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'Iron fist in the velvet glove': New high-performance models aimed at Audi RS, BMW M and Mercedes-AMG to be important for Genesis

Genesis GV60 Magma concept

Genesis is gearing up for a high-performance assault on some of the best in the business.

Global head of Genesis, Mike Song, said its Magma high performance models provide a huge opportunity for the brand.

He said the brand’s logo means athletic elegance, but so far it has only showcased the elegance through its range of vehicles — Magma variants will bring balance to its line-up.

“In terms of athletics this is a huge room for opportunity for Genesis,” said Song. “So high performance we can showcase our engineering competency and our future visions to achieve both athletic elegance. We always try to have balance, but sometimes one day more athletic, one day more elegance.”

“[We want] Magma recognised as the iron fist in the velvet glove.

“We just want Magma to be talked [about] and then recognised by our customer. So providing kinds of unexpected Magma characteristics to the driver or owner,” he said.

Song confirmed the GV60 Magma — the first model to wear the new badge — will arrive in Korea at the end of this year before debuting in Australia at the start of 2026.

Genesis GV60 Magma concept Genesis GV60 Magma concept

Song said Magma is not a sub brand but a model line, a top-tier variant that will sit atop the range of every model.

Australia will have access to all future Magma models except for the G90.

“When we develop any new model, Magma will be part of our development,” said Song.

Song said Magma models wouldn’t just be tuned versions of the regular cars but will have different looks to the regular models.

2025 Genesis GV60 2025 Genesis GV60

“Magma should have a little bit different shape, not just the regular design and then certain tuning to enhance the horsepower. It’s not magma. Magma should have its own characteristics,” he said.

Genesis hasn’t detailed any technical details of the GV60 Magma yet, but you can look to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N for clues

Chances are the GV60 Magma will improve on the Ioniq N’s 478kW and 740Nm and bring over the same synthesised gear shifts and engine sounds as its stablemate's performance hero car.

The Magma brand won’t just use all electric power, either. Song confirmed that hybrid propulsion will play a big part in Magma’s future.

“The Magma will be EV and then hybrid,” said Song.

This could see it follow the Mercedes-AMG C63 and BMW M5 down the path of plug-in hybrid grunt to deliver heady performance figures above 500kW and 1000Nm.