Jacky Ickx Returns to Mount Panorama in Stunning Genesis Concepts

Racing royalty Jacky Ickx made a triumphant return to Mount Panorama, igniting memories of his legendary 1977 Bathurst 1000 victory while thrilling crowds with a dazzling display in the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept. The Belgian motorsport icon, now 80, cut some spirited laps in the futuristic concept, marking its global racetrack debut in electrifying fashion.

Ickx, whose resume includes eight Formula One Grand Prix wins and a record-setting six victories at Le Mans, proved that time hasn’t dulled his flair. Behind the wheel of the X Gran Berlinetta Concept, he unleashed the full force of its wild power, its deafening roar echoing through The Mountain as the crowd lapped up every second.

“It’s been a while, but great tracks never change,” Ickx mused. “Monaco, Nürburgring, Spa – and of course, Bathurst. The crowd loved the X Gran Berlinetta, and frankly, so did I.”

From the symphony of combustion to the silent might of electric performance, Ickx also piloted the Genesis GV60 Magma Concept, the Korean luxury brand’s all-electric performance machine. Although a far cry from the thunderous Ford Falcon XC V8 he co-drove to victory in ‘77, Ickx was blown away by the instant torque and acceleration of the GV60 Magma, set to become Genesis’ first Magma production model later this year.

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ABOVE: Genesis and Jacky Ickx make a triumphant return to Mount Panorama

“The GV60 Magma feels a long way from the Falcon I drove here last time – and quite a lot faster,” he admitted with a grin.
In a touching moment of nostalgia, Ickx reunited with the 1977-winning Falcon, handing over the original Bathurst 1000 trophy to the Bathurst Town Mayor, Robert Taylor. At Allan Moffat’s request, the trophy now finds a permanent home at the National Motor Racing Museum, displayed alongside the mighty Ford that carried them to victory.
While the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Concept has been tearing up the virtual tarmac in Gran Turismo since January 2024, its real-world debut at Bathurst cemented its status as a show-stopper. Meanwhile, the GV60 Magma Concept has already flexed its muscles at Goodwood, proving Genesis is serious about high-performance EVs.
From petrol-powered nostalgia to an electrified future, Jacky Ickx’s return to Bathurst was nothing short of legendary.