Prior to its debut during the 2019 FIA WTCR season, the new Lynk & Co 03 TCR racer has been put through its paces with Thed Björk behind the wheel.

The 03 TCR comes from Volvo, Chinese mobility company Lynk & Co, and motorsport partner Cyan Racing. As the racer’s name implies, it is based around the 03 sedan that has been transformed into World Touring Car Cup specification and will take the place of the Volvo S60.

A quick glance at the 03 TCR reveals a multitude of upgrades that distinguish it from the road car.

For starters, it is painted bright blue, just like other cars from Cyan Racing. Additionally, there’s a wide bodykit with flared front and rear wheel arches, centerlock wheels, custom air intakes, and a big swan neck rear wing.

Whereas the road car is sold with a turbo’d 148 hp 1.5-liter three-cylinder, a 187 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and soon, a 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid, the Lynk & Co 03 TCR has a beefed-up powertrain that produces 350 hp, 309 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque and revs to 6200 rpm.

After testing the car last month, Björk said that the racer is shaping up to be very competitive.

“The feeling to turn the first laps of an all-new race car is fantastic and I must say the Lynk & Co 03 TCR has lived up to my expectations.

“Geely Group Motorsport has done a great job of development so far and we can’t wait to get going as we no doubt are facing one of the toughest seasons in the history of touring car racing in 2019.”