- Genesis showed the GV60 Magma concept at an event ahead of the New York auto show.
- A production version isn’t far away and is expected to lead the charge for a slew of high-performance Magma vehicles.
- Genesis said it plans to launch a Magma model for every vehicle in its existing lineup.
Along with the lavish Neolun concept, Genesis announced plans to launch a performance-focused subbrand tonight, revealing the GV60 Magma concept during an event ahead of the New York auto show. The Korean luxury brand said the sporty GV60 variant is very close to production and will hit the road soon, possibly becoming the first production vehicle under the Magma banner.
The GV60 Magma concept is derived from the brand’s first EV, which shares its platform with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and the Kia EV6. The GV60’s two siblings have already spawned performance models, the Ioniq 5 N and EV6 GT, with the former reaching U.S. customers for the first time later this year. Although Genesis provided no technical details on the GV60 Magma, we wouldn’t be surprised to see it share components with the 576-hp EV6 GT or the 641-hp Ioniq 5 N.
What Genesis did reveal was the striking design, which builds off the GV60’s squat, aggressive proportions with beefy wheel arches—each with a pair of vents—and a spiky rear wing. The front bumper is also revised with a larger intake to help cool the battery, motor, and brakes, while the rear gains a substantial diffuser. Unusual fins sprout from the roof and direct air to the rear wing, while the Magma concept rides on eye-catching 21-inch wheels with an aero-disc design. While Genesis didn’t provide images, the cabin is said to pack bucket seats and nappa and suede leather upholstery with orange stitching.
Along with the GV60 Magma, Genesis showed off a series of other vehicles that are considered part of the Magma program. First up was the GV80 Coupe concept, which debuted ahead of last year’s New York auto show and was the first appearance for the vivid Magma paint color. A production version was revealed in November with a slightly toned-down look, but we wouldn’t be shocked to see a GV80 Coupe Magma arrive in the near future.
There was also the G80 Magma Special, a sporty version of the company’s mid-size luxury sedan that is being offered exclusively in the Middle East. Lastly was the X Gran Berlinetta concept, a slinky coupe created for the Gran Turismo video game and unveiled last December.
Genesis says that it plans to create a “high-performance” Magma model for every vehicle in its current lineup, which consists of the G70, G80, and G90 sedans along with the GV70 and GV80 crossovers and GV60 EV.
We’re curious to see the level of performance the Magma variants deliver, especially since the brand has signed six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx as a brand partner. He was present at the event and spoke glowingly of driving a version of the GV60 Magma concept.
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.