Tag Archives: Automobiles

Motorsport

DS 3 E-Tense Spotted with Sporty Updates: Wide Wheels, Big Brakes

DS Automobiles launched an updated version of the DS 3 last year, which included improvements to the powertrain. However, recent spy shots reveal that the automaker has more updates in store for the model. The pictures captured a sportier variant of the electric crossover undergoing high-altitude testing in Europe.

Based on the camouflage, it appears that DS is not making any major styling changes, with most of the updates concentrated at the front of the vehicle. The electric crossover will feature a new grille design that will likely be accompanied by other adjustments to the front end. Notably, DS has extended the chrome accents beneath the headlights and concealed the central lower bumper opening.


Featured

Radford’s Showstopper at Goodwood: The Limited Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Edition

Radford, known for its high-performance and bespoke automobiles, demonstrated its prowess once again at the 30th Goodwood Festival of Speed, showcasing the mesmerizing Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Edition. The Radford Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Edition, the first of the Track Editions, was unveiled at Goodwood amidst much anticipation after its incredible Pikes Peak victory. The car serves as a testament to Radford’s adeptness at developing bespoke race cars, equipped to face the most arduous challenges.

Having already established its pedigree at the renowned hill climb event, the Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Edition marked a new high point. It emerged as the Exhibition Class winner with a time of 09:37.326 at the 101st Pikes Peak, expertly driven by acclaimed Rally and Race Car Driver, Tanner Foust. This victory marked Foust’s first time breaking the esteemed 10-minute barrier.

The Track Edition series is limited to 12 vehicles, each meticulously tailored to the buyer’s specifications. The series showcases the pinnacle of Radford’s technology, from a carbon monocoque chassis that is 50% lighter yet three times stronger than its predecessor to exposed carbon construction in the interior panels. Buyers can choose between a high-quality leather finish or an exposed carbon one for a visceral racing feel.

These track cars come with an exclusive ‘Track Package’, offering an array of premium accessories including a bespoke Sparco driving suit, driving shoes, SALT sunglasses, and even a special edition car cover. Radford’s partnership with Yokohama ensures specialist tire support, with an extra set of wheels and tires, tire warmers, a laser alignment kit, and a toolset by Mac Tools. Additionally, customers are afforded the unique opportunity to train with racing legends Jenson Button and Tanner Foust at the Radford Racing School.

As Radford’s VP of Marketing, Izzy Roa, articulates, “Turning to motorsport to help refine and develop our cars is everything that Radford represents.” The brand not only focuses on creating visually stunning vehicles but also ensures top-notch performance. This competitive refinement, honed on the track, effortlessly translates to their customer cars.

The Type 62-2 Pikes Peak Edition is more than a performance car; it’s the embodiment of Radford’s tradition of excellence and innovation. It exemplifies the brand’s commitment to quality, power, and luxury, forging a path to a high-octane future.

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Radford at Goodwood

16 Photos

Cars

8 Engines That Revolutionized Aviation

When we think of Rolls-Royce, luxury cars usually come to mind. However, the company has also made significant contributions to the aviation industry with its aircraft engine manufacturing. One of their notable engines is the Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engine, which was introduced in 1946. This engine combined the power of jet engines with the efficiency of propellers, making it a game-changer in the industry.

The Dart engine gets its name from the River Dart in the south of England, as Rolls-Royce traditionally names its products after British rivers. It played a key role in early commercial intercontinental travel and remained in production for an impressive 40 years. Initially used in the Vickers Viscount, it was later adopted by global manufacturers like Grumman, Fokker, Avro, and Breguet.

A turboprop engine is similar to a jet engine but features a conventional propeller at the front. The propeller draws air into the engine, which is then compressed and mixed with fuel in a combustion chamber. The resulting high-energy jet stream is expelled at the back of the engine. This design was particularly well-suited for medium-range aircraft like the Vickers Viscount. Notably, the Dart engine proved to be more fuel-efficient than regular jet engines, accumulating over 170 million hours of flight time during its long and successful tenure in commercial aviation.

