It looks like Stellantis is in a perpetual state of turmoil that simply retains getting worse, however the French manufacturers within the conglomerate seem like on a very reverse trajectory. Citroën and Peugeot have launched a bunch super-efficient hybrids and EVs with progressive and generally unusual designs, and now the DS Vehicles spin-off luxurious model is about to launch one thing wild referred to as the N°8. It’s not a fragrance however a brand new absolutely electrical sedan-crossover-thing, and this week DS put out the primary picture of its wild inside that Barbarella would love.
I may have gone with any variety of her sci-fi friends, like “Flash Gordon” or “The Jetsons” or perhaps “The Fifth Factor,” however I’m simply in a Barbarella temper at present. The boat-inspired upright gold band that runs throughout the dashboard and door panels is so pulpy mid-century sci-fi, particularly in the way it’s illuminated at evening, and the speaker grilles being built-in within the door items is absolutely slick. The dashboard itself may be very low and slim and furniture-like, which makes the floating screens really feel extra like a holistic a part of the design. That heart console is tremendous sci-fi too, the lights even appear like leaping into hyperspace.
What’s slightly freakier is the steering wheel. I’ve truthfully by no means seen something like this four-spoke wheel — perhaps a sorta related vibe on some ’50s American stuff — and it jogs my memory of some less-positive sci-fi issues. Like, the headcrabs from “Half-Life” and the facehugger from “Alien,” or perhaps a spider from “Arachnophobia.” The 4 outstretched spokes make it appear like a leaping creature. I do actually adore it, although.
The N°8 gained’t be absolutely revealed for one more few weeks, however DS has proven what it seems like with camouflage on. It’ll be the model’s flagship and largest mannequin, and it takes the type of a lifted crossover-y sedan, just like the Polestar 2 or Volvo S60 Cross Nation, with a low 0.24 drag coefficient. It has essentially the most excessive instance of DS’ star-like mild signature but, and a few actually cool design thrives just like the tailgate spoiler. We don’t know which platform the N°8 will experience on but, nevertheless it’ll have a spread of 466 miles on the European WLTP cycle.
As for that title… Right here’s what DS needed to say:
This strategy hyperlinks the names of the present vary and people of the Model’s future fashions, whereas retaining numbers and adopting a bolder rationale with “N°” (quantity).This technique is mixed with an incrasingly assertive model presence, with a badge that is still conspicuous on the entrance and the DS Vehicles signature written out in full on the rear of the automobile. The introduction of the “N°” naming conference launches a brand new era of fashions for DS Vehicles, highlighting a major growth.
“N°” is a nod to the French language, because it represents the same old approach of writing “quantity” in French, embodying an class and timelessness that transcends languages. It signifies the daybreak of a brand new period. The “°” is designed like a diamond tip, symbolic of class and experience. The longer term DS Vehicles vary will comply with this new naming technique. The quantity will correspond to the dimensions and section of the mannequin.
“8” is a brand new quantity for DS Vehicles. Its form, near the infinity signal, is related to steadiness and serenity, which mix to type a harmonious entire. To take care of the Model’s id, the rear of the automobile will sport the “N°8” signature supplemented by “DS AUTOMOBILES”. This separated branding ensures a transparent division between the Model and the mannequin, whereas indicating a development in direction of the electrical future.
You understand what? Go for it. We’d like extra enjoyable bizarre shit in automobiles, and the French are the very best and enjoyable and peculiar. I don’t actually care if Stellantis survives, as a result of I can relaxation straightforward realizing that the French will thrive it doesn’t matter what.
