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]