Genesis to make Bathurst 12 Hour debut with Le Mans legend Jacky Ickx
Le Mans icon Jacky Ickx will get behind the wheel of the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept for a demonstration run at this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour to mark the car’s international debut.
The demo laps will mark the South Korean manufacturer’s expansion into high performance vehicles with its Magma division, as well as its entry into the top-tier LMDh category of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2026 and 2027 respectively.
The V6-powered Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept will be joined at the 6.2-kilometre long Mount Panorama circuit by the all-electric Genesis GV60 Magma; a high-performance version of its GV60 crossover and the first in a planned range of performance-focused EVs.
At the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the GV60 Magma made its public debut and scooped the title for the fastest four-seater production car during the weekend’s Shootout, where it ended up an impressive 16th fastest overall.
Expected to go on sale later this year, the GV60 Magma packs the same 89.0kWh battery and dual-motor powertrain shared as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It is expected to produce a similar 641bhp and feature many of the same performance-focused chassis and powertrain features. Magma variants of other electric Genesis models, including the Electrified GV70 and Electrified G80 are expected to follow.
In 1977, Ickx added to his already impressive trophy cabinet by winning the Bathurst 1,000 alongside Alan Moffatt in the all-conquering Ford Falcon XC V8.
“I have always admired Genesis for its cultured elegance and design aesthetics and sincerely believe in a relationship that is founded on authenticity and admiration for each other,” said Ickx. “I have also long admired Mount Panorama at Bathurst as one of the world’s great motor racing venues, and I can’t wait to put the incredible Genesis X Gran Berlinetta through its paces.
“What I loved the first time was the atmosphere of Bathurst, it’s very special. The people are really passionate about motor racing. The success of the event is created by the public and the spectators. That’s what’s so nice about it.”
The Bathurst run marks a busy start to 2025 for Genesis, who recently announced a mid-life facelift for the GV60. The car’s latest updates include a new front end, body coloured wheel arches, and an overhauled interior featuring a 27-inch infotainment screen and a three-spoke steering wheel. The updated GV60 is set to be joined later in the year by a refreshed version of the larger Electrified GV70.
The 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour begins on January 30, 2025, and ends on February 02, 2025.
