Французская премиальная марка DS представила концепт-кар под названием Taylor made N°4. В названии скрыта суть новинки: базируется она на серийном DS N°4, а преувеличенно спортивный образ создан при участии Тейлора Барнарда — гонщика, выступающего за команду DS в электрической Formula E. При этом ни о каких изменениях по технической части не сообщается, так что Taylor made N°4 можно считать лишь дизайнерским шоукаром.
Агрессивный бодикит концепта дополнен новой футуристичной светотехникой и аэродинамическими колёсными дисками. К серийной модели отсылает крупная надпись N°4 в передней части, а к автору идеи — число 77, которое также является номером машины Барнарда. В оформлении шоукара активно использованы цветовые оттенки, так или иначе намекающие на титан.
Гонщик отметил, что в процессе создания концепта вднохновлялся не только гонками на электрокарах, но и видеоиграми. Обещано, что DS Taylor made N°4 появится в качестве виртуального спорткара в одной из них. В целом же концепт призван привлечь дополнительное внимание к спецверсиям под названием Performance Line, которые в скором будущем появятся у серийных моделей DS N°4 и N°3.
Сейчас DS N°4 доступен на европейском рынке как 213-сильный электрокар, способный проехать на одной зарядке до 450 километров, и 145-сильный гибрид с запасом хода около 1000 километров. В феврале на рынок выйдет бензоэлектрический вариант с силовой установкой на 240 л.с.
DS Automobiles has unveiled the “Taylor made N°4 concept” on the DS Automobiles stand (Hall 5) at the 2026 Brussels Motor Show. Brand CEO Xavier Peugeot revealed this bold styling exercise on Friday 9 January at the end of the press conference.
Created to celebrate Taylor Barnard joining the DS PENSKE Formula E Team, the “Taylor made N°4 concept” embodies DS Automobiles’ long-standing commitment to Formula E and accompanies the launch of the DS Performance Line Special Edition, inspired by the DS E-TENSE FE 25 single-seater.
Based on the DS N°4, a strategic model for the brand, this spectacular and dynamic concept features a bold “N°4” integrated into the centre of the grille, enhanced by a light signature faithful to the production model and pixelated headlamps for a futuristic, high-tech look.
Designed to showcase the DS Performance Line Special Edition and highlight the strength of N°4, the concept was bespoke crafted by the designers at the DS DESIGN STUDIO in collaboration with the young British DS PENSKE Formula E Team driver. The bespoke concept reflects Taylor’s personality and vision. Its sleek design, optimised for aerodynamics, expresses performance and lightness inspired directly by competition, while the lowered stance and wider tracks take cues from the world of video games.
“I dreamt it up, DS Automobiles made it. The N°4 was already my favourite model in the range, so when the brand’s design department presented me with this project, I was both enamoured and honoured. Coming up with a sports car that could be mine every day was an exciting experience. This unique creation is the result of a special collaboration, reflecting the remarkable talent of the women and men from DS Automobiles, who make us dream through their new designs.”
Taylor Barnard, DS PENSKE driver in ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
To shape “his” concept, Taylor Barnard shared his personal preferences with DS Automobiles’ Colours, Materials and Finishes department. Drawing his inspiration from the world of racing and video games, he expressed his taste for the contrast between dark and monochrome shades, enhanced by discreet flashes of colour. This creative dialogue led to the exploration of innovative textures, playing on shades of grey augmented with purple accents.
Like a Formula E team, where every specialist contributes to the quest for performance, DS Automobiles’ Colours, Materials and Finishes workshops coordinated each finishing detail of the design with the same level of attention to detail.
The “Taylor made N°4 concept” shows four portrayals based on titanium, a light and durable material that is a symbol of competition and exclusivity:
- Pure Titanium: a raw yet refined paint that embodies the purity of metal and the precision of lines
- Liquid Titanium: a lacquered finish with intense reflections, creating a subtle contrast with the front of the concept and highlighting the flow of its design
- Craft Titanium: an innovative, crinkled metal-like textile inspired by racing, replacing the traditional carbon in the aerodynamic areas (lower bodywork, front splitter and air vent), covered and crumpled by hand to highlight the expertise of the DS Automobiles’ technicians and master upholsterers
- Black Titanium: a deep and intense black on the roof and spoiler, emphasising the character and radical nature of the concept’s lines.
Attention to detail is further elevated with “light gold” accents, DS PERFORMANCE’s identifying colour and the signature of the DS PERFORMANCE Line Limited Edition, featuring on the mirrors, wheel centre caps, embossed bonnet badge and the concept’s signature on the tailgate. Touches of purple, Taylor’s favourite colour, appear on the door openers and “Taylor made N°4” side identifiers, while his lucky number 77 is subtly integrated into the bonnet badge, door openers and lighting integrated into the diffuser.
From the track to the road
The “Taylor made N°4 concept” creates a direct link between motorsport and DS Automobiles’ production models. The concept is on display alongside Taylor Barnard’s DS E-TENSE FE25 Formula E single-seater (#77) and the DS PERFORMANCE Line Special Editions.
This DS PERFORMANCE Line Special Edition, available on DS 3 and N°4 illustrates the strong synergy between road cars and the DS Automobiles racing team, which has competed in the Formula E World Championship for more than 10 years, securing four world titles – two Drivers and two Manufacturers Championships.
On the Brussels Motor Show stand, the new DS N°4 E-TENSE DS PERFORMANCE Line Special Edition will be on public display for the first time. It’s front design, featuring vertical LED daytime running lights inspired by the DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE concept, emphasises slender lines and an athletic silhouette. Inside, premium materials and carefully considered ergonomics deliver an intuitive and immersive experience.
N°4 offers the widest range of electrified powertrains in its segment:
N°4 E-TENSE, a 100% electric version with 213hp and a range of 279 miles WLTP, incorporates new features dedicated to electric mobility:
- EV Routing in car, to schedule charging straight from the vehicle
- Thermal preconditioning of the battery, optimising charging times
- e-Routes app, to prepare journeys from the comfort of your home
- e-Remote functions, allows charging to be controlled remotely
N°4 is also available as a PLUG-IN HYBRID version with 225hp (240hp from 2 February 2026, in line with EURO 7 GTR21 certification) and a range of 50 miles in all electric mode.
Lastly, N°4 HYBRID version (145hp), offers up to 621 miles of range between fill-ups and driving in electric mode for up to 50% of the time in urban and suburban areas.
From the track to the online experience
DS Automobiles has partnered with Voldex to offer an immersive driving experience of the “
Taylor made N°4 concept” in Driving Empire, the leading driving game on the Roblox platform. Launching in 2026, players will be able to experience the concept’s design and performance in a fully immersive virtual environment, with purchase and personalisation options available online.