DS Automobiles move forward with hybrids and PHEV vehicles with a new car each year until 2025

• Racing in Formula E is accelerating the development of DS road cars, confirms Eric Apode, DS Product and Development Director
• There will be a new DS vehicle launched every year going forward – all with electrified versions (hybrid or all-electric) included in the range
• By 2025, it is anticipated that more than a third of DS vehicles sold will be hybrid or all-electric

DS is accelerating the development of electrified cars. Starting with DS 7 CROSSBACK, it will be releasing a new model every year, all with an electrified version (hybrid or all-electric). DS Automobiles is competing in Formula E - a valuable test-bed for gaining experience and accelerated development. The recent city-located ePrix races held in Monaco, Paris and Berlin, are followed by those in New York and Montreal providing further opportunities to show the advancing technologies that are being tested and evaluated for future production models, with three specific projects already in their advanced stages. 

Eric Apode, DS Product and Development director, commented; “DS is entering the electrified vehicles scene. By 2025, more than a third of DS vehicles sold will be hybrid or all-electric. The performance models will be provided by the hybrid versions and the first in the series is DS 7 CROSSBACK E-Tense - the DS vision of hybrid power with 300hp and a 60km electric range”. 

Xavier Mestelan Pinon, DS Performance director, explained, “A competition series involving all-electric race cars obviously makes an ideal testing environment for our forthcoming technologies. With each successive race or test-session, we’re accelerating this development and every new component to achieve a better understanding of how to optimise the electric motor drivetrain and the management of energy in particular with cooling in mind.” 

Extended electric range for production models

The connection between the 140mph top speed of the DSV-02 (DS Virgin 2nd gen) race car and the 60km* electric range of DS 7 CROSSBACK E-Tense is that both depend on the techniques used for controlling the energy supplied by the battery and the management strategies of its deployment. This became very clear to the DS Performance teams from the outset of their Formula E involvement and this invaluable data has advanced the know-how of the DS engineering team working on the road car’s petrol-electric hybrid project. 

Electric range of 60km* with the DS 7 CROSSBACK Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

The petrol PHEV system available on the new SUV from DS, and arriving in spring 2019, will achieve a range of 60km* in all-electric mode, with no compromise to the car’s dynamic performance. Supplementing the 200hp THP (Turbo High Pressure) petrol engine, DS 7 CROSSBACK E-Tense carries two 80kW electric motors to drive each axle, and is capable of deploying a total deployable power output of 300hp with four-wheel-drive. 

Sophisticated electric architecture

Energy loss is the challenge of every automotive engineering team in their constant quest for ultimate efficiency and operational optimisation. All Formula E runners feature the same chassis, front axle system and battery pack, so what makes the difference is the gearbox transmission and the electric motor, and the way the energy is supplied, controlled and cooled - the fruit of each team’s own individual ingenuity. 

In their year-long work on developing the DSV-02, the team of ten engineers and the accompanying host of technicians identified a number of ways for optimising the operating efficiency of the electric motor and transmission system, and the most-suitable aspects of which are being developed for the road-going petrol-electric PHEV drivetrain of the forthcoming DS 7 CROSSBACK E-tense. 

Optimum transmission-motor coupling for an intelligent hybrid drivetrain on DS 7 CROSSBACK

DS 7 CROSSBACK is fitted with the new Efficient Automatic Transmission with 8-speeds (EAT8) located transversely between the petrol-fuelled internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor. DS experience and know-how is harnessing the inputs from PSA Group and DS Performance R&D teams to ensure the transmission performance operates with optimised efficiency and performance with the 80kW electric motor. 

*Measured on the MVEG certification cycle.

Electric power capabilities for the future of motoring efficiency

The purpose of the DS Performance engineering team is to make the relevant technologies accessible for the optimised development of DS vehicles. For example, the voltage used on electric vehicles; today’s production vehicles use a voltage of around 400V whereas Formula E race cars use 700V. 

“One of the challenges of the DS Performance team is to fully master component durability, for the power controller in particular at 700V, while ensuring it delivers better operational efficiencies” commented Xavier Mestelan Pinon. Eric Apode added: “Once we have answered all the questions regarding 700V operation, we can go ahead and raise the voltage used on production models, to bring even greater efficiency and potentially longer driving ranges.” 

The future starts right here, with DS E-Tense

DS E-Tense is much more than a concept car, because it points the way to the DS future, in terms of design and technology. With its two electric motors developing 402hp to the rear wheels, this spectacularly beautiful coupé delivers torque of 516Nm from start-up and boasts a potential top speed of 155mph. 

Apart from possessing exceptional driving sensations, its lithium-ion battery provides a capability to travel a potential range distance of 167 miles and it is also perfectly suited to everyday motoring applications, as recently demonstrated. 

