BEHIND THE SCENES
OF DS N°8

Thierry METROZ- Design Director DS Automobiles

Unveiled in early 2020, the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept car was conceived at the same time as DS N°8. Its dynamic silhouette, focused on efficiency, prefigures the future of Coupé SUVs.
Its vertical light signature at the front and trihedron lights at the rear have been taken over by DS N°8, as well as its DS LUMINASCREEN front face. The extended two-tone colour on the bonnet, a nod to the great French body builders and symbol of luxury automobile, has become a signature of DS N°8.
Inside, the dashboard that envelops the occupants, the tapered seats and the care taken to materials served as inspiration for the atmosphere of DS N°8, turned towards comfort and serenity.

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In 2019, a competition on the exterior style of DS N°8 brought together designers for several months. Bob ROMKES, under the direction of Frédéric SOUBIROU, supervised the development of the exterior design for DS N°8. Regarding interior design, the team’s combined talents have designed the DS N°8 cabin under the direction of Thomas BOUVERET: Sylvain GAUDICHON, Clément POREE, Arthur PORTAL, Luc QUIRIN, Guillaume GODART and Tzu Han CHU.

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As early as 2019, a 1-scale manifesto in green livery presented the optimization work carried out on the STLA M platform to achieve the unique silhouette of DS N°8: lowering the hood by 5 cm and the roof by 6 cm.
This model also incorporated the first style orientations, strongly linked to the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept.
This manifesto represents the “missing link” between DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE and DS N°8. Its design was validated by a panel of potential customers during the first Clinic test, called «Concept Test».

DESIGN REVIEW
In 2020, the first «Design Review» brought together Carlos TAVARES, CEO of the group, Jean-Pierre PLOUE, Europe Design Director of the Group, and Thierry METROZ, DS Automobiles Design Director. This review validated the orientations of the exterior and interior style of DS N°8. Models in scale 1, made of clay (synthetic clay) by the modelers have allowed to refine the volumes and surfaces of DS N°8.

In 2021, a test model with a near-final design and no DS badge was submitted to a panel of customers for a second Clinic test. This stage, called “Test Clinic SFM”, was crucial to validate the design with customers and make any adjustments before the definitive freeze of style in 2022.

The designers wanted to strengthen and simplify the signature on the back of DS N°8. DS Automobiles is written in full with a neat typography, surmounted by the inscription N°8, which defines the model. The “N°” designation is a nod to the luxury universe, while the symbol "° " is drawn like a diamond point. This new signature will be present on the future line-up.

Frédéric SOUBIROU – Head of Exterior Design - DS Automobiles

TAPERED PROPORTIONS

The DS N°8 silhouette is taut, tapered and stretched, to optimize aerodynamics (Cx 0.24). The profile of DS N°8 is visually refined by the extended duotone (biton hood and black roof), and by the lacquered black underbody. The body tint thus forms a horizontal line that gives a visual “belt effect”.

SCULPTED SURFACES

DS N°8 embodies the balance between fluid and sensual surfaces on the sides and chiseled and incisive lines at the front and back. This balance is underlined by the absence of chromes (the door frame is made of stainless steel). Flush door handles at the front and concealed at the rear add to the smooth and pure line.

The designers have optimised the aerodynamic performance of DS N°8, to reach up to 750 km of WLTP range.

DS N°8 embodies the balance between fluid and sensual surfaces on the sides and chiseled and incisive lines at the front and back. This balance is underlined by the absence of chromes (the door frame is made of stainless steel). Flush door handles at the front and concealed at the rear add to the smooth and pure line.

As on DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE Concept, the black shade on the roof extends over the hood and into the grille. This extended duotone enhances elegance and the character of DS Automobiles models. It is also a nod to the great hours of French bodywork. Paintjet technology facilitates series production, a world premiere.

AN EMBLEMATIC FRONT LIGHT SIGNATURE

At the front, DS N°8 adopts a vertical LED signature, called DS LIGHTBLADE. This V-shaped signature first appeared on the DS E-TENSE PERFORMANCE concept. This thin and stretched signature is emblematic of DS models (since DS3 first generation). It visually puts the car on the road and affirms its width and its status. The main lights aligned horizontally are delimited by 8 LEDs taking the shape of the Clous de Paris, which echo the guillochage of the interior decorations.

