Genesis Built The Wildest GV80 You’ll Never Own | Carscoops

Made for Jacky Ickx, the GV80 Desert Edition features extra LEDs, grippy tires, a night vision system, and an upgraded suspension

Genesis has formally presented the GV80 Desert Edition, a special one-off version of its flagship SUV, during a low-key delivery event at the Genesis Wallan Showroom in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Designed as a bespoke gift for racing legend Jacky Ickx in celebration of his 80th birthday, the off-road-ready GV80 has already made its mark by covering the 6,000 km (3,728 miles) route of the 2025 Dakar Rally, stretching from Bisha to Shubaytah.

The development of this one-of-a-kind GV80 Desert Edition was overseen by Luc Donckerwolke, Genesis’ Chief Creative Officer. The project came together through a collaboration between Genesis Middle East and Dubai-based Motors, the company behind the Lykan Hypersport supercar.

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The GV80 Desert Edition’s livery takes inspiration from Jacky Ickx’s helmet, featuring a Midnight Blue base accented by a white stripe on the hood and subtle chrome touches. Earlier this year, a similar design approach was showcased on the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta concept, though that model opted for a flashier finish with gold wheels.

The rugged GV80 Desert Edition is fitted with 20-inch forged alloy bead-lock wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, with fender extensions adding 40 mm (1.6 inches) of width for a more capable, off-road-ready stance. Additional LED lights on the bumper, A-pillars, and roof improve visibility in low-light conditions. In event videos, Jacky Ickx mentions a night vision system, though details on its implementation remain unclear. A custom roof rack rounds out the upgrades, equipped to hold fuel canisters, sandboards, and a rooftop tent.

Chassis upgrades include a “comprehensively upgraded adjustable suspension system” engineered for desert conditions. Genesis says that the new setup provides “maximum ground clearance, superior damping, and enhanced stability on soft sand and rocky trails”. While no powertrain upgrades have been announced, the special edition does feature a desert-specific drive mode designed to maximize traction.

Genesis

Unlike full-blown Dakar racers with their bare-bones interiors, the GV80 Desert Edition maintains the premium cabin of the standard model. According to Genesis, the goal was “to bring Genesis’ signature luxurious onboard experience to the most extreme conditions.” The only notable addition is an “integrated drawer system” in the boot, designed to store a full-size spare wheel, tools, emergency equipment, water supplies, first-aid kits, and communication devices.

Ickx was a honorary guest in this year’s Dakar Rally. Beyond his role as a brand ambassador for Genesis, he was recently named the official racing advisor for the automaker’s newly formed motorsport division—Genesis Magma Racing. The team plans to debut at the WEC and IMSA championships in 2026 and 2027, respectively.

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Jacky Ickx is a Dakar veteran, having participated numerous times in the past. In 1983, he won the event with a Mercedes-Benz 280 GE, while he has also secured two second spots in 1986 and in 1989 with a Porsche 959 Dakar and a Peugeot 405 Turbo 16 respectively.

The Belgian racing legend, who turned 80 years old on January 1st, is widely known for his six wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and is often praised about his versatility in various kinds of motorsports disciplines. Besides his Le Mans and Dakar triumphs, Ickx has eight F1 victories, a Can-Am championship title, and 37 major World Sports Car wins under his belt.

Screenshots: Genesis Wallan / Instagram