Mercedes has AMG. BMW has M. Audi has RS. And now Genesis has… Magma.
The name may seem unusual; however, it carries an intriguing backstory. At last year’s New York Auto Show, Genesis unveiled a concept for the future 2025 GV80 Coupe, adorned in striking Magma Orange paint and fitted with four racing bucket seats. This concept inspired chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke to establish the new Magma lineup.
Moreover, Donckerwolke emphasized that the aim is to create a performance vehicle that remains true to the Genesis brand values while catering to owners seeking a more interactive driving experience. This vehicle is not meant to be a rock-hard Germanic ride; instead, the Magma is designed to “reward” the driver. The ethos behind it is described as “an iron fist in a velvet glove.”
The inaugural vehicle in this lineup will be the G80 Magma Special, a limited-run version of the G80 sedan. Anticipated power for this model is likely sourced from Genesis’ robust 409-hp 3.5 liter V-6, featuring dual turbochargers, an electric supercharger, and mild hybrid technology, similar to what’s found in the G90 sedan. However, this variant will primarily be available in the Middle East, which is a letdown, considering how striking the G80 looks in orange.
For consumers in the United States, the first opportunity to experience the Magma will arrive through the GV60 Magma concept, details of which were previously highlighted. While specific mechanical information hasn’t been disclosed, the SUV’s E-GMP platform relates closely to vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT. Therefore, it’s reasonable to anticipate an impressive performance pedigree—this could offer significant advantages over traditional Hyundai and Kia models, adding to the excitement for this sporty orange SUV.
In addition to the forthcoming production models, Hyundai presented the original GV80 Coupe concept, identical to last year’s showcase, raising speculation about its potential to receive the Magma treatment next. The company also displayed the X Gran Berlinetta concept, which can be experienced virtually through the Gran Turismo video game.
Enthusiasm is building around Genesis’ new performance vehicles. The Genesis brand has established itself among luxury manufacturers by delivering genuinely luxurious cars that also represent good value. If they can replicate this success within the performance segment, it’s evident that established names like AMG, M, and RS should be ready for competition, as Magma is poised to ignite the market.