DS LUMINASCREEN : AN ILLUMINATED AND TECHNOLOGICAL FRONT FACE

The electrification and the reduction of the air intakes allowed to imagine a major evolution of DS N°8 front face identity. The bright vertical patterns and the illuminated DS logo replace the chrome. They affirm the status of DS N°8 and showcase the light scenography. The DS logo is illuminated for the first time on a street car of the Brand.

STUNNING VERTICAL REAR LIGHT SIGNATURES

DS N°8 is the first model in the DS Automobiles lineup to adopt the vertical light signature DS LIGHTBLADE at the back. Inspired from DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE Concept, it echoes the iconic vertical signature at the front, making DS N°8 identifiable at night, more than 100 meters away.

REDESIGNED SCALED PATTERNS

The scaled patterns mark the interior of the tapered horizontal taillights. On DS N°8, they are aligned and now three-dimensional, in order to make them even more visible at a distance and strengthen their identity.

Thomas BOUVERET - Head of Interior Design - DS Automobiles

ARTISTIC WING

WRAPPING DECORATIONS
The artistic wing of the dashboard envelops the occupants. It illustrates the «seamless Design»: it is both decorative, as a piece of craftsmanship and ultra technical by the integration of sound, aerators and light signatures. It perfectly highlights the alliance of the “High-Craft” and “High-Tech”, which represents the alchemy between technicality and know-how in the implementation of the material (aluminium, wood, etc.) The large curve that structures the cabin brings dynamism and serenity by the purity of its design.

X-SHAPE STEERING WHEEL

This innovative new X-shape breaks the design codes of the steering wheels. It was already present on several concept cars, and it now becomes reality for DS customers. This unique X-shape thus provides grip zones which allow augmented ergonomics. Our testers drove thousands of kilometers to deliver maximum driving pleasure.

A BESPOKE CENTRALE CONSOLE

DOUBLE-DECK CONSOLE
The centrale console is structured by two levels: the first, visually dynamic, is suspended above the second. The upper part is dedicated to the HMI. The gearbox control, the «drive mode» and the volume button fall perfectly on hand.

JEWELLERY INSPIRATION
These elements have been designed like crystals, inspired by the world of jewellery. The Alcantara® phone deposit is like a precious box. A sheathed palm support contains a secret storage. The entire console is animated by a light graphics evoking a galaxy.

TAILOR MADE STORAGE
The low part of the console has a large removable storage, to accommodate water bottles and cans. A storage is also dedicated to sunglasses.

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION OF THE CENTRAL DISPLAY

The screen integrates with the dashboard seamlessly and does not visually encroach on its decor. Very thin, frameless, it is minimalist precise and essential. This screen has been imagined floating, with light animations that amplify this aerial effect.

SOUND SYSTEM BY FOCAL

SPEAKERS INTEGRATION
ELECTRA 3D by FOCAL speakers located in the doors fit perfectly into the aluminum decor. This seamless integration, wanted from the start of the project, is a world premiere on a large aluminum decor. The system is complemented by speakers that contribute to immersive three-dimensional sound in the cabin, co-developed with FOCAL. To achieve this aluminum lace, we chose cutting-edge Laser technology, and an exceptional supplier.

LIGHT TRAVELLING

EMOTIONAL LIGHT
Lighting is a major point of the new generation of DS interiors: it structures the elements by floating them.
It thus emerges from the interior of DS N°8 purity and serenity.

VERTICAL DRLS, ECHOING THE EXTERNAL SIGNATURES
These INNER LIGHT BLADE DRL delimit the location of the handles. They light up when the doors open, to alert the occupants. The graphics of the console are inspired by a starry sky.

FITTING AND SLENDER BESPOKE SEATS

The design of the seats is inspired by the DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE concept with its integrated headrests. Their sculpted shape makes them fine and precise, little intrusive in the cabin. This design was intended dynamic, slender but also statutory with its generous neckline that supports the shoulders. The DS NECK WARMERs, illuminated by a DS logo with crystal appearance, favor heating as close as possible of the body.

