Genesis constructed a particular off-road model of its GV80 luxurious SUV for racing legend—and present model companion—Jacky Ickx.
Noticed in a publish on the Instagram web page of Genesis’ European arm, the GV80 Desert Edition has typical off-road modifications like a raised trip top, knobby tires, a roof rack with LED gentle bar, and outstanding restoration hooks. The modified SUV additionally wears a Dubai license plate with a “Efficiency by W Motors” body, indicating its transformation was achieved with assist from that Center Japanese supercar builder.
The Desert Version was introduced to Ickx on the eve of the 2025 Dakar Rally. Ickx received this occasion’s predecessor, then referred to as the Paris-Dakar Rally, in 1983, when the rally really completed in Dakar, Senegal. The instability of that a part of Africa led organizers to maneuver the rally first to South America after which to its present dwelling in Saudi Arabia.
Ickx is is maybe higher identified for his exploits on pavement, although. The Belgian and received the 24 Hours of Le Mans six instances, scored eight System 1 victories, and received a Can-Am championship, amongst different accomplishments. He even examined for NASCAR legend Junior Johnson in 1969, however opted to not pursue oval racing after crashing the automobile.
Genesis introduced in Ickx as a model companion in February 2024. The posh model claims he’ll be offering enter on its new Magma efficiency sub-brand, which goals to tackle the likes of BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.
Including additional cachet to Magma is a racing program that features entries within the premiere Hypercar and GTP courses of the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship. The automaker can be racing a newly developed race automobile dubbed the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar. Ickx can be serving as an advisor to this program, which goals to have automobiles on monitor in 2026.