Skip advert
Advertisement

Scorching hot Genesis GV60 Magma spotted for the first time

Performance edition of GV60 is likely to be even more powerful than 641bhp Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and Kia EV6 GT

The hot new Genesis GV60 Magma has been spotted testing out in the open for the first time, as the more classy, and potentially more powerful, sister car of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is being prepared for launch towards the end of the year. 

The flared wheelarches, plus the bright orange brake calipers and shark fin antenna, are giveaways that it’s the GV60 Magma under all that heavy camouflage. We already have a clear idea what’s hiding under there though, because Genesis revealed the GV60 Magma Concept last year.

It had a much more aggressive look than the regular GV60, thanks to a new front bumper and rear diffuser, wider track and a rather sizable spoiler. Interestingly, during the concept’s dynamic debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, it was the fastest four-seat production car on the famous hillclimb and beat the Ioniq 5 N’s time from the previous year by 1.5 seconds.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The new facelifted version of the regular GV60 has also just been unveiled. It received a new, very sharp set of headlights with ‘Micro Lens Array’ technology that we can see shining clearly through the camouflage on this prototype. A 27-inch display across the dashboard and sportier three-spoke steering wheel were added inside, so are set to feature in the Magma edition.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Technical details for the hot GV60 are still firmly under wraps. It’s possible it will feature the same 641bhp, all-wheel-drive powertrain as the Ioniq 5 N and the newly updated Kia EV6 GT. However, as Genesis is the premium brand, we would expect the Magma to be the top car among the group’s high-performance family. So its 0-62mph time should be even closer to three seconds than those of its siblings. 

More power would be the only differentiator for the GV60 Magma, as head of vehicle development at Genesis, Tyrone Johnson, told us: “We have a completely different brief and what we’re trying to achieve is completely different from Ioniq 5 N or EV6 GT.” 

He added: “Those are categorically different cars and they have a completely different character. That’s not only due to tuning and stuff, that’s also due to some hardware changes between those two cars, and there’ll be hardware changes on the GV60 Magma also.”

We don’t yet know how extensive those hardware changes will be, but the GV60 Magma could feature a different set of springs to work with its electronically controlled suspension, or potentially an upgraded brake system – something Hyundai recently developed for an even more focused edition of the Ioniq 5 N.

The GV60 Magma will presumably carry over some of its sister cars’ more novel features, such as their trick virtual gearbox. The technology is designed to create a more engaging driving experience, by having drivers pull on the paddles on the steering wheel like they’re going through the gears in a petrol hot hatch or SUV, and the powertrain then adjusts the torque output to deliver a small jolt, like an actual gearchange. 

The Ioniq 5 N also offers several synthesised sound effects, including even a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine’s exhaust note, to make the driving experience more immersive. However we expect the GV60 Magma to provide a unique soundtrack.

Genesis intends to launch a high-performance Magma version of every model in its line-up, starting with the GV60. Johnson wants the Magma models to deliver “a new unique combination with the Korean premium feeling – which is quite unique and special – and European driving dynamics.”

Will you be ordering a Genesis GV60 Magma? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below...

Skip advert
Advertisement
News reporter

As our news reporter, Ellis is responsible for covering everything new and exciting in the motoring world, from quirky quadricycles to luxury MPVs. He was previously the content editor for DrivingElectric and won the Newspress Automotive Journalist Rising Star award in 2022.

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Genesis GV60 Premium long-term test: electric SUV is a hit with the family
Genesis GV60 third fleetwatch

Genesis GV60 Premium long-term test: electric SUV is a hit with the family

Third fleetwatch: sub-editor Andy Pringle's family love the Genesis GV60's heated seats, comfort and practicality
Long-term tests
13 Feb 2025
One-off Genesis GV60 is an electric snowmobile that will rescue stranded alpine mountaineers
Genesis GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle Concept - front 3/4

One-off Genesis GV60 is an electric snowmobile that will rescue stranded alpine mountaineers

This bonkers one-off creation is called the ‘GV60 Mountain Intervention Vehicle concept’ and has been revealed in Switzerland
News
24 Jan 2025
New Genesis GV60 features huge 27-inch touchscreen and sharper looks
New 2025 Genesis GV60 - front 3/4

New Genesis GV60 features huge 27-inch touchscreen and sharper looks

The GV60 is also expected to receive a bigger battery to boost its range, just like the closely related Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6
News
6 Jan 2025
Genesis GV60 review
Genesis GV60 - main image

Genesis GV60 review

The Genesis GV60 is a desirable and upmarket, if slightly unconventional, all-electric family car
In-depth reviews
21 Nov 2024

Most Popular

Council targets car owners for parking on their own driveway
Polestar 2 connected to a wallbox charger on a driveway

Council targets car owners for parking on their own driveway

London council demands huge fees from drivers who want to ‘cross the kerb illegally’
News
4 Mar 2025
Jaguar boss: we didn’t mean to alienate our owners
Jaguar advert

Jaguar boss: we didn’t mean to alienate our owners

Here’s the inside story of how an auto company broke the internet – and the car that’s coming next
News
5 Mar 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Jaecoo 7 newcomer offers an appealing family SUV package for just £243 a month
Jaecoo 7 - full front

Car Deal of the Day: Jaecoo 7 newcomer offers an appealing family SUV package for just £243 a month

The new Jaecoo 7 has Range Rover-inspired looks at an appealing price. It’s our Deal of the Day for 2 March
News
2 Mar 2025