The DS Taylor Made No4 Concept represents a striking intersection between the high-pressure world of Formula E and the refined artistry of French automotive design. Developed alongside racing talent Taylor Barnard, this vehicle celebrates a new era for the DS PENSKE team while previewing a specialized limited edition. It stands as a physical manifestation of performance, utilizing textures and silhouettes that feel pulled directly from a high-definition video game. This project proves that modern car design can be both intensely personal and technically ambitious at the same time.
Aerodynamic Prowess and Digital Aesthetics
Designers at the DS Design Studio focused on a lowered silhouette and significantly wider tracks to give the concept an assertive, planted stance on the road. The front grille proudly displays an imposing N°4, framed by pixelated headlamps that contribute to a high-tech, futuristic visual identity. Every curve has been optimized for airflow, drawing clear inspiration from the single-seater racers found on the electric grid. Consequently, the car looks like it is in motion even when standing still, capturing the spirit of modern competition through its sleek lines.
Innovation Through Titanium Textures
The concept explores four distinct portrayals of titanium, a material prized in racing for being both incredibly lightweight and remarkably durable. Pure Titanium paint offers a raw, metallic precision, while the Liquid Titanium finish creates intense reflections that highlight the car’s flowing bodywork. Perhaps most impressive is the Craft Titanium, a crinkled metal-like textile that replaces traditional carbon fiber in aerodynamic zones like the front splitter. This hand-crumpled material showcases the artisan expertise of the brand’s master upholsterers, bringing a tactile, organic feel to a high-performance machine.
Personalized Touches and Racing Heritage
Taylor Barnard’s personal influence is visible in the deliberate contrast between dark monochrome shades and vibrant splashes of his favorite color, purple. These purple accents appear subtly on the door openers and side identifiers, breaking up the intensity of the titanium and black surfaces. Additionally, Light Gold highlights, the signature of DS Performance, adorn the mirrors and wheel centers to tie the concept to the brand’s racing lineage. The driver’s lucky number, 77, is integrated into the lighting of the rear diffuser, ensuring the car remains a true bespoke creation.
Power Engine Specs and Performance
While primarily a design study, the DS Taylor Made No4 Concept is engineered to echo the performance of the DS E-TENSE FE25 single-seater. The lowered center of gravity and wider tracks are designed to handle the instant torque delivery characteristic of the brand’s electric powertrains. Lightweight titanium components and advanced aerodynamics ensure the vehicle remains nimble despite its aggressive proportions. This concept serves as a laboratory for the performance and efficiency that will eventually trickle down into the Performance Line limited editions for the general public.
Summary of the No4 Concept
The DS Taylor Made No4 Concept is a successful exercise in translating the raw energy of the racetrack into a sophisticated road-going design. By involving a professional driver in the creative process, DS Automobiles has produced a car that feels authentic to the world of motorsport. The use of innovative materials like crinkled titanium textiles sets a new standard for luxury interior and exterior finishes. Ultimately, this concept is more than just a show car; it is a bold statement of intent for the future of the brand’s high-performance electric identity.
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Source: Stellantis
