Limited Edition Genesis GV80 Unveiled Exclusively for Jacky Ickx
The automotive world was abuzz on the eve of the 2025 Dakar Rally as Genesis, the luxury car manufacturer, presented the GV80 Desert Edition. This off-road variant of the popular GV80 luxury SUV was unveiled in the heart of Saudi Arabia, the current home of the prestigious off-road rally-raid event.
The design of the GV80 Desert Edition was inspired by motorsport legend Jacky Ickx, who is currently a brand partner of Genesis. Although the specific designer or design team behind the creation remains unspecified, the vehicle showcases rugged modifications that reflect its off-road capabilities.
Jacky Ickx, a racing icon with an impressive career, has scored eight Formula 1 victories, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans six times, and claimed victory in the Paris-Dakar Rally, a predecessor of the Dakar Rally, in 1983. His association with Genesis began in February 2024.
In a surprising turn of events, Jacky Ickx opted not to pursue oval racing after a testing incident involving a car crash. However, his influence on the GV80 Desert Edition is evident in its off-road modifications, which include a raised ride height, knobby tires, a roof rack equipped with an LED light bar, and prominent recovery hooks.
The GV80 Desert Edition was not developed in isolation. Genesis collaborated with W Motors, a Middle Eastern supercar builder, to bring this off-road beast to life. The collaboration is part of Genesis's strategy to develop a new performance sub-brand called Magma, aiming to compete with the likes of BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.
Genesis's racing ambitions extend beyond the showroom floor. The company has a racing program that includes entries in the FIA World Endurance Championship and IMSA SportsCar Championship. In 2026, Genesis aims to have cars on track in the racing program with the Genesis GMR-001 Hypercar.
As the 2025 Dakar Rally roars into action, the unveiling of the GV80 Desert Edition serves as a testament to Genesis's commitment to blending luxury and performance in an off-road context. The collaboration with Jacky Ickx and W Motors promises an exciting future for the brand, as they continue to push the boundaries of automotive design and performance.