Motorsport

U-Treasure Of Japan Offers Customized Honda-Branded Wedding Rings For $943

If you’re a fan of Honda and want a unique way to show your commitment to your spouse, look no further than U-Treasure in Japan. They offer customized Honda wedding bands made of platinum, the same material used in catalytic converters. These rings are the perfect symbol of love for both your partner and your favorite car.

The Honda wedding bands feature a simple design with a solitary band. Inside the ring, you can choose from 12 different engravings, including various Honda and H logos, symbols for the Honda Prelude, the Beat, a DOHC VTEC logo, and options for the Civic Type R and Acura Integra Type R.


DSAutomobile

DS AUTOMOBILES REVEALS THE PERFECT PICNIC HAMPER TO ACCOMPANY THE ESPRIT DE VOYAGE

  • DS Automobiles is introducing a handmade Picnic Hamper as part of its Esprit de Voyage Collection, designed to bring the French Art of Travel to drivers
  • The Picnic Hamper, created by renowned French luggagemaker La Malle Bernard in collaboration with DS DESIGN STUDIO PARIS, is made of high-quality materials
  • It can be personalized and is designed for four people to enjoy a picnic lunch
  • La Malle Bernard, the oldest luggage maker in France and known for artisanal and industrial craftsmanship, crafted the Picnic Hamper

 

DS Automobiles has unveiled its latest concept to support drivers with the French art of travel. The Picnic Hamper is designed to accompany the previously revealed Culinary Luggage and is part of the Esprit de Voyage collection available on DS 4, DS 7, and DS 9 models.
 

The Picnic Hamper, designed by DS DESIGN STUDIO PARIS and created by La Malle Bernard, features high-quality materials and a nappa leather finish in Pearl Grey, matching the Esprit de Voyage Collection. The interior panels are made of wood from poplar barrels and the hamper is embossed with the Esprit de Voyage signature, reflecting the style found inside the cars.
 

The details of the Picnic Hamper showcase expert craftsmanship, with Clous de Paris embossed inserts on the handles, nickel-plated jewelry clasps, and hand-stitched leather strap handles. Each hamper is handcrafted by La Malle Bernard and takes several dozen hours to complete. The Picnic Hamper embodies the refinement, taste, and friendliness associated with the French lifestyle, as French gastronomy is registered on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
 

The Picnic Hamper is designed for outdoor lunches for four and includes:

  • Four complete Bento boxes with watertight compartments for starters, main courses, and desserts
  • Four sets of cutlery
  • Four wine glasses
  • A walnut chopping board
  • Four cotton and linen napkins by Guy Degrenne
  • Four condiment storage pots
  • An insulated bottle
  • A large glass dessert jar
  • A set of dessert spoons
  • A Claude Dozorme chrome Laguiole knife with aluminum handle
  • A L’Atelier du Vin corkscrew

 

Each hamper can be personalized by La Malle Bernard to match the customer’s car model and can be branded with their initials and other preferences.
 

The Picnic Hamper, along with the Culinary Trunk, is made by La Malle Bernard, which holds the French seal of the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant, recognizing its artisanal and industrial craftsmanship. Established in Paris in 1846, La Malle Bernard has a long history in crafting trunks and luggage, including specialized automotive trunks for transportation. The company’s workshop is located in Normandy, and it also maintains a shop in Paris.
 

Limited-edition versions of the Picnic Hamper and Culinary Trunk will soon be available for purchase on the DS Automobiles lifestyle store, priced at 5,000 euros and 4,000 euros respectively.

 

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS TO DOWNLOAD

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DSAutomobile

DS AUTOMOBILES UNVEILS THE FUTURE OF ITS INTERIORS WITH M.I. 21

  • New interior design manifesto, M.i. 21, demonstrating the future of DS Automobiles interiors will make its public debut at the Révélations exhibition, Paris, from 7 – 11th June 2023
  • The manifesto seeks to rethink the requirements of interiors to allow more space, light and to make them more immersive and comfortable
  • M.i. 21 demonstrates a future without screens in favour of projections onto opaque material to enhance the feel and design of the interior of future DS models
  • DS Automobiles has also revealed a new website for the DS Design Studio to allow further exploration of the M.i. 21 manifesto

 

DS DESIGN STUDIO is unveiling M.i. 21 to showcase the interiors of future DS Automobile cars. M.i. 21 will be on show to the public for the first time at the Révélations exhibition, Paris, from 7 – 11 June 2023.

