The 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour will see Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, debut its X Gran Berlinetta Concept at Mount Panorama. Behind the wheel will be legendary Belgian driver Jacky Ickx, a six-time Le Mans 24 Hour champion and Bathurst 1000 winner.
A Tribute to Jacky Ickx
Unveiled in 2024, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept features a tribute livery inspired by Ickx’s iconic blue-and-gold racing helmet. Ickx, who won Bathurst in 1977 with Allan Moffat, will pilot the concept car in a series of hot laps during the event.
“Mount Panorama is one of the world’s great motor racing venues, and I’m excited to showcase the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta,” said Ickx.
The X Gran Berlinetta Concept
This hybrid concept car boasts a mid-mounted ‘Lambda II’ V6 engine paired with an electric motor, delivering 799kW (1,070hp) and 1,337Nm of torque. Its bold design and striking blue paint with gold wheels highlight Genesis’ performance ambitions.
Genesis GV60 Magma Concept
Also appearing is the GV60 Magma, a high-performance electric SUV marking the launch of Genesis’ new Magma sub-brand. Expected in Australian showrooms by 2026, it aims to rival Mercedes-AMG and BMW M.
Expanding into Motorsport
Genesis will enter the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2026 and the IMSA series in 2027, joining rivals like Lexus, BMW, and Porsche in top-tier motorsport. This follows years of Hyundai success at the World Rally Championship and the World Touring Car Cup. Jacky Ickx, now 80 years old, also completed this year’s 6,000km Dakar Rally in a special edition off-road version of the GV80 SUV.
Star-Studded Lineup
The 2025 Bathurst 12 Hour will feature Jacky Ickx in the X Gran Berlinetta, alongside legends like Valentino Rossi and top V8 Supercars drivers Chaz Mostert and Will Brown.
Genesis’ presence at Bathurst signals a bold step forward for the brand, blending cutting-edge performance with a nod to racing heritage.
