Lynk & Co 01 Nabbed In Italy Laden With Cameras And Sensors

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’.

Also Read: Lynk & CO 01 Goes On Sale In China, Gets 6,000 Orders In 137 Seconds

A little bit of research reveals that SICK is a Germany company and a manufacturer of various sensors and sensor solutions for autonomous vehicles.xConsequently, 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.

Hat tip to Leonardo Bogon!