The Genesis Magma GT has moved beyond the auto-show stage, taking on a 5.6-mile hillclimb through the Italian Alps as Genesis showcased the high-performance concept alongside its rugged X Skorpio off-road racer.
Genesis Magma GT Takes On the Italian Alps
Last week, Genesis brought the Magma GT to the Tutto Bene Hillclimb, where the mid-engine grand tourer tackled Strada Borromea on Mottarone mountain in forest-green paint.
The sleek two-seater stayed remarkably flat through the corners and accelerated out of them with precision. Its butterfly doors also revealed a lava-orange interior, matching the bold character associated with Genesis’ Magma performance sub-brand.
The Magma GT was previously shown at its unveiling during the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. That appearance was a static reveal, highlighting its flowing bodywork, low roofline, short overhangs and front wheel wells that rise higher than the hood, a design feature that may draw inspiration from open-wheel racing.
The Italian hillclimb marked a chance to see the concept in motion, including its performance in an area known for Italian automotive brands.
Genesis Magma GT Packs 800 Horsepower
Genesis currently has only one production Magma model, the battery-electric 2027 GV60 Magma. The crossover starts at $69,950 and uses two electric motors producing 641 horsepower.
The Magma GT takes a different approach. Rather than using an electric powertrain, the concept is powered by a 3.2-liter twin-turbo V8 that sends up to 800 horsepower to the rear wheels.
Despite the excitement surrounding the concept, its path to production remains uncertain. The production light is described as being somewhere between red and amber while Genesis focuses on sales of the new GV60 Magma.
Genesis X Skorpio Makes European Debut
The Magma GT was not the only Genesis concept at the Italian hillclimb. The Genesis X Skorpio concept also made its European debut, bringing a radically different approach to the event.
Designed for off-road racing, the X Skorpio features a tubular chassis, high-endurance off-road racing components and massive knobby tires. Its rugged appearance and unusual suspension setup give it a character far removed from the brand’s more elegant luxury vehicles.
The concept displayed an unusually large amount of body roll through corners, but Genesis Magma Racing driver André Lotterer handled the setup during the hillclimb.
Lotterer’s team recently recorded its best finish of the 2026 World Endurance Championship season, taking P7 at the Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of the Americas in Texas.
Genesis Faces Production and Financial Challenges
Genesis has plans to introduce 22 all-new or significantly enhanced models by 2030, covering SUVs, passenger cars and new powertrains as part of Hyundai Motor Group’s $26 billion investment in the US.
The Magma GT is presumably among the products being considered for production, although Genesis faces financial challenges as it works to expand its lineup.
The discontinued Electrified GV70 and G80 have hurt the brand’s bottom line, while Genesis needs continued sales growth to generate enough revenue to bring its planned 22 new or improved vehicles to market over the next four years.
Through August this year, Genesis sold 53,670 vehicles in the US, representing a 3% increase.
More Genesis Concepts Join the Hillclimb
There were 85 vehicles in the Italian hillclimb, along with two additional Genesis surprises: the Magma Racing GMR-001 Hypercar, which had recently completed competitive testing, and the Genesis Box Buggy Concept.
The Box Buggy is a demonstrator built using technology from the Hyundai Motor Group’s Mobis division.
“Together, the vehicles illustrated the wealth of expertise within the Group, from high-performance motorsport to the exploration of future mobility technologies,” Genesis said.
