The Taylor Made N°4 Concept is more than a design exercise—it’s a statement of DS Automobiles’ deep commitment to motorsport and electrification. Created in collaboration with Taylor Barnard, the newest driver for the DS Penske Formula E Team, the concept celebrates his entry into the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. By involving Barnard directly in the design process, DS has crafted a vehicle that embodies both the competitive spirit of Formula E and the brand’s luxury DNA.
Design Philosophy and Aesthetic Highlights
The concept is based on the DS N°4, a strategic model for the brand, but reimagined with exclusive colors, materials, and futuristic detailing. Key design elements include:
- Imposing N°4 logo at the center of the grille, symbolizing the model’s identity.
- Pixelated headlights and a luminous signature, giving the car a high-tech, avant-garde look.
- Tailor-made finishes inspired by Barnard’s racing background, blending performance cues with luxury craftsmanship.
- Exclusive interior materials chosen to reflect DS’s premium positioning while nodding to motorsport minimalism.
This design approach highlights DS’s ability to merge road car elegance with racing aggression, creating a concept that feels both aspirational and grounded in performance.
Bridging Formula E and Road Cars
The Taylor Made N°4 Concept is not just about aesthetics—it’s about connecting DS’s Formula E success with its consumer lineup. Alongside the concept, DS unveiled the DS Performance Line Limited Edition, a production model inspired by the brand’s single-seater racing cars. This synergy reinforces DS’s strategy of using motorsport as a testbed for innovation, then translating those lessons into road cars.
Barnard’s involvement also symbolizes DS’s investment in next-generation talent, aligning the brand with youthful energy and forward-looking design.
Technical Vision and Electrification
While DS has not released full technical specifications, the concept underscores the brand’s commitment to electrification. As Formula E continues to push boundaries in battery efficiency and performance, DS leverages this expertise to inform its road car strategy. The Taylor Made N°4 Concept hints at:
- Advanced electric drivetrain technology inspired by Formula E.
- Lightweight construction for improved efficiency and handling.
- Aerodynamic innovations that balance performance with sustainability.
This positions DS as a brand that doesn’t just follow the EV trend but actively shapes it through motorsport-driven R&D.
Symbolism and Brand Identity
The unveiling at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show was carefully chosen. Brussels, a hub of European culture and politics, reflects DS’s ambition to be seen as a premium French brand with global influence. The concept’s debut alongside Barnard’s DS E-TENSE FE25 Formula E car further emphasized the brand’s dual identity: luxury road cars and cutting-edge race machines.
Why It Matters
The Taylor Made N°4 Concept is significant for several reasons:
- Celebrates youth and innovation: By collaborating with a rising star like Barnard, DS signals its commitment to fresh ideas.
- Strengthens motorsport-road car link: Reinforces DS’s strategy of using Formula E as a platform for innovation.
- Elevates brand prestige: Exclusive design and luxury finishes position DS as a competitor to established premium brands.
- Pushes electrification narrative: Aligns with global trends toward sustainable mobility.
Looking Ahead
While the Taylor Made N°4 Concept is unlikely to reach production in its current form, it serves as a design manifesto for DS’s future. Expect elements of its styling, materials, and electrification philosophy to influence upcoming DS models. For enthusiasts, it’s a glimpse into how DS envisions the fusion of motorsport excitement and luxury sophistication.
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