Something very orange is coming to the Black Forest, as Korean manufacturer Genesis has launched its recent Track Taxi Nordschleife program.
This is the most recent in the corporate's development of its 'Magma' performance line, which we've already seen on several concept cars, but which is planned to be rolled out at the highest of each vehicle across the Genesis lineup.
Genesis officially launched this system at an event on the Nurburgring, where we got to experience the track taxi itself on a lap of the Nordschleife. The automobile, developed by the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC) in Russelsheim, relies on the most recent version of the Genesis G70: a 3.3-liter V6 turbo engine that shouldn’t be often available on the European market.
In this application, the V6 engine produces 365 horsepower, and Genesis has improved the automobile – originally developed for the Nordschleife – to resist the pains of standard, high-speed track driving with the load of three passengers and driver.
This features a KW V3 coilover kit with passive shock absorbers (V4 on the front axle, V3 on the rear) and a gentle drop in ride height of about an inch. The lightweight OZ Estrema GT wheels are wrapped in special Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires developed by Michelin program partner, that are 10 mm wider than standard.
Additional modifications include relocations of the front brake cooling ducts and improved transmission oil cooling heat shields, in addition to a transmission software update. The automobile can be finished in Magma Orange, which is exclusive to the Magma Performance range.
To mark the occasion, Genesis brought 4 models from the present Magma range to the Nurburgring. This is the primary time these cars have appeared together in Europe, and the Magma has until now been a limited “skunkworks” project on the Genesis.
Cars on display include the GV80 Magma Coupe Concept SUV, the GV60 Magma Concept SUV, the G80 Magma Special and the “X Gran Berlinetta Concept”, which Gran Turismo players shall be more conversant in because the automobile created by Genesis for its participation within the Vision Gran Turismo project.
Although the latter automobile shouldn’t be yet intended for production, all of the others are expected to look in the corporate's lineup soon. The G80 Magma Special is initially planned as a limited edition for the Middle East market, although creative director Luc Donckerwolke told us he's in line for the primary vehicle himself, while the GV60 Magma Concept looks ready for wider markets.
It features quite a few additional bodywork features designed to enhance the vehicle's performance, from canards that generate downforce on the front axle and roof-mounted fins that direct air to a brand new rear wing, to reworked cooling that features a redesigned front end and wheel arch vents.
Genesis didn't go into detail concerning the powertrain upgrades in comparison with the present, range-topping GV60 with 429 hp – Tyrone Johnson, head of HMETC, said the Magma wasn't nearly power, but with outputs of 577 hp and 601 HP of the Kia EV6 GT and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N siblings, we might expect something on this area.
Genesis brand partner Jacky Ickx was also present on the event. The six-time Le Mans winner was introduced to Genesis through Donckerwolke and acted each as a brand ambassador and provided feedback and insights as Genesis developed more “sporty” vehicles.
There's plenty more to return for the Genesis Magma range, too, and Donckerwolke teases that we will expect more announcements this 12 months. There are still loads of models without the Magma variant…
In the meantime, if you happen to would really like to book a Genesis Track Taxi Nordschleife ride, it is out there from today until a special, dedicated subpage on Genesis.com. A solo booking costs €120, but you’ll be able to book for up to 3 passengers with discounts on each seat, providing you with a maximum of €180 per party; Genesis will donate proceeds to an as-yet-unnamed charity. Doctor's bags are in every door pocket and sitting within the back is sort of an adventure…
