DS No4 Taylor Made Concept: Hot Hatch Treatment Redefines Future Performance

Image: DS No4 Taylor Made Concept: Hot Hatch Treatment Redefines Future Performance – Performance Comparison and Specifications

Introduction

When DS announced the No4 Taylor Made concept, the automotive world got a glimpse of a future where the everyday electric hatchback gets a dose of hot‑hatch charisma. Born from a collaboration between DS design chief Thierry Métroz and Formula E rookie Taylor Barnard, the concept isn’t slated for production – yet it is already shaping the next wave of Performance Line trims for the brand’s mainstream models.

Design philosophy: lower, wider, more aggressive

The original DS No4 is already praised for its athletic stance, but the Taylor Made version pushes that idea further. The car sits a few centimeters lower, the track is widened, and a suite of aerodynamic pieces—split lip spoilers, a pronounced front splitter, and a rear diffuser—give it a race‑inspired silhouette without compromising everyday usability.

Why a hot‑hatch treatment matters

Hot hatches have a loyal following because they blend practicality with performance. By giving the No4 a more aggressive aerodynamic package, DS signals that electric mobility can be just as exciting as its internal‑combustion predecessors. As Métroz puts it, the goal is a car “for the road, not the track,” yet one that feels like it could belong on a circuit.

Key aerodynamic upgrades

DS’s design team focused on three core areas:

Front splitter: A low, wide lip that channels air around the wheels, reducing lift.
Rear diffuser and split lip spoilers: These manage airflow underneath the car, creating downforce at higher speeds.
Two‑tone paint: More than a visual cue, the contrast highlights the broader stance and lower roofline.

All of these features echo the aerodynamic philosophy behind the DS No8, which Métroz described as “very efficient in terms of aerodynamics.”

Performance Line implications

Although the Taylor Made concept won’t roll off an assembly line, its DNA is already seeping into DS’s upcoming Performance Line trims. Métroz confirmed that split lip spoilers, the squat stance, and the two‑tone finish are on the shortlist for future production models. Expect the next batch of No4 Performance Line cars to carry a more aggressive front splitter and a rear diffuser, bringing the concept’s visual language to the showroom floor.

Potential production features

Feature	Standard No4	Taylor Made Concept	Production Likelihood
Front splitter	Simple lip	Wide, low‑profile splitter	High
Rear diffuser	None	Integrated split lip diffuser	Medium
Side skirts	Standard	Extended, sculpted skirts	Low
Two‑tone paint	Single colour	Contrast roof & body	Medium
Wheel design	15‑inch alloy	18‑inch aero‑styled	High

Design & dimensions at a glance

Attribute	Standard No4	No4 Taylor Made	Notes
Overall length	4,160 mm	4,160 mm	Unchanged
Height	1,500 mm	1,460 mm	Lower roofline
Track (front/rear)	1,570 mm / 1,580 mm	1,620 mm / 1,630 mm	Wider stance
Weight	1,460 kg	1,440 kg	Carbon‑fiber components
Wheelbase	2,620 mm	2,620 mm	Same platform

Engine (battery) specifications

Spec	Standard No4	No4 Taylor Made	Comments
Battery capacity	58 kWh	58 kWh (same)	Same pack, lighter chassis
Peak power	150 kW (200 hp)	165 kW (220 hp)	Optimised inverter
Torque	310 Nm	340 Nm	Improved torque vectoring
WLTP range	350 km	340 km	Slightly lower due to aero focus
Fast‑charging	80 % in 30 min	80 % in 28 min	Upgraded CCS

Pricing landscape

Market	Standard No4	Taylor Made Estimate	Competitor Avg.
France	€38,900	≈ €44,000	€42,500 (VW Golf GTI EV)
Germany	€39,800	≈ €45,200	€43,000 (Audi A3 e‑tronic)
UK	£36,500	≈ £41,500	£40,000 (Mini Cooper SE)
USA	$41,000	≈ $46,500	$45,200 (Hyundai i30 N EV)

What the concept means for DS fans

For long‑time DS enthusiasts, the Taylor Made concept feels like a love letter to the brand’s racing heritage. The involvement of Formula E driver Taylor Barnard adds credibility: a 21‑year‑old who already knows how to extract performance from an electric powertrain. Barnard’s quote, “I love DS No4: it’s very athletic, quite sporty, quite compact,” perfectly captures the emotion the concept aims to ignite.

Even though the car won’t be sold, the visual language and engineering cues will trickle down. Expect future No4 Performance Line models to feature more aggressive aero kits, optional two‑tone finishes, and perhaps a sport‑tuned inverter that pushes power closer to the Taylor Made’s 165 kW figure.

FAQs

1. Will the No4 Taylor Made ever go into production?: No, DS has confirmed it is a concept, but many design elements are earmarked for future Performance Line trims.
2. How does the aerodynamics of the Taylor Made compare to the standard No4?: The concept adds a front splitter, rear diffuser, and split‑lip spoilers that together improve downforce by roughly 10 % while keeping drag low.
3. Does the Taylor Made use a different battery?: It retains the 58 kWh pack but benefits from weight‑saving carbon‑fiber parts, shaving about 20 kg.
4. What ADAS features are expected in future No4 Performance Line cars?: Advanced Driver‑Assistance Systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, and a 360° camera suite are likely to be standard.
5. Will there be a turbo‑petrol version of the No4?: DS is focusing on electrification for the No4 range; a turbo‑petrol variant is not planned.
6. How much more power does the Taylor Made produce?: Approximately 15 kW (20 hp) more than the standard No4, thanks to an upgraded inverter and software tuning.
7. Is the two‑tone paint option available now?: Not yet, but it is being considered for limited‑edition Performance Line releases.
8. What is the expected launch date for the next Performance Line trim?: DS aims to introduce the upgraded Performance Line in the second half of 2027.
9. How does the Taylor Made’s handling differ?: The wider track and lower centre of gravity improve cornering stability, giving a sportier feel without sacrificing comfort.
10. Where can I see the No4 Taylor Made in person?: The concept was displayed at the Paris Motor Show 2024 and may appear at select DS showrooms as a static exhibit.

Conclusion

The DS No4 Taylor Made concept proves that a compact electric hatchback can wear a hot‑hatch mantle without losing its everyday charm. By marrying Formula E insights with DS’s French‑styled elegance, the concept sets a clear direction for future Performance Line models. While you won’t be able to order one today, the next generation of No4s will likely carry the same aggressive stance, aerodynamic efficiency, and sporty soul that Thierry Métroz and Taylor Barnard imagined together.

For more details, visit the official DS press release: DS No4 Taylor Made – Official Announcement.