DS Automobiles is heading into Gen3 looking to build on a highly successful Gen2 era, with a pair of Drivers' and Teams' titles to its name and benchmark records of 10 wins, 15 Julius Baer Pole Positions and a total of 28 podiums.
The French automaker has partnered with PENSKE AUTOSPORT from Season 9 and is hoping its DS E-TENSE FE23, in that trademark black and gold livery, will keep the team at the sharp end of the grid amid all-change as the manufacturer doubles down on its Formula E commitment. It's targetting more victories and titles, as well as new records, and says its continuing participation in the world's leading electric race series is key to accelerating its research and development work - with DS Automobiles whole consumer line-up going EV by 2024.
"Innovation is born from competition! Ever since DS Automobiles was founded, we have placed electrification at the heart of our global strategy," says Beatrice Foucher, CEO of DS Automobiles. "Our successes in Formula E, as the first premium manufacturer in the category, and our numerous records achieved with the second-generation car, have boosted our technological know-how and enhanced our reputation. Today, we are starting a new chapter with a renowned team, exceptional drivers, and a clear objective: to continue to win titles to accompany the launch of our new exclusively electric models from 2024."
"This is an extremely exciting moment for DS Performance," adds Eugenio Franzetti, Director of DS Performance. "After our huge successes with the Gen2 car, we’re unveiling the new DS E-TENSE FE23 today: our lighter, faster and more powerful third generation Formula E car. It’s also a brand-new chapter for the team that we’re opening with PENSKE AUTOSPORT, one of the biggest names in the whole of motorsport. Over the coming seasons, our new car will be entrusted to two great drivers, Stoffel Vandoorne and Jean-Eric Vergne. These two champions are extremely fast and reliable and will no doubt showcase the technological capacities of our cars and the DS brand."
"This season is a defining moment for the team," adds Team Principal Jay Penske. "A new generation of racing car, a new powertrain and a historic alliance with a manufacturer we've admired for years. We couldn't be more excited for Season 9! We believe our prospects for the season remain incredibly strong with Stoffel and JEV securing the strongest and most experienced line-ups in the series. I look forward to outstanding results this season and the start of a journey with DS and Stellantis in Mexico City in January 2023."
Gen3 marks a landmark technological leap, with the cars the fastest, lightest, and most sustainable in Formula E history.
READ MORE: Gen3 facts and figures
DS, as with the other manufacturers on the grid have had to get themselves around an all-new platform for Season 9 with a 200mph (280kph) top speed, a 60kg lighter, smaller chassis, an additional front powertrain and no rear brakes plus a power output 100kW up on Gen2 at 350kw with double the regen capacity - meaning more than 40% of the energy used in-race is via regeneration under braking.