not just building luxury sedans anymore. They're getting into the game of fast, electric cars. And with the GV60 Magma, they're aiming to take on the established players. This is a space that's heating up faster than a hot pie on a summer's day. Everyone wants a piece of that electric performance pie.
Image Credit: Genesis.
Genesis, of course, is part of the Hyundai Motor Group, which also includes Kia. This means they have keys to a giant warehouse full of coolest EV tech and resources. They can leverage the expertise of their sister companies to develop fast EVs - fast. And with the GV60 Magma, they're showing they're not afraid to step on their siblings' toes.
The GV60 itself is already a pretty impressive car. It's stylish, it's comfortable, and it's quick. But the Magma version promises to take things to a whole new level. We're expecting more power, sharper handling, and a more aggressive look. It'll be the GV60 on steroids. Or maybe on some fancy Korean ginseng.
Image Credit: Genesis.
I don't have all the specs on the GV60 Magma yet. Genesis is keeping those close to their chest. But if it's anything like its siblings, we can expect some serious performance. The Ioniq 5 N, for example, boasts over 600 horsepower and can hit 0 to 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds. I wouldn't be surprised if the GV60 Magma is in the same ballpark.
The price is also a bit of a mystery at this point. But given the positioning of the GV60 and its rivals, I'd guess it will be somewhere in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. That's not cheap, but then again, performance EVs rarely are. You have to pay to play, as they say.
Genesis is clearly making a big push into the electric vehicle market. And with cars like the GV60 Magma, they're showing they're not just playing around. They're serious about taking on the established players. And they're doing it with style and performance.
