When Genesis unveiled the Magma GT and X Scorpio concepts, fans were stunned by the design, but under the skin, things got a little more complicated. As the Korean luxury brand tries to carve a place in the performance world, rumors are swirling that these flashy prototypes may actually be riding on American DNA. From tire codes to chassis blueprints, here is what has everyone talking.
Several details spotted on the Magma GT concept have fans and engineers convinced it may be more than just Genesis metal. One of the clearest signs is the use of Michelin Cup 2R tires with the TPC Spec stamp, a designation exclusive to General Motors and optimized specifically for the Corvette C8. Add to that some eerily similar design elements like the front radiator mounts, rear subframe structure, and even the rear brake layout, and the pieces start to fall into place.
Photos of the interior reveal a wide transmission tunnel that closely resembles the Corvette layout, and even the exhaust note caught on video has the deep tone of a GM V8. While Genesis claims the Magma GT uses a twin turbo V8, it currently does not manufacture such an engine. That has led many to believe the concept may actually be built on a borrowed C8 platform, at least for showcase purposes.
Building a fully functional concept car from scratch is expensive, often requiring years of development and millions in investment. That is why many automakers choose to borrow existing platforms, engines, or chassis from other brands to serve as test beds. These are called donor cars, and they allow designers to show off their vision without the full R and D burden.
It is not illegal, and most brands never deny it. In fact, Genesis has declined to confirm or deny platform sharing in public comments. Whether the X Scorpio is based on the old Rally Fighter or the Magma GT on a Corvette chassis, what matters is the message. Genesis has proven it can design stunning performance bodies and bold design language. If it goes into production, the final car will likely use an in house platform. Until then, the borrowed foundation might just be a shortcut to global attention.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.