Chinese automaker Lynk & Co isn’t expected to
launch its 01 SUV in Europe until 2020, but a Carscoops reader has spied a
prototype undergoing testing in Italy. According to astute reader
Leonardo Bogon, this orange Lynk & Co 01 was parked near Lake Garda. The
SUV is wearing the bodywork of the model currently in sale in China, but the
exterior appears to be laden with distinctive sensors and cameras. At the
front, for example, there are sensors on either side of the bumper and a third
sensor, or camera, in the center of the fascia.
At the back there are two additional sensors
incorporated into the sides of the bumper, while on the roof there is a large
structure supporting some kind of sensor or camera unit. If you look closely at
the unit, you will notice that it reads ‘SICK’.
A little bit of research reveals that SICK is a
Germany company and a manufacturer of various sensors and sensor solutions for
autonomous vehicles. Consequently, it seems likely that Lynk & Co is
testing out a suite of autonomous functions which the 01 may launch with when
it arrives in Europe and other overseas markets.
The Lynk & Co 01 is based on the same
underpinnings as the Volvo XC40 and in China is available with two
Volvo-derived turbo petrol engines. The first of these is a 1.5-liter
three-cylinder pumping out 147 HP, while the second is a 2.0-liter unit with
187 HP on tap. It remains to be seen what powertrains will be available in
other markets.