 

M.i. 21 is a research medium and represents the joint thinking of the design and product teams around new concepts, original shapes and technological developments. These developments will be implemented in future DS cars by the end of the decade and will feature redesigned ergonomics, HMI (Human-Machine Interface) with additional developments in colours, materials and finishes (CMF).

Unlike a concept vehicle, a design manifesto incorporates regulatory, industrial and economic demands to ensure faster production. This means that M.i. 21 can act as an important communication tool between engineering and management groups at DS Automobiles, and as a creative stimulus for the DS Design team based at the DS DESIGN STUDIO, Paris.

“Révélations is an event dedicated to expertise, craft and the excellence of craftspeople. We have been involved there since 2019. It is an opportunity to meet an audience sensitive to the avant-garde, beautiful materials, style, expertise and design. It is interesting to garner its impressions, feelings and comments, like a real-life test with experts. Our participation in Révélations also gives us the opportunity to communicate our DS x MÉTIERS D’ART design competition, which allows us to project ourselves even further.”
Thierry Metroz, DS Automobiles Design Director

 

M.i. 21 – The Future of DS interiors

Designed by Thomas Bouveret – Head of Interior Design, Vincent Lobry – Head of CMF Design, and their teams, the M.i. 21 manifesto reinterprets the language for tomorrow’s interiors supporting the art of travel. This includes:

Light is a key contributor to the in-car sensory experience and contributes to well-being in the cockpit. Utilising both direct and indirect sources to give lightness to the features and bring a new dimension to the materials, it will be adaptive, intelligent, and connected to its environment. The light circles in the doors enhance the materials within the door panels.

To free up more room within the cabin, the architecture of the interior has allowed more space to be freed up by making the dashboard float and by pushing it forwards. The floor is freed up and redesigned, without a central tunnel or centre console, and the glass surfaces are increased to offer more space, freedom and tranquility inside. Storage is inspired by the world of furniture while a subtle play of balance between materials, the sensation of touch and the distribution of volumes takes place to provide a feeling of well-being.

As part of M.i. 21, the DS Design team chose to put an end to the constant one-upmanship of sound system components to gain space. The work illustrated in the manifesto is both more visually rewarding and more in harmony with a fluid and refined style. All sound technology has been brought together on a central feature, an iconic object by design, its positioning in the cabin and the lighting that accompanies it.  The acoustic quality of DS interiors allows sound to become part of the journey: it can amplify the experience or disappear to bring a sense of opulence.

M.i. 21 demonstrates how the human-machine relationship can be redesigned. Exploring how to make interiors less intrusive and more ‘magical’ began on the  DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE in 2020, where the information was projected onto satin cotton rather than shown on intrusive screens. The disappearance of screens was intended to reduce mental overload and limit information to only that which is required. The race for the size or number of screens is a strong trend among all manufacturers. But, turned off, these screens have no real aesthetic value. The idea is to find technology that gives the expected information without sacrificing quality and sensory appeal. With the M.i. 21 manifesto, an innovative solution is being tested by projecting relevant information onto a strip that can be made opaque to display information or become transparent to uncover materials. The only concession to screens are those located in the doors and devoted to rear-facing cameras. The whole system is controlled by voice or by a remote control system located in the central armrest.

  • the artistic dimension

One objective pursued by the M.i. 21 manifesto is to go further in the bespoke offering for customers. Enhanced by a customisable work of art, adaptable to each customer’s taste. The absence of a speaker frees up space in the doors. This space is reinvested to create more storage space and to emphasise and differentiate the cockpit, with a signature and strong graphic design.

 

Questions to Thierry METROZ, DS Automobiles Design Director

  • What is a manifesto, what are the differences to a concept car?

