While most auto show concept cars are little more than non-functional “rolling sculptures” designed to showcase styling rather than speed, Genesis appeared to break the mold recently by debuting a fleet of fully functional prototypes like the Magma GT and X Skorpio. However, a new investigation from Motor1, suggests these vehicles might not be the homegrown marvels they appear to be, but are instead “identity thieves” built atop existing platforms from other manufacturers. Despite the immense time and cost typically required to engineer a working powertrain and suspension from scratch, evidence points to Genesis opting for a clever shortcut: draping their stunning “Two Lines” design language over the proven chassis of the C8 Corvette and the legendary Local Motors Rally Fighter.
The Magma GT: A Corvette in Korean Clothing?
The Genesis Magma GT was teased as a mid-engined marvel, hinting at a future where the luxury brand takes on the likes of Ferrari. But if you look past the sleek lines and signature “Two Lines” lighting, the DNA looks suspiciously American.
The “TPC” Smoking Gun
The most damning evidence comes down to the rubber. The Magma GT sits on Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup 2R tires. While anyone can buy Michelins, these specific tires carry the “TPC Spec” (Tire Performance Criteria) branding.
Why this matters: TPC specs are proprietary codes for tires co-developed by General Motors specifically for vehicles like the C8 Corvette.
Matching Hardware
Beyond the tires, the technical similarities are hard to ignore:
- Wheelbase & Stance: The tire sizes (275/30ZR20 front, 345/25ZR21 rear) are an exact match for the Corvette Z06.
- Structural Components: The mounting points for the front radiators, the shape of the tank ends, and even the rear subframe architecture appear virtually identical to the C8 chassis.
- The Interior: Despite Genesis’s attempts to hide the cabin, brightened photos reveal a central tunnel design that mirrors the C8’s iconic “wall of buttons” cockpit layout.
The X Skorpio: A “Rally Fighter” Reborn?
If the Magma GT is a re-skinned Corvette, the X Skorpio—an aggressive off-road beast—appears to be a tribute to a cult classic: the Local Motors Rally Fighter.
The Rally Fighter was an open-source off-roader produced in limited numbers. According to sources and CAD data overlays, the X Skorpio shares a 115.0-inch wheelbase with the Rally Fighter.
Key Similarities:
- The Skeleton: The tubular frame and the specific upward slope of the transmission tunnel are dead ringers for the Local Motors design.
- Off-the-Shelf Parts: The concept even features a Momo steering wheel—a staple of the original Rally Fighter—simply recovered in Alcantara with a Genesis badge.
- The V8 Mystery: Genesis claims the Skorpio delivers 1,100 hp from a V8. Since Genesis doesn’t currently produce a high-performance V8, the 6.2-liter LS3 engine (the Rally Fighter’s original heart) seems like the likely silent partner here.
Genius Shortcut or Brand Blunder?
It is important to note that nothing Genesis has done is illegal. In the world of concept cars, “muling” or using existing chassis to test design language is a time-honored tradition. Building a bespoke mid-engine platform for a one-off show car costs millions; re-bodying a C8 Corvette is a stroke of logistical genius.
However, the silence from Genesis is telling. When asked about the platform sharing, a US spokesperson stated they had “no details to share.” Meanwhile, Chevrolet has stayed clear, stating they did not work on the project.
