THIS stunner gives a glimpse of what a future, highly potent, all-electric coupe from DS Automobiles might look like.
The E-Tense Performance prototype draws on the success of the French brand’s motorsport division in Formula E racing in the last few years.
It has been developed after DS lifted both the Formula E teams’ and drivers’ titles for two consecutive seasons.
The four-wheel-drive set-up features a 250kW motor at the front and 350kW one at the back – providing 815hp and 8000Nm of torque at the wheels in old money.
Industry experts reckon that should be good enough to propel the prototype to 62mph in as little as two to three breathtaking seconds.
Importantly for DS, though, the carbon monocoque chassis, power unit and battery introduce innovative solutions that will fuel the development of future E-TENSE production models.
Other important features include a regeneration system with a whopping capacity of 600kW that’s set to be the source of the vehicle’s braking needs.
The battery, in a central rear position for optimum weight distribution, includes cutting-edge chemistry and cooling technology.
The car’s exterior styling is bold, dramatic and hi-tech, with 800 LEDs for the daytime lights and two cameras in place of headlights.
To go with the aerodynamic line, the body has a paintjob that appears to change colour and contrasts against gloss black features and the car sits on special 21in wheels.
While there are no pictures, the cockpit includes bucket seats, a Formula E steering wheel, leather trim and a high-end sound system.
Formula E champs Jean-Eric Vergne and Antonio Felix da Costa are set to put the prototype through its paces.
DS Performance director Thomas Chevaucher said: “Our objective is to apply the experience acquired in Formula E to a project that predicts the high-performance electric car of tomorrow.
“The idea is also to find solutions to lower costs, make components easier to manufacture and explore implementations in production models.”