“A manifesto is a working tool, a real accelerator of change that we use to reflect on the future. Physically, it is a model that normally has to stay secret, because it incorporates a lot of our future.

These models are a link between our vision and our projects in development. They help guide our work and share this research for the brand with the group’s engineering and management. We can also carry out tests to measure the level of attractiveness.

As it is an internal research tool, our teams use it to unleash their creativity while integrating the fact that most of the elements must be able to be put into production. And this is where the big difference lies with a concept car that remains barely, if at all, capable of being manufactured.

Last point, the time factor is important, with a 100% digital design it takes less than 6 months between the first sketch and the finalised model.

The manifestos crystallise our thoughts on a future product right now and gives the roadmap.”

  • What is the message from this manifesto and does it represent the interior of a future model?

“The M.i. 21 manifesto that we are showing at Révélations is important to the history of our brand. It underlines an approach of openness on our part. We are sharing our creative process and vision with a wide audience of connoisseurs, as much in the automotive world as in the world of craft.

We are experiencing a historic transformation of automotive interiors. New architectures related to electric platforms, autonomous driving modes, the arrival of artificial intelligence and, most importantly, the desire of our customers to live a different experience are central to our thinking. The M.i. 21 manifesto illustrates these profound changes, an opportunity for us to share a unique vision of the French art of travel.”

DS DESIGN STUDIO.PARIS, behind the scenes of design

In parallel with its introduction at the Révélations exhibition, the M.i. 21 manifesto is also being unveiled on the new DS DESIGNSTUDIO.PARIS website, www.dsdesignstudio.paris. 

The DS DESIGN STUDIO.PARIS website is complementary to the DS Automobiles website and allows the public to further explore the design of the brand’s creations, its expertise and its collaborations, including M.i. 21. Through exclusive interviews, they will discover the vision and passion of the women and men who shape the design for the brand’s future projects.

“We want to take more of the general public behind the scenes, like a chef would invite his clientele into the kitchen. Our first motivation is to share our passion with visitors to the site, who only see a part of our designs in our showrooms and occasionally at shows. We want to explain to as many people as possible the genesis of the design of our concept cars and production models. In the LAB section of the DS DESIGN STUDIO.PARIS website, visitors will discover some designs they won’t be expecting to see from a car design centre.”

Thierry METROZ, DS Automobiles Design Director.

The Révélations exhibition is an international biennial for craft and design held in Paris, at the Grand Palais Ephémère.

 

photos and videos to download

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DSAutomobile

DS AUTOMOBILES READY TO CELEBRATE ITS CENTURY IN FORMULA E

  • DS Automobiles will celebrate its 100th race in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship next Sunday in Jakarta, Indonesia
  • Participants in Formula E since 2015, DS Automobiles has established itself as the most decorated manufacturer in the all-electric competition as the only two-time double winning team, and has won a record number of titles and podiums
  • With PENSKE AUTOSPORT, Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne, DS Automobiles is at the forefront of the action in Season 9 Formula E

This weekend marks a significant anniversary for DS Automobiles and the world of Formula E. On Sunday 4 June, at the second race of the Jakarta E-Prix, the French manufacturer will start a Formula E race for the 100th time since its involvement in the 100% electric championship began.

DS Automobiles joined Formula E in 2015 and has made its mark on the history of electric motorsport with three generations of Formula E. Heading into its 100th race, DS Automobiles has racked up four Team and Drivers’ championship titles, 16 race victories, 47 podiums and 22 pole positions to its name.

DS Automobiles has established itself as the most decorated manufacturer in Formula E with a podium from nearly every other race it has taken part in over almost eight years. DS Automobiles is also the only team to win a double title twice (in 2019 with Jean-Eric Vergne and 2020 with Antonio Félix Da Costa).

To celebrate this anniversary, reigning world champion Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne – the only two-time champion in the history of the sport – will drive a DS E-TENSE FE23 with a one-off livery to mark the occasion. Jean-Eric Vergne, who is also a DS Automobiles ambassador, will also celebrate 100 races with a bespoke design on his helmet.

