The racing world just got a jolt from China: Lynk & Co, with backing from Geely, saw its new 03+ TCR racing model vanish from virtual showrooms in a flash. This isn’t your average sedan, even though it shares a name with the 2026 Lynk & Co 03 family, which typically runs between 121,800 and 420,300 yuan (about 16,700–57,500 USD). Nope, this is a purpose-built track monster, priced at a cool 1.40 million yuan (around 192,000 USD), with a hefty 280,000 yuan (about 38,400 USD) deposit to boot. It marks a significant milestone as the first mass-produced TCR-spec touring car fully developed by a Chinese brand.
Race Day Ready: What Drivers Get
The official launch happened at the “CO Customer” conference on December 6, 2025, and eager buyers didn’t just get a car. They snagged a “Champion Driver Masterclass” package, valued at 40,000 yuan (approximately 5,500 USD). This includes two hours of invaluable track instruction, personalized guidance from championship-winning drivers, and essential track technician support, all valid for a year after delivery.Talk about a sweet deal for budding racers! Plus, there is a “Race Support Package” providing one engineer and one technician for TCR China and CTCC China Cup events. This covers six race weekends per year, making sure these cars are dialed in and ready to compete. Just remember, this beast is strictly for the track; it’s not street legal.
Under the Hood: A Glimpse at the Power
The 03+ TCR takes the third-generation Lynk & Co 03 sedan as its foundation, but transforms it into a widebody, aerodynamic masterpiece. You’ll spot that exclusive, aggressive red-dominant livery from a mile away. It adheres to TCR regulations, perfectly suited for both raw sprint races and grueling endurance challenges.Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder Drive-E T6 engine. This isn’t just any engine it boasts enhanced cooling, a new turbocharger, and a recalibrated engine mapping to maximize straight-line speed. The result? A peak output of 345.2 hp and a solid 420 Nm of torque. Shifting through the gears is handled by an Xtrac 1046 six-speed sequential transmission, complete with paddle shifters for lightning-fast changes. And at a target weight of 1,265 kilograms (including the driver), this car promises serious agility.
Stopping Power and Aero Magic
When you’re pushing limits, you need serious stopping power. The 03+ TCR delivers with six-piston front calipers gripping 380mm ventilated discs, complemented by two-piston rear calipers and 290mm discs.The aerodynamics are equally impressive, thanks to a newly designed Gen3 aero kit. This includes a massive front splitter, a prominent fixed rear wing, and widened bodywork that screams performance. Inside, it’s all business: racing bucket seats, a full roll cage, and all the motorsport-standard safety gear you’d expect.Lynk & Co isn’t stopping at sprint races either. They’ve hinted at future plans to tackle endurance formats, eyeing events like the iconic Nürburgring 24-hour race. It seems this Chinese contender is ready to make some serious noise on the global motorsport stage.It’s clear that automotive enthusiasm in China is a driving force for innovation. For instance, brands like Xiaomi have made significant strides, not just in traditional tech, but now in the EV space, mirroring the rapid advancements in other Chinese industries. We’ve also seen Chinese automakers pushing boundaries with advanced technologies like steer-by-wire systems, showcasing a commitment to engineering excellence. The market here is dynamic, with strong competition from both established players and ambitious newcomers. The momentum extends to other new vehicle categories as well. For example, China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market continues to surge, with impressive sales figures demonstrating strong consumer adoption and rapid growth. This fast-paced environment means we’re always on the lookout for the next big thing, whether it’s a track weapon or an innovative daily driver. We saw a similar rapid sell-out for the Audi e5 Sportback, which saw 10,000 orders in just 30 minutes, highlighting the fierce demand in this market.
