In a moment bridging motorsport history with future technology, 80-year-old racing legend Jacky Ickx returned to Mount Panorama for the first time since 1978, piloting Genesis's radical X Gran Berlinetta concept at the Bathurst 12 Hour.
The six-time Le Mans winner and Formula 1 veteran showcased both the thunderous concept car and Genesis's upcoming electric GV60 Magma, marking a significant milestone for the Korean luxury brand's performance ambitions.
The Beast Within
The X Gran Berlinetta represents Genesis's most extreme performance vision:
| Specification | Performance Details |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | Hybrid V6 + Electric |
| Power Output | 799kW combined |
| Torque | 1337Nm |
| Engine Limit | 10,000rpm |
| Type | Concept Performance Car |
Magma Sub-Brand Takes Shape
While the X Gran Berlinetta remains a concept, Genesis confirmed the GV60 Magma as its first production performance model:
- Expected output: 478kW/770Nm
- Based on E-GMP platform
- Shares technology with Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
- First Genesis Magma model to reach production
A Legend's Perspective
"I was blown away by the X Gran Berlinetta Concept, which was a wildly powerful and loud machine to drive," Ickx reflected. His comparison between the silent GV60 Magma and his 1977 Bathurst-winning Ford Falcon highlighted the dramatic evolution of performance vehicles: "The GV60 Magma Concept feels a long way from the Ford Falcon I drove here last time, and quite a lot faster."
Emotional Tribute
The event carried additional significance as Ickx presented the 1977 Bathurst 1000 winner's trophy to the Bathurst Regional Council on behalf of Allan Moffat's family. The trophy will join the race-winning car at the National Motor Racing Museum, preserving the legacy of their historic victory.
Genesis's choice to debut its most extreme performance concept at Mount Panorama with Ickx at the wheel demonstrates the brand's serious sporting intentions. The combination of the wild X Gran Berlinetta concept and the production-bound GV60 Magma suggests Genesis is preparing a comprehensive performance assault, bridging traditional high-performance engineering with electric mobility.
The emotional connection to Australian motorsport history through Ickx's return and the Moffat trophy presentation adds a touching dimension to what could have been merely a technical showcase. It positions Genesis not just as a luxury challenger brand, but as one that understands and respects motorsport heritage while pushing toward an electrified future.