The event will be celebrated with a video featuring testimonials from the personalities who have played key a role in the DS Automobiles Formula E adventure on the brand’s social channels. These include Béatrice Foucher, Yves Bonnefont, Alessandro Agag, Jean-Marc Finot, Thomas Chevaucher, Eugenio Franzetti, Jean-Eric Vergne, Stoffel Vandoorne, Antonio Félix Da Costa, Sam Bird and André Lotterer. The video will also include clips of some of the team’s greatest moments including winning the debut title in New York, their second title in Berlin, plus victories in Sanya, Bern, Marrakesh, Monaco, Rome, and Hyderabad.

The story of DS Automobiles continues to unfold, and the two races of the Jakarta E-Prix on 3 and 4 June promise more fine performances from the French team.

Eugenio Franzetti, DS Performance director, said “We’ll be experiencing a historic and moving moment for all of us in Jakarta. First of all, I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who has contributed with such passion and talent to this extraordinary event. Celebrating 100 races in Formula E is truly a milestone, and to do so with the sort of track record that we have accumulated is a source of great pride. A few years ago, DS Automobiles decided to create its DS Performance competition arm, and entered the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. This turned out to be a strategic and winning choice. Thanks to our many victories accumulated over the years, the reputation of DS Automobiles has grown considerably, and we’ve also acquired the technical experience that has helped us to support and accelerate the electrification of the entire brand. These days, the Gen3 single-seaters from DS Performance remain an excellent research laboratory to prepare our next generation of electric road cars. From 2024 in fact, all new cars from DS Automobiles will be 100% electric.”

Key figures since DS Automobiles entered Formula E:

–               98 races

–               4 championship titles

–               16 victories

–               47 podiums

–               22 pole positions

 

DSAutomobile

NEW DOCUMENTARY ‘THE ART OF TRAVEL – A FRENCH REINVENTION’ FEATURING NEW DS 7 TO DEBUT ON PRIME VIDEO

  • DS Automobiles presents a documentary devoted to the French art of travel, broadcast from 11 May on Prime Video
  • ‘The Art of Travel – A French Reinvention’ celebrates the French art of living with new DS 7 and touches on the model’s development
  • Béatrice Foucher, DS Automobiles CEO and Thierry Metroz, DS Automobiles Design Director, take part in this documentary with experts including renowned journalist Seamus Kearney and progressive designer Ramy Fischler

A new documentary by DS Automobiles celebrating the French art of travel will be broadcast from 11 May on Prime Video.

In ‘The Art of Travel – A French Reinvention’, globe-trotting journalist Seamus Kearney goes to meet the women and men who make travel an art. Driving new DS 7, Kearney immerses himself in the French art of travel during his encounters, which also see him journey by hot air balloon and in a carriage on the Orient Express.

As he showcases the future of luxury travel, his trip is punctuated by commentary from Béatrice Foucher, DS Automobiles CEO, and progressive designer Ramy Fischler.

A freelance journalist with dual Irish and New Zealand nationality, Seamus Kearney has spent the last thirty years travelling the world. For ‘The Art of Travel – A French Reinvention’, he took the time to find places like no other with extraordinary stories from different regions.

‘The Art of Travel – A French Reinvention’ embodies the DS Automobiles conception of the French art of living and illustrates the brand’s vision for reinventing the travel of tomorrow.

Béatrice Foucher, DS Automobiles CEO, said: “This documentary reflects our vision for the future of premium travel, which will be more authentic, more grounded and slower. It will be more personalised, shaped for the traveller. It will be more sustainable, environmentally oriented, but also more high-tech, embedded in the era of services. This reinvention is being driven by DS Automobiles with the French art of travel, characterised by hospitality, personalisation and sustainability.”

The 46-minute documentary will debut on 11 May on Prime Video and will be available for three months.

With unparalleled comfort and electrified power units of up to 360hp, new DS 7 combines technical expertise with elegance. Available to order online or in store, prices for new DS 7 start from £36,785 OTR.