DS E-Tense Performance concept debuts with an unbelievable torque of 8000 Nm

KUALA LUMPUR: Stellantis-owned DS Automobiles has revealed an updated version of the DS E-Tense prototype unveiled back in 2016. Dubbed as the DS E-Tense Performance, the latest concept shares the same silhouette and doors with the predecessor, however, its design and drivetrain are different in significant ways.

Underneath the new DS E-Tense Performance Concept lies a carbon monocoque chassis with a powertrain taken from a Formula E single-seater. 

The drivetrain is made up of two electric motors churning out a combined power output of 815 horsepower and a whopping torque of 8,000 Nm at the wheels. The power enables the online version of the EV to hit the century sprint in around 2.0 seconds (2.5 seconds less than the 2016 concept). 

Complementing the e-motors is a newly designed battery jointly developed by TotalEnergies and its subsidiary Saft. It features an “innovative chemistry” and immersive cell cooling system.

According to the automaker, the drivetrain prioritizes the best use of energy with an unprecedented 600 kW of regeneration capacity. While there is a braking system equipped with discs and pads, it uses only a regeneration system for braking.

The suspension geometry of the car guarantees the best possible grip on roads, bumpy urban race tracks, and in any weather conditions, the brand mentioned further.

In terms of design, the DS E-Tense Performance Concept EV gets a sharper styling at the front where there is a restyled bonnet with flatter surfaces and extra intakes. The bumper is also more angular now and outfitted with new slimmer headlights featuring a driving light graphic.

In place of the fake grille available on the forebear, the latest version gets a black slab of plastic with X-themed lines and an illuminated DS badge. 

The car dons in a new matte green paint with contrasting dark grey elements. Other highlights include a ribbed roof, unique tail light graphics, massive carbon-fibre diffuser, and new 21-inch alloy wheels with new aerodynamic inserts. 

Looking for interior details? Unfortunately, there are no interior shots released by the automaker, however, it confirms that the EV will get bucket seats, black leather trimmings, and a Formula E steering wheel. 

“Our objective is to apply the experience acquired in Formula E and the expertise that we’ve taken from our international titles to a project which predicts the high-performance electric car of tomorrow. It is a laboratory that we will use to analyse the behaviour of components and to develop them with a view to future manufacturing. The idea is also to find solutions to lower costs, make them easier to manufacture, and explore implementations in production models. The next generations of the E-TENSE range will benefit from these developments,” said Thomas Chevaucher, DS PERFORMANCE Director.

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