DS Automobiles has unveiled a striking one-off concept car co-created with its new British Formula E racing star, Taylor Barnard. The bespoke model, named the Taylor Made No 4 Concept, made its global debut at the Brussels Motor Show on Friday 9 January 2026.
From the Racetrack to the Road
The project celebrates Barnard's arrival at the DS Penske Formula E team and acts as a direct bridge between the brand's motorsport endeavours and its road-going electric vehicles. Based on the core DS No 4 electric model, the concept showcases design themes that are beginning to filter into DS's production line-up.
The unique car was revealed on the DS stand in Brussels, displayed alongside Barnard's actual DS E-Tense FE25 Formula E single-seater. Also present were the new DS Performance Line Special Editions of the DS 3 and DS No 4, which draw inspiration from the race team's livery.
A Fusion of Motorsport and Gaming Aesthetics
Visually, the concept draws clear inspiration from both racing and video game culture. Its stance has been lowered and its tracks widened for a more aggressive, planted look. A large, bold 'No 4' graphic is integrated into the centre of the grille, while the pixelated headlamp signature of the production car is retained but given a more futuristic, high-tech appearance.
Barnard worked closely with DS's Colours, Materials and Finishes team, imparting personal preferences shaped by his racing career. His brief focused on dark, monochrome shades punctuated by subtle flashes of colour, leading designers to explore innovative textures based on different interpretations of titanium.
Four Portrayals of Titanium
The concept features four distinct titanium finishes. 'Pure Titanium' is a raw yet refined paint expressing precision lines. 'Liquid Titanium' offers a lacquered, highly reflective surface at the front to highlight bodywork flow. In aerodynamic areas like the lower bodywork and front splitter, 'Craft Titanium' replaces traditional carbon fibre with a hand-crumpled, metal-like textile. Finally, 'Black Titanium' on the roof and spoiler adds a darker, radical contrast.
Personal touches abound. Light gold accents – the signature colour of DS Performance – feature on mirrors and badges. Barnard's favourite colour, purple, is used on door openers, and his racing number 77 is subtly integrated into the bonnet badge and lighting elements within the diffuser.
Formula E Tech Driving Road Car Development
Reflecting on the collaboration, Taylor Barnard stated: "I dreamt it up, DS Automobiles made it. The No 4 was already my favourite model... Coming up with a sports car that could be mine every day was an exciting experience."
DS CEO Xavier Peugeot emphasised the tangible technology transfer from Formula E to road cars. He confirmed that the brand's latest model, the DS No.8, utilises a brake regeneration system honed in the electric race series, while software development from racing has directly enhanced road car setup.
This concept reveal forms part of a crucial brand awareness push for DS in the UK. The brand experienced a challenging 2025, selling just over 1,000 cars, a 12% decline from 2024. The imminent UK arrival of the DS No.8 and the upcoming reveal of a new DS No.7 SUV are pivotal to its premium market strategy.
DS has been a foundational Formula E team since the championship's inception over a decade ago, securing four world titles in that period.
