The current DS was spun off from Citroën in 2018 , at which point it resurfaced, acquiring the philosophy that it already championed in 1955. The DS Tiburon was not only a vehicle admired for its design, it also featured technological innovations that made it a revolutionary model. One of those solutions was the hydropneumatic suspension, an element that significantly improved ride comfort. Inspired by this spirit of invention, current DS engineers have developed a number of technology systems found in their latest models. Active suspension anticipates road imperfections with a camera, Active LED Vision headlights adapt the range based on the situation and DS Drive Assist is the first step towards autonomous driving.
The current DS range consists of the DS3 Crossback, DS 7 Crossback and DS 9 . Competition is essential for the development of new automotive technologies. A test bed that is now being developed on the Formula E circuits, the essential environment to overcome the challenge of electrifying the automobile fleet. A global challenge that comes accompanied by others such as autonomous driving and connectivity . DS is aware and maintains open fronts in all of them, with the incorporation of E-Tense variants but also the creation of programs like DS Only You.
DS Active LED Vision
Light is a primary element for DS, becoming one of its characteristic features. The DS Active LED lighting system is not only pretty to look at, with a jewel-like design , it also dramatically improves visibility. During the day, the vertical daytime running lights, with pearl-shaped dots, are associated with the sequential indicators, giving it a recognizable and unique personality. These LED modules are activated when the car is opened, offering a welcoming light pattern.
The optical groups are adapted, in width and range, to the situation of the road or the environment (parking). There are up to five automatic lighting modes: Parking, Town Beam, Country Beam, Motorway Beam, and Adverse Weather .
• Town Beam: when starting a DS 7 Crossback or DS 9, it takes 5 seconds for this mode to be activated. The width of the light beam is widened to be able to detect possible dangers in lateral areas.
• Country Beam: the vehicle must exceed 50 km / h for more than 5 seconds, at which point the headlights focus on what is happening in front. Still paying attention to the edges but it is intended for driving on minor roads.
• Motorway Beam: if the DS exceeds 110 km / h for more than 5 seconds, the power of the LED modules is intensified. They are also raised to increase the range of the lighting.
• Adverse Weather: if the windscreen wiper is activated, the beam of light is widened and the power of the LEDs is intensified towards the road. This resource improves the visibility of road lines.
In addition, the DS Active LED Vision are rotatable, as was the case with the optical groups of the legendary DS Tiburon, and have the High Beam function. The DBL (Dynamic Bending Light) system allows the lights to follow the path of the car in a curve, illuminating the path of the line.
DS Active Scan Suspension and Drive Assist
The DS Tiburon presented in 1955 mounted the famous hydropneumatic suspension. Years later, engineers were inspired by this feat to develop the DS Active Scan Suspension . This system uses a camera, located behind the windshield, along with four height sensors and three speed gauges. The camera detects imperfections in the road that are five meters in front of the vehicle. The sensors receive the data in real time and the suspension setting is modified to overcome the irregularity.
DS 3 Crossback also incorporates DS Drive Assist , only available with automatic transmission. This level 2 autonomous driving system, which requires constant driver supervision, is capable of managing the speed and position of the car at less than 180 km / h . It uses a radar, a camera and various sensors to keep the path set by the driver in the center of the road, regulating speed according to the vehicle in front. It is a first step for the autonomous vehicle but, for now, it is recommended for use in traffic jams or express roads. This technology, equipped with artificial intelligence, is capable of interpreting situations. For example, if as a driver you decide to ride on the right side of the lane, leaving room for the motorcycles on the left side, the DS will follow that reasoning and stay in that position.
