2015 Frankfurt Motor Show: The DS brand on the offensive with three world firsts

With its #ds 4 Crossback Concept, New #ds 4 & #ds 4 Crossback and DSV-01, its Formula E vehicle, the #ds brand is on the offensive for the 2015 edition of the Frankfurt Motor Show. A product offensive and a technology offensive with new models and an expanded connectivity offering with the arrival of the CarPlayTM function on #ds Connect. Visitors will also be able to see BABY DS, star of the new #ds Connect adverts. See the new brand website www.driveDS.com for all the latest news.

PRESS KIT

In a setting that showcases elegance, French expertise, technology and avant-garde spirit, #ds will be a must-see at the 66th annual International Motor Show in Frankfurt. The brand will be premiering the New #ds 4 & #ds 4 Crossback and the DSV-0, a fully electric Formula E race car. Also at this major global event, #ds will be unveiling the #ds 4 Crossback Concept, a show-car with its sights set on the future. At the same time, the spotlight will be on the connectivity offering, #ds Connect, with demonstrations for visitors and screenings of the new adverts featuring BABY DS, the latest brand model.

NEW #ds 4 & #ds 4 CROSSBACK, ONE MODEL, TWO BODY STYLES

The only one of its kind at its launch in 2011, earning it the prestigious titles for “Most Beautiful Car of the Year” and “Most Beautiful Interior” at the International Automobile Festival, the #ds 4 has chosen to continuing offering two distinct, yet complementary, versions: the New #ds 4, a dynamic and refined premium hatchback,

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and the #ds 4 Crossback, a stylish adventurer with its 30-mm higher ride height, large black wheels and body components specific to this sort of model (wheel arch trims, spoilers and roof bars).

The New #ds 4 and #ds 4 Crossback perfectly embody the character of #ds vehicles:

•   a strong identity underlined by a new front end (DS Wings grille, directly inspired by the Numéro 9 Concept

  Car) and new #ds LED VISION headlamps

•   cutting-edge technology with #ds CONNECT connectivity, including the CarPlay® protocol launched by the

  New #ds 4 and #ds 4 Crossback

•   high-performance engines of up to 210 hp with CO2 emissions of between 97g/km and 138g/km

•   a refined design including the nappa leather upholstery on the dashboard and door panels and the watch strap

  design of the semi aniline leather seats, all of which are exclusive to DS

  With the New #ds 4 and #ds 4 Crossback, #ds has set out to conquer the premium compact segment.

  New #ds 4: refined and unique with customised features, styling and performance

  The New #ds 4 is a vehicle of unique body lines, with flowing, sculpted and elegant lines and chrome-finish signatures on the body (front and rear grille and bumper, side mouldings, and window shape). With its new, stronger stance underlined by wide wheels, four corners and remarkable style (diamonding), the New #ds 4 boasts all the features expected of a premium hatchback, starting with the promise of an exciting driving experience.

  Customisation is the key trait of any #ds vehicle. Already available for the #ds 3, now it is the New #ds 4’s turn. With four colour options for the roof and spoilers (Perla Nera black, Whisper, Virtual Blue and Tourmaline Orange) and the ability to combine these with parts of the trim (door mirrors and wheel hub caps), the New #ds 4 is announcing its own vision of a two-tone offering. In all, there are no fewer than 38 combinations to choose from, between the roof colours and body colours (four new colours are available: Encre Blue, Tourmaline Orange, Artense Grey and Rubis Red). With this offering, the only one of its kind in the premium compact hatchback segment, customers can create their own vehicles and adapt them to their personality and unique style.

  DS 4 Crossback: versatile, expressive and adventurous by nature

  Versatile in concept and design, the #ds 4 Crossback is made for customers looking for adventure in and out of the city. The vehicle earns its go-anywhere credentials with strong styling features including a 30-mm higher ride height, large black wheels, wheel arch trim, a black front end and spoiler, special grey roof bars, 45° upward visibility thanks to the panoramic windscreen, black exterior rear-view mirrors, special door sills and carpet mats. With its shimmering, expressive colours (Tourmaline Orange, for example), the #ds 4 Crossback presents an alternative to conventional hatchbacks in this segment.

DS CONNECT GAINS NEW CONTENT WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE CARPLAYTM FUNCTION ON THE NEW #ds 4 & #ds 4 CROSSBACK

The #ds 4 and #ds 4 Crossback are the first #ds models (and first vehicles in the PSA Group) to gain a major new function: CarPlayTM, compatible with the most recent Apple iPhone models.

With CarPlayTM, drivers can display the personalised environment of their iPhones on the in-car dashboard screen. They can make calls, use maps, listen to music and access their e-mail at just a word or a touch. A voice recognition function is available for texting. As a result, drivers can use a number of apps at any time in complete safety.

Along with the New Mirror Screen function duplicating the content of Android and iOS phones on the dashboard

screen, the New #ds 4 and #ds 4 Crossback will also feature the #ds Connect Box offering with:

•   the SOS & Assistance pack: a pioneering emergency and assistance call system that sends out appropriate help

  in the #event of problems,

•   the Monitoring pack: a virtual maintenance manual (automatic mileage monitoring, notification of upcoming

  service operations) and eco-driving tips based on technical information provided by the car,

•   the Mapping pack: locates the vehicle, sends an e-mail if the vehicle enters or leaves a given geographical area,

•   the Tracking pack: in the #event of theft, gives the police the vehicle’s geographical position.

