DS E-Tense Performance: 815-hp Racer

The DS's own motorsport division, DS Performance, developed and built the unique model after the E-Tense technology won multiple titles in Formula E. The new prototype is based on a carbon shell, two electric motors with a total of 600 kW (815 hp), and all-wheel drive. The chassis, drive unit, and battery are intended to offer innovations that will also be incorporated into future fully electric E-Tense production models. Fundamentally, it could also lead to a Dodge Challenger: power and proportions could be reconfigured accordingly. The DS E-Tense Performance is also intended to provide a preview of the future design language of DS Automobiles, particularly with its front.
 

Starting from 2024, every new DS model that hits the market will be 100% electric. By 2025, all pure combustion engines will be phased out of the engine portfolio. To take a leading position in the electrification market, DS Automobiles relies, according to its own statements, on the know-how of DS Performance, its own motorsport division. With the development of the DS E-Tense Performance prototype, various innovations can be tested and a preview of the next design generations of the brand can be given. Thomas Chevaucher, Director of DS Performance, explains:

"Our goal is to incorporate the experiences and know-how from our international titles in Formula E into a project that showcases the high-performance electric car of tomorrow. It is a research project where we analyze the behavior of components and develop them with future production in mind. It is also about finding solutions to reduce costs, facilitate manufacturing, and explore implementation in series models. The next generations of E-Tense models will benefit from these developments."

Interesting and uncompromising: The DS E-Tense Performance has a carbon shell with a powertrain derived from a Formula E single-seater. According to DS, the suspension geometry is capable of guaranteeing the best possible grip on the road, as well as on often bumpy urban racetracks and in all weather conditions.

From 0 to 100 km/h in 2 seconds, up to 600 kW of recuperation power

The drive consists of two electric motors with a total output of 600 kW (250 kW at the front and 350 kW at the rear), which is 815 hp. Up to 8,000 Nm of torque can be applied to the wheels, depending on the gear ratio, which is always more than the e-machines can provide. These two electric motors, which come directly from DS Performance's developments for Formula E, are characterized by their exceptional performance and accelerate the prototype from 0 to 100 km/h in 2 seconds. DS specifies the recuperation power at up to 600 kW. Although the prototype has a braking system with discs and pads, this is solely for safety purposes. Only the regeneration system is used for braking.

The battery is located centrally at the rear. It was developed in collaboration with TotalEnergies and its subsidiary Saft and is inspired by e-motorsports. According to DS, it is the result of many years of research by the partner and features an innovative chemical composition and a special cooling system for the cells, which is said to stand out from current technologies – thanks to a bespoke design and a solution DS refers to as "Quartz EV Fluid": In short, the batteries can be charged and discharged very quickly, which is especially important in racing and for hypercars. But of course, DS is also considering how to use these properties in further DS production vehicles.
 

Electric flash in the LED: Future design language from DS Automobiles

The DS E-Tense Performance also served as a prototype for the DS Design Studio Paris in terms of visuals. The front shows a new expression area instead of the radiator grille. This look was already hinted at in the 2020 concept car DS Aero Sport Lounge and combines the logo of DS Automobiles with a three-dimensional effect, including a special welcome sequence. The new daytime running lights are designed to offer a particularly wide light spectrum. In total, the lights consist of 800 LEDs. Two cameras, positioned in place of the headlights, complete the visual identity of the DS E-Tense Performance and at the same time allow the collection of useful data through this prototype.

Matching the aerodynamic line, the body features an interference color with color changes. Depending on external conditions and viewing angle, the color perception changes and forms a striking contrast with the glossy black surfaces that extend to the hood. The 21-inch wheels feature an aerodynamic profile with unique inserts.

The cockpit was inspired by Formula E

The cockpit is perfectly designed for data collection. Bucket seats and a Formula E steering wheel create a work atmosphere dedicated to high-performance sports. The comfort and attention to detail are also emphasized by the special inserts in black leather. Appropriately, the DS E-Tense Performance features a FOCAL Utopia sound system and exclusive Scala Utopia Evo speakers in the color of the prototype.

What does that mean?

DS is accelerating: After DS 9 and DS 4, DS 3 and DS 7 will receive a routine facelift in 2022, and with the prototype, they are testing new market fields and technologies which would also suit Dodge or Lancia within the large Stellantis group. The DS E-Tense Performance could be used to derive a larger Dodge Challenger Hellcat and a smaller Lancia E-Stratos... because unlike the previously completely outlandish DS prototypes, this one appears very "realistic" and could therefore be more than just a "finger exercise" from Paris.