Genesis’ V8 Supercar Finally Shows Off Its Gorgeous Analog Interior

Genesis stunned the motoring world last November when it revealed the Magma GT Concept. This mid-engine V8 supercar has all the presence of a Ferrari or McLaren supercar, so the fact that it comes from a conservative luxury brand is a particular shock. What we didn’t get a good look at initially was the Magma GT’s interior, which has now been unveiled alongside the new Magma GT3 Concept at Le Mans. The reveals come just ahead of the Genesis Magma Racing team’s participation in the legendary endurance race. A two-passenger luxury grand tourer, the majestic cabin of the Magma GT more than lives up to that description.

No Stripped-Down Supercar

While many supercars strip down the interior to the essentials and place the emphasis on the driving controls—take a look inside the McLaren 750S to see what we mean—the Magma GT takes an entirely different route. The twin-cockpit layout combines analog controls and high-end craftsmanship to stunning effect. 

Luxuriously padded materials and elegantly executed lighting wrap around both occupants. The center console is wide and high, creating a clear separation between the driver and passenger. Instead of lazily slapping a big screen in the middle of the dash, Genesis has gone with a beautiful selection of analog, tactile controls. There’s an analog instrument cluster that’s inspired by motor racing timekeeping instruments, real buttons on the steering wheel, large paddles, and a proper shift lever. There is still a center screen, but it’s small by modern standards and mounted lower down, so it does away with the cold, clinical feel of so many new car interiors.

Warm leather colors add to the sense of occasion, as do the quilted seats with integrated headrests. It all makes the new Audi Nuvolari’s interior look decidedly gloomy, and we’re pleased to see that the Genesis luxury touch has not been lost in such a powerful, performance-focused machine.

What Else We Know About The GT

Although still a work in progress, the Magma GT looks closer than ever to becoming a reality. Genesis already has plans for a 14-year production run, with chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke proposing a formula we’ve seen from Lamborghini.

“You launch the base car, then do an S, and a GT3, and do a roadster. Then you give the car a big midlife facelift and do it again. It’s not rocket science,” said Donckerwolke, who previously served as the design director at Lamborghini. In other words, he has seen this process play out before with the Italian supercar brand.

The concept was launched with a powerful V8 engine, but its specifications are unknown and we have little to reference, since Genesis doesn’t currently sell V8-powered cars. The new interior shots confirm it’ll have an automatic or dual-clutch automatic transmission, though, and we expect it to produce well over 600 horsepower.

Why It Matters

Hyundai has already developed a loyal following with its N performance division, and now it has even grander ambitions with Magma for Genesis. These luxury performance cars will take on the best that Audi RS, Mercedes-AMG, and BMW M have to offer on the road, and the Magma GT will serve as the aspirational flagship. Competing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans will further build Magma’s performance credentials. So far, the GT looks like a more luxurious take on the mid-engine supercar, which could be precisely what Genesis needs to set itself apart from more established competitors.

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