Unveiled online in early February, we had the chance to approach the brand new DS concept. Named E-TENSE PERFORMANCE, this concept, derived from Formula E, is even more physically impressive than in the manufacturer’s photos.
By discovering the first images, one could have thought of a virtual prototype planned for a video game such as Gran Turismo. Except that the DS E-Tense Performance is very real, we could observe it closely.
Beneath its ultra-sporty 4.72m coupé lines, the DS E-Tense Performance prototype makes the heart beat of a 100% electric Formula E single-seater. From competition to the road, is there only one step? Not quite, but motor racing has always participated in advancing the technologies embedded in our everyday vehicles. This prototype will therefore not be the brand’s next novelty, but it will serve as a laboratory for the development of the next DS creations.
A formula E on open roads?
The development of this model is done in collaboration with the pilots of the Formula E team (Jean-Éric Vergne and António Félix da Costa). It is also necessary to be as sharp as these pilots to hope to slip into the seat of this prototype. However, the experiments planned for this DS E-Tense Performance will lead it to drive on open roads, as much as on circuits.
Even if this prototype may seem more “civilized” in appearance than a single-seater, it is nonetheless a high-performance machine, probably more at ease on the track than on the road. The DS E-Tense Performance is equipped with two electric motors of 250 kW and 350 kW, i.e. 600 kW (or 815 hp) in total.
The torque is displayed at no less than 8,000 rpm, it is, for example, 5 times higher than a Bugatti Chiron. The brand is also aiming with this model for a 0 to 100 km/h in 2 seconds. Results that are worthy of thermal supercars, but ultimately below Elon Musk’s announcements with his Tesla Roadster or even his Model S Plaid.
A prototype far from mass production
It is by looking at battery technology and its regeneration system that we realize that we are quite far from the electric cars currently produced.
As on the single-seaters, the system operates on a 900 V power supply technology, compared to 400 or 800 V for the current models on the market. It could charge up to 350 kW on fast charging stations that allow it. The full energy would then be done in a few minutes.
Unlike production cars that position large batteries in the floor, the DS prototype has a small battery of around 25 kWh placed in the rear central position (like the engine of some sports cars).
If the battery is small in capacity, it is no less a high-performance battery. It uses brand new chemistry developed with Saft (a subsidiary of Total Energies), and above all, a very innovative fluid cooling system.
The strength of this unit also lies in its ability to regenerate up to 600 kW when braking, a power equivalent to that when accelerating. Again, this performance comes from Formula E competition, where everything is at stake between speed, braking management and efficiency.
With a carbon chassis and only 1,200 kg on the scale to complete the performance, we suspect that it is unlikely that such a prototype will be produced by DS, but it will contribute to the 100% electric future of the brand.
A design that will inspire the models of the future
Several design elements of this prototype could be found on future models of the brand. We are talking in particular about the light signature (front and rear), which had already been introduced on the DS Aero Sport Lounge concept.
We may also find in the future the DS logos with 3D effect. These animated grilles have already been noticed on several concepts from different manufacturers. After the dynamic light signatures, more and more worked, it is possible that these grilles will be a next evolution on the cars of tomorrow.
On the other hand, we are a little less sure of the future of the “beetle effect interference” color (or chameleon effect paint to simplify). Even if the wow effect on the prototype is particularly successful, the industrialization of this type of paint would be far too complex.
Finally, this DS E-Tense Performance is the second large coupe concept that the brand has presented to us in a few years. Should we see this as a sign of a return to favor for this bodywork from the French manufacturer? We hope so.