NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: Hot Genesis GV60 Magma EV revealed

The hot 2024 Genesis GV60 Magma concept has been revealed on the eve of the New York motor show, spearheading a new family of Magma-branded high-performance cars.

Taking the fight up to BMW M and Mercedes-AMG, Genesis has already declared it will produce a Magma model based on every production car in its current line-up, suggesting faster variants of its EVs and combustion-powered models are all inbound.

The Genesis GV60 Magma signals its extra performance with comprehensively redesigned aerodynamics including a new front bumper with a wider and lower central air intake that channels cool air to the EV’s motors, battery and brakes.

New air curtains, meanwhile, are matched with motorsport-derived canards to slash turbulence within the wheel-arches and reduce lift over the front axle, with the extra blades said to generate real downforce.

There’s even the addition of three stamped holes above the air dam that’s said to provide yet more cooling.

The changes even extend to wider wheel-arches that provide a broader track and feature wheel-arch extractors that further help to keep brake temperatures under control during track sessions.

The Magma version of the Genesis GV60 also gets a set of fresh titanium-coloured 21-inch aero disc alloy wheels that not only reduce drag but keep the brakes chilled.

Aerodynamicists have also turned their attention to the roof and added new fins to manage air flow around the GV60’s body, channelling air carefully to the rear wing to generate more downforce.

Inside, the extreme exterior design elements are reflected by a pair of bucket sports seats with orange body-coloured rear back rests.

Wrapped in Nappa leather and suede, the supportive seats feature double-diamond stitching in the Magma orange colour and titanium grey.

Genesis hasn’t revealed what powers its GV60 Magma concept, but says its new performance division has improved its battery and motor technology to “elevate” its performance.

We suspect when the production model is unwrapped it will share the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N’s dual-motor powertrain and produce at least 478kW and 770Nm of torque.

That means it should easily match the IONIQ 5 N’s storming 0-100km/h sprint of just 3.5 seconds.

There’s no word on whether Genesis is relying on the Hyundai N division to help hone its new family of performance models, or if it will be developed in-house.

Overseeing the gestation of the new Magma series of Genesis cars is former F1 driver and all-round motorsport legend, Jacky Ickx, although it’s not yet known what role the Belgium driver is playing.

The GV60 Magma concept will be displayed in New York alongside the ultra-limited G80 Magma Special created for the Middle East, plus a scale model of the wild 787kW X Gran Berlinetta concept created for online racing last year.

“Genesis Magma presents an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of performance and luxury for new interpretations in high-performance vehicles, with the ultimate goal of developing models exclusive to Genesis,” said chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke.

“The brand will continue to reveal experimental concepts with careful consideration of both technological and aesthetic elements.

“While speed and performance are important, the Genesis Magma program will look beyond, prioritising the driving experience to kindle the joy of sporty driving with effortless comfort.”

The GV60 Magma is being shown in New York this week alongside the Genesis Neolun concept, which heralds a GV90 Range Rover rival due in 2025.

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au