DS Autombilies, the luxury vehicle division of Citroën, will unveil the DS E-TENSE, a high-performance electric GT concept car at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show next week. Within 4.72 meters of length and 1.29 meters of height, the DS E-TENSE packs customary French quirkiness, blending it with luxury, new technologies and breakthroughs in electric propulsion.
In profile, the DS E-TENSE has the silhouette of a grand tourer coupé. Viewed from top, a central chrome-plated spine runs across the metallic green ametrine body colour. Up front, the E-TENSE features trademark, DS headlamps with the DS LED Vision headlamps that are jewel-like in design. The daytime running lights meander out as if lines of beaded stitching, which, the manufacturer says are a nod to the world of high fashion.
At the rear, the indicators integrated into the roof are inspired by the original DS from 1955. The tail lights are equipped with full LED technology and scale-like in design, a design trait that will be replicated in future DS models. A rear windscreen does not exist on the E-TENSE, giving the design team a huge amount of freedom to mould its contours and make use of digital rear-view technology.
As for the car’s interior, it took DS’s upholsterers 800 hours to design, test and produce the interior, with particular emphasis on the watch-strap style design on the seats and dashboard. Highlights include the cold steel used for the dashboard, and the tulip-shape of the steering wheel. Other noteworthy features include a helmet harness made of made of natural calfskin by Moynat, an one-off edition watch by BRM Chronographers, the case of which is angled at 90° so that the time is viewable while driving, and a Focal Utopia audio system with 9 high-fidelity loudspeakers.
The DS E-TENSE is powered with a 100% electric 402 hp engine that produces 516 Nm of torque, and promises a 310 km mixed cycle range (or 360 km urban cycle). The two-seater monocoque chassis is manufactured from carbon fibre and equipped with independent superimposed double wishbone suspension. The lithium-ion batteries are situated under the car’s chassis, which keeps the centre of gravity low and enables even torque distribution between the axles. The DS E-TENSE rides on specially developed Michelin tyres (able to sustain the high torque electric powertrain)
The DS E-TENSE further features DS LED Vision, wherein all the LED modules can now rotate at 180°. Furthermore there is a welcome mode for the driver, and new features including a high-way function for motorway driving and a weather function that widens the beam in rain, snow and fog. Inside, there’s also high-definition digital instrumentation: a 12-inch digital handset is coupled with a 10-inch touchscreen.
TECHNICAL DATA
Dimensions: 4.72 L x 2.08 W x 1.29 H
Engine: 100% electric 402hp
Acceleration: 4.5 seconds from 0 to 100 km
Range: 360km (urban cycle) or 310km (mixed cycle)
Maximum torque: 516Nm
Top speed: 250km/h
Weight: 1.8 tons
Tyres: MICHELIN Pilot Supersport Front: 245/35 ZR 20 Back: 305 /30 ZR 20
2-wheel drive system
Carbon monocoque chassis
Sound: Focal Utopia system, ninz loudspeakers, 640W, with a Digital Signal Processor for tuning
