This is the 'Taylor Made No.4 Concept', a collaboration between DS Automobiles and its latest Formula E DS Penske driver, Taylor Barnard. It was revealed at the Brussels motor show today.
What's the idea behind it?
It's designed to reinforce DS's commitment to the FIA Formula E World Championship, with the team at the DS Design Studio responsible for its unique lines and use of colours. Its reveal at the show took place with the car sitting alongside Barnard's DS E-Tense FE25 single-seat competition machine from Formula E, as well as the DS 3 and No.4 Performance Line Special Editions from which the concept draws its inspiration.
As its name hints, the Taylor Made is based on the No.4 road car but has an appearance which expresses high performance, while adhering to the best possible aerodynamics and a lightweight build. The lowered and widened stance is said to take its cues directly from the world of video games, while one of its most striking features is the large 'No4' logo in the grille.
The keen-eyed among you might also note the number '77' in the lighting incorporated into the rear diffuser - that's Barnard's racing (and lucky) number. It's also subtly integrated into the bonnet badge and door handles on the side of the car.
Does Taylor Barnard like what DS has done in his name?
He certainly does. He said of the Taylor Made Concept: "I dreamt it up, DS Automobiles made it. The No.4 was already my favourite model in the range, so when the brand's design department presented me with this project, I was both enamoured and honoured.
"Coming up with a sports car that could be mine every day was an exciting experience. This unique creation is the result of a special collaboration, reflecting the remarkable talent of the women and men from DS Automobiles, who make us dream through their new designs.”
So what more do we know about the concept, in terms of motive power and so on?
Not much, we're afraid. It appears to be a styling exercise and no more, with Barnard sharing his personal preferences with DS's Colours, Materials and Finishes department to get the look of the car just so.
Apparently, the British driver wanted a contrast between dark and monochrome shades, enhanced by discreet flashes of colour. As a result, the DS Design Studio came up with four 'portrayals' of titanium, which is why the car is basically silver, dark grey and black, although various light-gold details are a hint towards DS's corporate and racing colour.
Thus, we're not sure that any production version based on the Taylor Made will ever see the light of day, so whether this car is an EV, hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is not clear. Those wanting to 'drive' it, though, had better head to Driving Empire, a driving game developed by Voldex on the Roblox platform. DS has teamed up with Voldex to allow players of the game to experience the concept's design and performance in a virtual environment, with purchase and personalisation options available online - this'll happen later in 2026.
Is there any link between the Taylor Made and the road-going No.4?
Well, in a way, yes, as the car sitting alongside it on the Brussels stand is on the way to DS Automobiles showrooms. With the concept model supposedly creating a direct link between the racing single-seater and the regular passenger cars from the company, the DS No.4 Performance Line Special Edition is the new model from the firm. It features vertical LED daytime running lights on the outside and premium materials within, for a slightly sportier and more dynamic-looking version of the No.4 hatchback.