PSA’s DS brand has announced the creation of a motor sport division, DS Performance. It says DS Performance is contributing its technological expertise in Formula E research and development to the DS Virgin Racing team.
It will be based at the future PSA Excellence Centre in Satory and DS Performance is directed by Yves Matton.
DS Performance has developed the entire drivetrain of the DSV-01, including the electric motor and gearbox. DS Performance has also designed its cooling system, rear suspension and transmission.
The motor management system was designed in partnership with Magneti Marelli.
DS Performance will support DS Virgin Racing throughout the upcoming Formula E season, enabling Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne to maximise the performance of the race cars, DS said.
“More than a simple R&D laboratory, DS Performance will stand as a true showcase of the technological expertise and avant-garde spirit of the DS brand. It was a natural move for us to call on Yves Matton and his teams, multiple WRC and WTCC world champions, to develop the all-electric DSV-01 race car,” said Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS Automobiles.
“I am very proud that DS has called on us to succeed in the new challenge of developing the DSV-01. After the work accomplished in the last few months, the success of the initial official tests of the DSV-01 with Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne was a great source of satisfaction for my teams and myself. We are going to support DS Virgin Racing and work together from Beijing to London to add motor sport success to the DS brand’s accomplishments.” said Yves Matton, Director of DS Performance.
