Hyundai Announces Entry into Endurance Racing Under Genesis Brand With New Le Mans Supercar

Over the years, Hyundai has rebranded itself as a performance powerhouse by entering high-profile racing series such as the World Rally Championship (WRC) and Touring Car Racing (TCR). This direction has led to the development of a variety of models under the N brand, including hatchbacks and sedans, as well as performance electric vehicle (EV).

Now, Hyundai Motorsport – the high-performance division of the South Korean automaker – has revealed that it will enter the World Endurance Championship (WEC), an FIA championship that includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans, under the Genesis brand, although no specific timeframe was mentioned in the announcement posted on social media.

What is known is that one team will compete in the LMDh (Le Mans Daytona h) class, one of the WEC’s two top Hypercar classes, the other being the LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) class. If you’re curious about the difference, the LMH allows manufacturers to design and develop their own cars from scratch.

On the other hand, LMDh cars must use a certain percentage of off-the-shelf components, most notably the monocoque and suspension, supplied by four licensees: Dallara, Multimatic, Ligier and Oreca.

The ‘h’ in LMDh refers to the mandatory hybrid system that all cars in this category are equipped with. Manufacturers are free to choose which internal combustion engine to use but the specific hybrid system, including the transmission, is standardised across all teams.

Genesis will have to face off against race cars from Acura, BMW CarsCadillac, PorscheAlpine and Lamborghini in the LMDh category. Reports suggest an entry will take place in 2026 but this has yet to be confirmed.

“The LMDh programme will add a new pillar to Hyundai Motorsport’s portfolio. Since its inception in 2012, Hyundai Motorsport has participated in WRC and TCR under the Hyundai N brand. Genesis, the premium brand of Hyundai Motor Group, will add endurance racing to its motorsport activities,” the company said in a statement.

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