As well as bringing know-how in electric drive technology, and accelerating the development of simulation tools (within the R&D Department) that can be carried over to production models, DS involvement in Formula E racing provides a valuable learning experience guiding engineers to optimum design choices that can be rapidly applied onto DS production road vehicles. DS 7 CROSSBACK, the new SUV by DS, will from spring 2019 also be available in a new petrol-electric hybrid (PHEV) version: DS 7 CROSSBACK E-Tense.

GENEVA - DS Automobiles shows of a refreshed range of cars along with a new Concept, the E-Tense.

DS E-TENSE, NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE, NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE BRM CHRONOGRAPHES and DS Virtual Vision, these are the world premieres that embody the DS brand’s spirit of avant-garde at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show.

DS Automobiles was launched just a year ago at last year’s Geneva Motor Show. This year the brand is presenting a completely renewed product range and its new creations.

Technology & refinement, dynamic performance & distinction are the key themes that point to the future of DS. Visitors can discover all this for themselves on the DS stand located in Hall 6 of the Palexpo in Geneva until Sunday, 13 March 2016.

DS Automobiles continues its spirit of avant-garde approach at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show with three global debuts including the DS E-TENSE, a unique all-electric GT car that embodies the brand’s future, mixing luxury, cutting-edge technology and high-end performance.

NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE, both as hatchback and Cabrio, and a limited edition NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE BRM CHRONOGRAPHES - the result of a partnership between DS and French luxury watchmaker BRM Chronographes - will also be shown for the first time at the show. 

Shining a spotlight on DS Automobiles commitment to future technologies, as well as its sporting aspirations, the FIA Formula E race-winning car, the DSV-01, joins a total of 10 models on the DS Automobiles stand.

A world first in virtual reality, DS Virtual Vision will provide visitors with an unprecedented immersive 3D guided tour of New DS 3. Wearing an HTC Vive headset, guests will operate a joystick to discover the extensive personalisation capabilities of this car.

A COMPLETELY RENEWED DS PRODUCT RANGE 

The flagship New DS 5 launched the DS brand identity at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. With its avant-garde style, dynamic performance, refinement, attention to detail and array of advanced technologies, New DS 5 perfectly characterises the DS Automobiles brand.

A year on and these attributes shine through in all the models making up the DS product range today: New DS 3, New DS 3 Cabrio, New DS 4, New DS 4 Crossback and New DS 5:

-Avant-garde design. All the models feature the new DS front end, with its vertical hexagonal grille, around which the ‘DS Wings’ signature sits. The chrome surround extends outwards toward the headlights, as well as the fog lamps on New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio. The effect is heightened by the DS LED Vision light signature, which combines LED and Xenon technologies, along with new scrolling indicators.

-Each DS has its own distinctive features, making each model instantly recognisable. New DS 5, for example, has its sleek chrome sabres running from the tips of the headlights up to the windscreen; New DS 4 has its unique, fluid, sculpted lines and a two-tone body/roof colour combinations; New DS 4 Crossback has its rugged go-anywhere styling features; and New DS 3 has its floating roof and shark fins.

-Advanced technologies. All of today’s DS models are connected; featuring on-board touchscreens with the Mirror Screen function for safe on-the-move use of smartphone applications (iOS or Android). A recent addition on New DS 5 is the DS Connect Nav system: 3D connected real-time satellite navigation for a driving experience at the forefront of modern technology.

-Powerful, efficient engines are another important aspect of DS advanced technology. As well as offering ready access to all the torque the driver needs, they also positively manage CO₂ emissions. Highlights include the PureTech 130 (an Engine of the Year 2015 winner), which delivers torque of 230Nm, for CO₂emissions as low as 119g/km on New DS 4 in the UK; the BlueHDi 180 EAT6, with 400Nm of torque and CO₂emissions of just 114g/km on New DS 5; plus the New DS 5 Hybrid 4x4, with peak power of 200hp and just 103g/km of CO₂.

-The latest-generation EAT6 automatic transmission, available on all models in the DS range, reduces gearshift times by 40%, for an exceptionally smooth drive.

-The DS LED Vision light signature, which combines LED and Xenon technologies, produces 50% more light and reduces energy consumption by 50% in dipped mode and 67% on main beam.

-Refinement and attention to detail. DS Automobiles takes pride in fine craftsmanship and unique styling. This is apparent in the exclusive watchstrap-style DS leather upholstery, which takes no less than eight hours of manual work to complete.

-The attention to detail continues with the subtle brand identification touches such as wing mirrors engraved with the DS monogram on some models, or the aluminium trims on the New DS 5s doors.

-Highly responsive ride. The suspension and steering on New DS 4 and New DS 4 Crossback were fine-tuned to accommodate the new vehicle heights and to further enhance the DS 4s ride quality.  The New DS 5’s shock absorbers have been updated and now feature PLV (Preloaded Linear Valve) technology for a smoother, quieter ride. There are important upgrades on New DS 3 too. For example, with New DS 3 Cabrio, the electric roof can be operated at motorway speeds and provides enhanced acoustic comfort.

