Lynk 03 Cyan Concept Debuts in Geneva, Hints at Future Performance Model
Under new management from Geely, Volvo’s former factory racing team has unveiled its first concept vehicle for Lynk & Co. Named after its creators, the 03 Cyan Concept is the product of Cyan Racing; the group of people who made rambunctious Volvo C30s and S60 Polestars for the exclusive purpose of designing something mental — though calling it “new” might be a little unfair.
The model, headed for a Geneva Motor Show debut, appears to be a consumer-friendly version of the 03 TCR racer Cyan Racing teased last December. However, they’re not trying to keep that a secret. The 03 TCR’s entire existence seems to be aimed at helping the brand develop a racing pedigree that can be affixed to subsequent performance models. But the Cyan Concept’s spec sheet goes above and beyond what the FIA-sanctioned touring car has on offer.
With a redline of 8,000 rpm, Cyan promises 528 horsepower and 372 lb-ft of torque from the 03’s svelte, 2.0-liter turbo. That’s good for a claimed rush to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph. Of course, the manufacturer also suggests lateral gravitational forces of up to 1.5 Gs — ludicrous for a production vehicle, but not unreasonable for a 2,837-pound concept racer wearing sticky shoes and an aggressive suspension setup incorporating Öhlins dampers.
“To build a road version of a race car is a great way to learn more about a car and its characteristics,” explained Cyan Racing chief Christian Dahl. “This is a performance concept but it might also be a first step towards a performance offer for Lynk & Co customers were we bring what we learn on the track to the road.”
Lynk has big aspirations, despite springing into existence in 2016. With help from parent company Geely, the brand intends to continue growing Chinese volume before adopting a direct-to-consumer sales model across the globe. It hopes to get into the United States, trade agreements permitting.
The 03 Cyan Concept probably won’t be that car, at least not in its current form. Cyan intends to keep testing the model while the TCR tackles the World Touring Car Cup this year. Assuming the model receives enough positive attention, it’s not unreasonable to think Lynk might take a stab at building an 03-based rival for the Honda Civic Type R or Euro-spec Ford Focus ST. But figuring out when and where such a model would be sold is divination via chicken bones at this stage.
That said, the dark magic that speaks through those bones has informed us that China will undoubtedly be first on the list of hypothetical recipients.
[Images: Cyan Racing]
A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.
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I am probably stupid but I did not get it - that is how Volvos will look like from now on?
Context advisory: the following applies to North America. 1. Weird that they're touting special editions before releasing the regular edition, but whatever. 2. I for one love the smiling-frog face. 3. Apparently a direct-sales model is fine with the B&B as long as it's not Tesla doing it. I say go all the way and bring back the Scamway/Tupperware sales model used by Daewoo!