So lots of my posts are about how superb French automobiles are, from their wacky designs to their unbelievable engineering and racing prowess. And right here comes one other W for the French, one which fanatics can actually get enthusiastic about. In an interview with Autocar on the latest System E race in London, just lately appointed CEO of Citroën’s fancy DS model Xavier Peugeot talked about how he needs to create extra efficiency fashions, and why it is necessary to stay with racing.
It may appear a bit odd {that a} model like DS would wish to go racing, however it is sensible, and there is precedent for it. Citroën first launched fashions just like the DS3 and DS5 within the early 2010s as a part of an expensive DS sub-brand, impressed by the unique Citroën DS (the best automotive of all time). DS Vehicles was spun off into its personal firm in 2016 to change into extra differentiated from Citroën, and its present lineup consists of the stylish DS 3, DS 4 and new DS N°8 crossovers. The model is headed in direction of full electrification, with the lineup providing a mixture of hybrid and full EV powertrains.
None of these fashions are particularly performance-oriented, however DS has competed in System E since 2018 when it partnered with the Techeetah staff; after that firm folded, the staff was rebranded DS Penske in 2022, which it has remained since then. Coinciding with that announcement DS unveiled the E-Tense Efficiency idea in 2022 (seen in these pictures), which was an evolution of the sooner 2016 E-Tense idea. It used the System E race automotive’s 815-horsepower electrical powertrain and a carbon-fiber monocoque, and it regarded superb.
System E brings within the youth
Alright, sufficient of the French area of interest model historical past that I do not anticipate most People to find out about. When Autocar requested Peugeot, the brand new CEO, if he was fascinated with popping out with a full-fledged manufacturing efficiency automotive, he stated “There isn’t any closed debate, so why not? It is perhaps constant for us to consider much more highly effective variations of our fashions, of our engines, that may align with our dedication in System E.” The N°8, which makes use of Stellantis’ STLA Medium platform, is presently accessible with as much as 350 horsepower. That is not dangerous, however a efficiency model with, as an instance, double that may be superior. DS has performed with efficiency trims earlier than, just like the implausible DS3 Racing. However, in fact, a standalone mannequin just like the E-Tense could be even higher.
Peugeot stated {that a} large benefit of being in System E is that it “continues to fascinate youthful audiences,” and that making a flagship efficiency automotive may attract younger patrons. The corporate is unquestionably gonna keep in System E, too. “I consider right this moment that being dedicated to racing automobiles is necessary for DS,” stated Peugeot, “it brings dynamism, it brings power, it brings the capability to stimulate highway automobiles, capability to stimulate engineers, capability to get the good thing about the evolutionary know-how in our on a regular basis automobiles and due to this fact to have actual aggressive benefits.”
DS is staying premium
Earlier this 12 months DS’ design director stated the model may goal for Bentley and Rolls-Royce, however Peugeot says his plan is to maintain DS firmly within the premium place. Stated Peugeot, “The German manufacturers have been established for years, for many years, even within the case of BMW, Audi and Mercedes. However we additionally see that there are new gamers arising. We see Polestar, we see this type of new model, which simply reinforces the truth that premium in Europe is a key lever. The premium market is 1 / 4 of the gross sales volumes [in the European market] however it makes up 40% of the earnings. It is related for a gaggle like ours [Stellantis] to have a premium model like DS.”
Perhaps DS may construct one thing just like the SM-inspired Tribute idea utilizing System E–derived mechanicals, or a brand new sports activities automotive to battle upcoming electrical fashions just like the Porsche 718, Alpine A110, Polestar 6 and no matter Audi is cooking up. No matter DS finally ends up doing within the realm of efficiency, I am unable to wait.
