Hot Magma flows at Goodwood FOS

GENESIS is following an established path among premium brands by offering high performance Magma versions of certain models as so-called “hero” or aspirational cars.

The South Korean luxury offshoot of Hyundai will target the likes of Mercedes-AMG, Audi’s Sport and BMW’s M divisions with its Magma range that will make its international dynamic (driving) debut at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed (FOS) in the UK from July 11-14.

Magma concept models – the GV60 Magma Concept, G80 Magma Special, X Gran Berlinetta Concept – first saw the light of day at the recent New York motor show followed by another appearance at the Beijing motor show.

But the FOS appearance marks a shift by Genesis to actual running vehicles it says represents the “global dynamic debut” of the Magma program where the GV60 Magma electric SUV will join the G80 Magma electric large sedan on a static display and be driven on the FOS hill climb course a couple of times daily.

The manufacturer, whose parent company Hyundai has a permanent engineering facility at Germany’s Nürburgring racetrack, will also showcase its G70 Nürburgring Taxi, a vehicle that takes paying customers for laps of the infamous 21km track at near race speed.

Genesis has built a display specifically for the FOS on which Magma models will take pride of place in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators expected at Goodwood.

All three cars will be taking on the hill climb twice a day over the weekend, as well as being displayed in the First Glance Paddock and for the first time, Genesis will fire a shot in anger at the FOS competing in the Shootout Sunday event with the GV60 Magma Concept expected to showcase its driving capabilities and turn of speed.

Genesis says the high-performance Magma program offers an increased blend of the brand’s performance essence, featuring unique models which focus on a refined driving experience. In a statement, the company says the Magma program adds a new dimension to Genesis marking the brand’s expansion into the realm of high-performance cars.

“Magma dynamics focus on a refined, effortless and rewarding driving experience, combined with a sharpened athletic design,” said Genesis in a statement.

As with the New York and Beijing motor shows, Genesis will feature other Magma models at the FOS including the X Gran Berlinetta Concept flanked by mainstream Genesis EVs on the upper level of the stand.

The GV60 Magma Concept features a redesigned front grille, wide front wings and a new rear bumper, giving it a more dynamic stance complemented by a wider and lowered body on 21-inch wheels.

The car’s aerodynamics have been improved to enhance performance. Motive power is likely a lift from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and others meaning dual motors, AWD, and output of circa 478kW.

The G80 EV Magma Concept, second in the electric Magma program has been enhanced with a more muscular look and aggressive stance.

Under the skin is an advanced suspension system, high-performance wheels and large, ventilated front and rear brakes with power from dual electric motors for AWD, again a derivative of that underpinning the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

The managing director of Genesis Motor Europe, Lawrence Hamilton said, “We can’t wait for the global dynamic debut of GV60 Magma and the Magma program to take place Goodwood Festival of Speed this year, an event renowned for celebrating automotive excellence and innovation”.

“With the festival's rich history and passionate audience, it is a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the capabilities of our newly launched Magma program with dynamic hill climb runs, highlighting our modern and refined approach to performance,” he added.

With the Goodwood Festival of Speed imminent, property owner the Duke of Richmond recently invited friend and racing legend Jacky Ickx, a Genesis brand partner, to Goodwood House, embracing Magma’s signature orange colour for the occasion by lighting up the grand structure like never before.