Hyundai Set To Race In WEC And Possibly Le Mans Under Genesis Brand

In recent years, Korean automaking giant Hyundai has been making strides in the world of top-tier motorsports. In fact, it has become a powerhouse in both the World Rally Championship (WRC) and Touring Car Racing (TCR) series, which in turn also birthed in N performance brand.

Now, it appears that the Hyundai Motorsport arm of Hyundai is set to expand its racing foray further after announcing its intent to race in the World Endurance Championship – WEC. In fact, the automaker plans to race in the WEC series using its Genesis luxury sub-brand.

Part of the WEC too is the annual Le Mans 24 Hours endurance race. Hyundai didn’t exactly stated its intent to race at said world famous endurance race event nor did it detail a timeline for which, but entry into the WEC eventually leads to racing at Le Mans, more so given the next set of facts.

According to online reports, Hyundai Motorsport will construct a race machine using the LMDh (Le Mands Daytona h) regulations, which is one of two in the WEC’s premier Hypercar competition class. The other ruleset used alongside which is of course LMH (Le Mans Hypercar).

As to the difference, LMH lets manufacturers design and develop its own car from the ground up, whereas LMDh cars must be built using a certain percentage of off-the-shelf components and parts – namely the monocoque chassis and suspension – from just four licensed suppliers, those being Dallara, Multimatic, Ligier, and Oreca.

Moreover, the ‘h’ in LMDh also dictates the mandatory adoption of a standardised or ‘spec’ hybrid powertrain system. Automakers are still given free reign in electing what type of internal combustion engine to use as a base, but it must be paired and augmented with the class’ spec hybrid system mentioned, which also consists of the gearbox (transmission).

By choosing the LMDh category, Hyundai (Genesis) is set to compete against a slew of key rivalling manufacturers plus a few storied ones too. Amongst them are Toyota, BMW, Honda (Acura), Alpine, Lamborghini, Alpine, Porsche, as well as resurgent back-to-back winners Ferrari.

“The LMDh program will add a new pillar to Hyundai Motorsport’s portfolio. Since its establishment in 2012, Hyundai Motorsport has been competing in WRC and TCR with Hyundai N brand. Genesis, the premium brand of the Hyundai Motor Group, will add endurance racing to the disciplines of its motorsport activities,” said Hyundai in its statement.

Apart from the production-based series (WRC and TCR) mentioned, as well as special projects like its recent foray in the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hillclimb (PPIHC), Hyundai hasn’t competed in any form of prototype racing like what both the LMDh and LMH classes are.

Instead, the firm’s ambitions for which have existed long prior in the virtual realm through its Vision Gran Turismo Concept cars made for the renowned Sony Playstation-exclusive Gran Turismo driving and racing simulator.

Effectively, the Korean automaker is now seeking to turn said virtual ambition into racing reality, and it will be interesting to see how this pans out.