Mathilde FOURREAU - DS N°8 CMF Designer

DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE INSPIRATION

Many universes inspired the Coulours, Materials and Finishes (CMF) designers of DS Automobiles, to create the interior moods and choose the materials of DS N°8.
LIGHT COLOR INTERIOR
STRAW MARQUETRY
IMPACTFUL RIGID DECOR
LINEAR GRAPHICS
SERENITY ATMOSPHERE
TONE ONTONE

PANORAMIC GLASS ROOF

The thin and symmetrical Optic Art mirrored lines on the glass roof are a nod to pleated fabric. They bring a precious touch to the cabin while preserving clarity and outward visibility.

ALU BRUSH LIGHT GOLD

The decorations for aerators and neck warmers are available in the shade Light Gold. It warms the interior of the cabin with its champagne tones with a satin appearance. The unidirectional brushed aluminum, present on the dashboard and counter doors, plays on a warm tone inspired by champagne. The grids of the Electra 3D By FOCAL Hi-Fi speakers have been integrated into the backdoors of Aluminum to produce a global innovation: merge the function of Hi-Fi grid with the door decor.

STRAW MARQUETRY DECORATION

The film set proposed for the DS CANVAS – BASALT BLACK universe was created in reference to the straw marquetry present in the concept car DS AERO SPORT LOUNGE. Plays of lights appear in the deep black decor, enhanced by some lines of Light Gold

DS AUTOMOBILES FUNDAMENTALS

The Clous de Paris “guillochage” on the steering wheel and aerators, as well as the “pearl” stitch on the dashboard and armrests, fundamental of DS Automobiles, are always present to contribute to the art of travel. The watch strap pattern on the Nappa leather seats was modernized with more geometric shapes on the leather seats.

1/ PERAL STITCH POINT - 2/ GUILLOCHAGE - 3/ WATCH STRAP LEATHER

SERENE INTERIOR MOODS

An extended mood choice is available on DS N°8

SUSTAINOBILITY: A GUIDE FOR THE CHOICE OF DS N°8 MATERIALS

RECYCLED MATERIALS
Textiles are 60% recycled, floor mats 75% and carpets 96%. Alcantara® is made of 68% recycled materials.

VEGETABLE TANNING
Nappa leather benefits from a vegetable tanning thanks to the olive leaf. Tannin is extracted from olive leaves (unlike trivalent chromium tannin).

CHROME DETOX
The removal of chrome in the finishes, replaced in the cabin by aluminum and Light Gold paint, is also visible outside, with the frame of the stainless steel doors.

PAINTJET TECHNOLOGY

The Paintjet technique is used to create the black area two-tone bonnet. This process limits gas emissions greenhouse effect by reducing energy consumption, because it does not require cooking. No solvent is emitted.

Loïc BETHEGNIES - Head of UI design (user Interface) DS Automobiles

AN ANIMATED CENTRAL CLUSTER

When the doors open, the DS Logo appears in the centre of the 10,25’’ cluster to welcome the driver and comes alive with subtly golden shimmering reflections.

When driving, multiple geometric patterns in motion move away from the central dial to give the visual effect of a kaleidoscope. The speed of this animation is moderate so as not to distract the driver from essential information.

Watchmaking inspiration in the centre, the speedometer design is reminiscent of a chronograph, reference to watchmaking. Readability the battery charge indicator and the power meter remains preferred.

AN INTUITIVE CENTRAL SCREEN

The 16' wide horizontal screen allows passengers to enjoy a dedicated area on the right side. Applications allow them to act on air conditioning controls, massage seats or other functions. Geometric patterns of the central handset are taken back, but motionless, like a fixed decor in the background. The readability of the infotainment functions is thus facilitated.

EIGHT MOOD COULOURS

Eight coulours are available to customize DS N°8 (Blue, red or gold color chart), their appearance changes with day mode or night mode. These atmospheres are in harmony with the universe of the Brand, as well as the materials, decorations and finishes of the DS N°8 interior.