DS E-TENSE, WORLD PREMIERE, A UNIQUE, ELECTRFIYNG, HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR FOR THE FUTURE

DS Automobiles signals its intentions with the show-stopping DS E-TENSE all-electric GT.

The high-performance model brings together state-of-the-art technology and avant-garde design to silently deliver an impressive 516Nm of torque and 402hp – all with zero emissions.

DS E-TENSE perfectly encapsulates the brand’s stylistic and technological vision, pointing towards the DS brand’s future with its high-performance electric powertrain. 

WORLD PREMIERE FOR NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE & DS 3 CABRIO PERFORMANCE

Making their world premiere, the brand new high-performance versions of New DS 3 - DS 3 PERFORMANCE and DS 3 CABRIO PERFORMANCE - deliver an outstanding blend of efficiency, comfort, driveability and intense motoring pleasure, along with distinguished looks.

Developed by the DS Performance motorsport division, both variants produce 208hp, 300Nm of torque and CO₂ emissions of just 125g/km. The 1.6 THP S&S engine is mated to a specially modified six-speed manual gearbox with a Torsen^® limited-slip differential, for an exceptional drive and outstanding road holding.

NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE sits 15mm lower, the front and rear tracks have been widened by 26mm and 14mm respectively, and the brake disks measure 323mm at the front (with special calipers) and 249mm at the rear; all combine to deliver exceptional agility.

The design teams were equally attentive to the sporting style of NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE with dual tailpipes, wide-wings, black diamond-cut 18-inch alloy wheels and gloss black front brake calipers. The interior continues this dynamic theme, with bucket seats and specific instrumentation.

In addition, the visually arresting ‘PERFORMANCE BLACK’ versions see DS take sports-oriented refinement to new heights, with a black body, featuring carbon side trims and a gloss gold roof (on the hatchback). The interior design echoes the smart exterior, with a gold dashboard and gearstick base, and a wealth of additional comfort and safety equipment.  

NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE BRM EVOKES LUXURY & PERFORMANCE – 39 LIMITED EDITION VEHICLES AVAILABLE

Embodying style, refinement, luxury and performance, New DS 3 gives even greater meaning to all these adjectives, without forgetting the key factor underpinning its success: personalisation.

To celebrate, DS Automobiles has partnered with the French luxury watchmaking sector, BRM Chronographes, to create an exclusive run just 39 models for the ultimate in premium personalisation. 

Based on the dynamic 1.6-litre THP S&S 208hp NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE, DS 3 PERFORMANCE BRM CHRONOGRAPHES features roof and door mirror housings in Brilliant Black and Gold Pearl matt bodywork.  The interior reflects the brand’s attention to detail with a Gold Pearl dashboard, carbon pack and a numbered aluminium plate.

Each of the 39 customers will receive a numbered copy of the ‘BRM V6 44 SA SQ DS 3 PERFORMANCE’ watch, with specially personalised details such as hands in the same colour as the bodywork, the DS pattern on the winder and more.

‘BRM V6 44 SA SQ DS 3 PERFORMANCE’ watch - technical characteristics

• Casing: stainless steel PVD with springs 
• Diameter: 44mm
• Lugs and pushers: black PVD 18/8 stainless steel
• Double face sapphire crystal
• Screws: finest stainless steel
• Dial: black 12-hour
• Hands: gold super light
• Strap: black leather with holes
• Water resistance: 100m
• Automatic movement: precitime 

DS VIRTUAL VISION, AN IMMERSIVE 3D EXPERIENCE ALL ABOUT NEW DS 3

As well as discovering New DS 3 on the DS Automobiles stand in Geneva, visitors will be able to experience a unique 3D experience - DS Virtual Vision.

Wearing an HTC Vive headset, they can operate a joystick to control an interactive experience, giving an overview of the 3 million possible customisation possibilities available on New DS 3. They will have the ability to walk right round the car, open and close the front doors, and even take a seat inside.

This fully immersive 3D experience uses ‘Virtual Garage’ technology developed by Dassault Systèmes and making a world debut appearance with DS Automobiles.

DS AUTOMOBILES EXHIBITION (Hall 6 - Palexpo)       

Unique car: DS E-TENSE

Performance Area: NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE BRM CHRONOGRAPHES, NEW DS 3 PERFORMANCE, NEW DS 3 CABRIO PERFORMANCE and the DSV- 01 Formula E racecar

Actual product range area: New DS 3 (PureTech 130), New DS 3 Cabrio (PureTech 110), New DS 4 (BlueHDi 150), New DS 4 Crossback (BlueHDi 180), New DS 5 (Hybrid 4x4)

Also exhibited: the 1.6 THP S&S engine of New DS 3 PERFORMANCE