  DS Connect, the brand’s connectivity offering, also includes the MyDS app available for smartphones with iOS/Android. Functions include assistance to locate the driver’s parked vehicle or to finish a journey on foot, as well as reminders on scheduled maintenance and access to onboard documentation. The aim is to provide customers with on-the-road assistance through intuitive and innovative services.

  DS 4 CROSSBACK CONCEPT, AN AVANT-GARDE SHOW CAR FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE

  To share the full potential of the #ds 4 Crossback with visitors, the #ds brand decided to develop a show car based on this model. An avant-garde show car offering a glimpse into the future of DS.

  A future that is illustrated first and foremost by the use of materials not usually seen in cars, such as stone. The #ds 4 Crossback Concept features fine strips of stone on the wheels, door mirror housings, roof bars and front end. A choice reflecting the tendency of the #ds brand to overturn conventional codes.

  The #ds 4 Crossback Concept also expresses French-style luxury with, for example, the use of natural leather, the watchstrap design of the upholstery or the plaited metal threads adding a delicate and decorative touch to the vehicle seats.

The #ds 4 Crossback Concept also illustrates the future of #ds through innovative, avant-garde working methods. To design this show car, #ds adopted parametric design, a method widely used in the worlds of couture and architecture, but more rarely in the automotive industry.

Its main advantage is to generate surfaces and volumes in a different way. In the longer term, used alongside new mock-up modelling processes (such as 3D printing), this method will make it possible to create shapes that were hitherto impossible and to take the ultra-personalisation approach further.

For #ds 4 Crossback Concept, the first such model for DS, it was decided to work solely in two dimensions on features that would showcase both the lines of the #ds 4 Crossback – with the original, curving, sculpted lines – and its positioning as an urban and extra-urban vehicle. Result: a car that is entirely made up of facets, as an echo to the urban environment.

DSV-01, THE FORMULA E FOR THE #ds VIRGIN RACING TEAM

The International Motor Show in Frankfurt will be the setting for the first official viewing of the DSV-01, the Formula E for the #ds Virgin Racing team. The race car will then set off to compete in the first leg of the upcoming Formula E World Championship in Beijing on 24 October 2015.

A fully electric single-seater, the DSV-01 was born out of the partnership between Virgin Racing and DS. The automaker founded #ds Performance, its motor sports division led by Yves Matton, for this very purpose. After several weeks on-site, the #ds Performance engineers developed the powertrain unit (electric engine/gearbox/controller) for the DSV-01. They also designed its cooling system, rear suspension and transmission. The engine management system came about through a collaboration with Magnetti Marelli. Much more than just an R&D laboratory, #ds Performance showcases the technological expertise and avant- garde spirit of DS.

DS Performance will provide support to the Virgin Racing #ds team throughout the season so that the drivers, Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne, can get the most out of their race cars.

BABY DS, THE AMBASSADOR FOR #ds CONNECT

BABY #ds is the latest model in the #ds range. A 1/3 scale model of the New #ds 5, it was designed by the brand styling centre. Just 1.37m long, this single-seater vehicle with Encre Blue bodywork combines avant-garde styling with advanced technologies, premium materials and refinement, just like its elder sibling.

Viewed from the outside, distinctive attributes include the #ds Wings grille and slender chrome sabre running from the tip of the headlights to the front windows. The door mirrors carry the #ds badge. Inside, the cabin features aluminium trim, a two-tone seat in semi-aniline leather with the watch strap design and a leather-upholstered steering wheel with the seams top-stitched by hand.

Fitted with an electric motor, BABY #ds can be driven or operated by remote control. Its mission: to promote #ds Connect, the brand’s connectivity offering, by taking centre stage in brand adverts.

Screened on the #ds booth at Frankfurt and on YouTube, the first film with BABY #ds presents the connected service ‘emergency call function’ available on #ds cars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tcvh0KLXKq0&feature=youtu.be

driveDS.COM, THE NEW BRAND WEBSITE

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the brand’s international website www.driveDS.com is displaying its new look. Its ambition: to deliver an immersive, premium experience.

Designed to resemble a magazine, it places the emphasis on visuals and animated images that showcase the #ds markers: avant-garde styling, refinement and attention to detail, technology and advanced dynamic comfort.

Inspired by the codes of French-style luxury, this digital showcase expresses the brand universe through its graphic codes. The warm, black background features brighter touches of champagne and crimson.

The website comprises four sections:

•   “Models”, presenting all the models currently sold worldwide (Contemporary), older vintage models (Classic) and concept cars (Concept cars)

•   “DS” showcasing the brand heritage and expertise

•   “Technologies” describing the brand innovations and connected services

•   “DS Experience” setting out the latest news and exclusive events.

  The content aims to be original, alluring and varied, with around twenty videos and animated images. Available in French and English, this site can be adapted for a seamless experience on all types of computers, tablets and mobile phones.

  The new website paves the way for the new #ds digital areas to be unveiled in the near future...
  Looking beyond driveDS.com, web users will be able to remain in contact and interact with #ds by joining its social

  networks on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Linkedin.