--- title: "Genesis Is Going Endurance Racing With an LMDh Prototype" date: "2024-09-12" modified: "2024-09-12" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/genesis-is-going-endurance-racing-with-an-lmdh-prototype" categories: - "Genesis News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Genesis" - "sports car" --- # Genesis Is Going Endurance Racing With an LMDh Prototype ![]() *X Gran Racer VGT Concept. Genesis* Hyundai Motorsport is taking on endurance racing and it's doing so with its premium [Genesis]() brand. What's more, it's gunning for overall wins with an LMDh prototype that can compete in IMSA's top-level GTP category or WEC Hypercar. That means it'll compete against the most established, successful teams in motorsport history—think Porsche, Cadillac, and the like. While it hasn't specified if it will race in IMSA, WEC, or both, it's a big move on Hyundai's part to elevate the Genesis brand. Competing on this stage, in the world's most prestigious and difficult races, could drastically improve Genesis' image as a premium performance brand. Seeing the Genesis marque potentially racing alongside brands like [Ferrari](), Lamborghini, Porsche, Cadillac, and BMW, will earn it street cred among motorsport enthusiasts, which is exactly what Hyundai wants. "Genesis is proud to announce its ambitious entry into the world of endurance racing through the LMDh program," Hyundai Motorsport and Genesis said in a statement, according to the FIA. "Genesis is actively exploring programs to strengthen its high-performance image, and after a thorough evaluation of various options, LMDh emerged as the most strategic choice for us at this time." > [View this post on Instagram]() > [A post shared by Hyundai Motorsport (@hmsgofficial)]() The [LMDh class]() consists of the fastest, highest-performance prototypes that compete for overall wins, rather than just class wins. That means Genesis will have to create a purpose-built hybrid hypercar rather than simply tuning an existing platform to the extreme. In lower classes, manufacturers can race with racing versions of their road cars but LMDh cars must be unique. The chassis needs to be sourced from one of the four approved chassis suppliers—Dallara, Multimatic, Ligier, or Oreca—it needs a hybrid powertrain that makes 500 kW (671 horsepower), and it needs to weigh a minimum of 2,270 pounds. Neither Hyundai Motorsport nor Genesis revealed a date for its LMDh entry, so the 2025 season seems unlikely. However, when it does enter, it will be exciting to see Genesis take on the most iconic manufacturer racing teams in history. [Hyundai's]() come a long way, hasn't it? ![]() *X Gran Racer VGT Concept. *Genesis** *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()