Revealing The Future Of DS Automobiles Models, The DS E-Tense Performance Prototype

A prototype conceived to be a high-performance laboratory, aimed at accelerating the technology growth of the brand’s next designs, DS Automobiles presents the DS E-Tense Performance.

It was devised and developed by DS Performance, the brand’s competition division, all to secure its leading position in the electrification market.

DS Performance’s director, Thomas Chevaucher, expressed, “Our objective is to apply the experience acquired in Formula E and the expertise that we’ve taken from our international titles to a project which predicts the high-performance electric car of tomorrow. It is a laboratory that we will use to analyse the behaviour of components and to develop them with a view to future manufacturing. The idea is also to find solutions to lower costs, make them easier to manufacture and explore implementations in production models. The next generations of the E-Tense range will benefit from these developments.”

First and foremost, the DS E-Tense Performance introduces a carbon monocoque with a drivetrain setup taken from a Formula E single seater. 

This enables its suspension geometry to guarantee the best possible grip on roads, like on bumpy urban race tracks, and in any weather conditions.

Then, its powertrain setup was also taken straight from DS Performance’s developments for Formula E, at which the two electric motors fitted come with a four-wheel-drive transmission.

Featuring a 250-kW motor at the front and a 350-kW motor at the back, the setup has a combined output of 600-kW (815 hp) and a maximum torque of 8,000 Nm.

Outstandingly, with its unprecedented 600-kW of regeneration capacity, the DS E-Tense Performance’s powertrain prioritises the best use of energy. 

Meaning, if the DS E-Tense Performance utilizes a braking system with discs and pads for safety, only the regeneration system is used for braking.

Other than that, the battery which is compact and housed in a carbon-aluminium composite envelope is also one of the fundamental parts of this prototype

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Developed jointly with TotalEnergies and its subsidiary Saft, the battery has an immersive cooling system for cells, made feasible by a bespoke design of Quartz EV Fluid solution. 

Significantly, this battery permits phases of acceleration and regeneration of up to 600-kW and enables the exploration of new avenues for future generations of production vehicles.

Sketching an electrified future with its aesthetics, the DS E-Tense Performance is also an area of exploration for DS Design Studio Paris.

Gazing at its body language, akin yet different to the DS Aero Sport Lounge model, the front reveals a new surface for expression in place of the grille. 

Beautifully, this treatment combines the DS Automobiles logo with a three-dimensional effect like a shop window with a special welcome sequence.

On either side, making up 800 LEDs, the new daytime running lights combine technology and design with unparalleled thinness to give a wide span of light.

Plus, two cameras positioned instead of headlamps complete the DS E-Tense Performance’s visual identity, while enabling useful data to be collected by this driving laboratory.

To further its aerodynamic profile, the DS E-Tense Performance’s silhouette introduces a beetle-effect interference colour, perfected with 20-inch wheels with unique inserts.

The former, depending on exterior settings and the angle viewed, the perception of the colour changes and gives a striking contrasting effect with the gloss black surfaces stretching to the hood. 

Transitioning inside, the cockpit has been conceived to gather data. Comfort and attention to detail is also incorporated with the special trim insert in black leather.

Meanwhile, bucket seats and a Formula E steering wheel create an ambition to work that’s devoted to high performance. 

Entertainment-wise, it features the Focal Utopia sound system, along with a pair of exclusive Scala Utopia Evo speakers in prototype colours. 

Made with the best components these pieces of French silverware produce a unique signature sound.

That said, from February 2022, the DS Performance team is organising the first tests with the DS E-Tense Performance.

Jean-Éric Vergne, and Antonio Felix da Costa, both Formula E champions, are to take turns at the wheel of the prototype to finalise its development, before testing on tracks and open roads.