DS E-Tense Performance concept revealed as a high-performance laboratory

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DS Automobiles has revealed the E-Tense Performance concept—which apparently, is more of “a very high-performance laboratory” than an automobile itself. What that means is, it’ll serve as a base for future models to borrow some of its design and technology. From 2024, DS wants every new model to be fully electric.

The E-Tense Performance is an evolved version of the E-Tense concept that debuted at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. As mentioned, some of the design elements you see here will make it to the actual production vehicles in the future. The significant changes are primarily on the front fascia with sharp, angular running lights, new digital “grille”, and what are supposed to be additional outlets in the middle of the bonnet/hood. DS claims that the DRLs are made up of 800 LEDs in total. There are no headlights, but instead, there are cameras, because you know, this is supposed to be a “driving laboratory”. The 21-inch aero wheels look pretty cool too, surrounded by carbon fibre on the wheel arches.

We don’t have the rendering of the cockpit yet, but you can find bucket seats, a Formula E steering wheel, and FOCAL Utopia sound system with a pair of exclusive Scala Utopia Evo speakers.

As you can expect, the powertrain is made up of two electric motors—offering a combined output of 600 kW (816 metric hp). In case you’re wondering, the front offers 250 kW (340 metric hp) while the rear offers 350 kW (476 metric hp). The combined wheel torque is 8,000 Nm (5,900 lb-ft). We don’t know the battery pack capacity yet, but DS is happy to share that the pack is housed in a carbon-aluminium composite casing. The battery pack was developed in association with TotalEnergies and its subsidiary Saft. The cells are immersed in TotalEnergies’ Quartz EV Fluid for better cooling.

Another interesting highlight of the E-Tense Performance concept is that it uses only the regeneration system for braking, with discs and pads kept as a redundant safety system.