From the nine lives of cats to the witches in Macbeth who always repeat spells 9 times, in Shakespeare’s play the number 9 is loaded with symbolism. Some of the most important Buddhist rituals usually involve 9 monks. In Hinduism, the number 9 is considered a complete, perfect and divine number that represents the end of a cycle. In Norse mythology, Odin hung himself from an ash tree for 9 days to learn the runes.
For the most superstitious, numbers like 13 or 666 can be a source of anxiety and discomfort. So much so that in some countries they are even avoided in the numbering of doors and floors. In fact, in different cultures, numbers can take on different meanings.
Nine is feared in Japan because it sounds identical to the Japanese word for “torture” or “suffering,” but in China it is a sign of luck and success. When pronounced in Chinese (gau), it is associated with a long duration, which is why it is chosen as the ideal day to get married by most couples, having more guarantees of luck and success in the future.
For astrology, the number 9 is associated with Mars, the planet of ambition and passion. Pythagorean numerology, for its part, considers 9 numbers, 9 cosmic vibrations that have a positive and a negative side, according to the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. He considered that all reality is related to numbers, that each digit pulses with a vibratory energy that connects us with the stars, the planets and the universe.
The 9 represents the end of one cycle and the beginning of another, signifying the option for the great leap forward and upward. And it is precisely here where we fit the DS 9, a new generation of cars that is strongly committed to technology, performance and sustainability to define new levels in the industry.
Infographic: Gonçalo Carvalho
Superstitions aside, the DS 9 promises to be a very interesting alternative saloon against the rivals of the famous German trident brands, which dominate the European market. In addition to the plug-in hybrid configuration with power outputs of 250 hp and 360 hp, the dynamic performance and sumptuous cabin reinforce the model’s ability to win over customers in the premium segment.
The DS 9 also has special features, such as the elegant chrome ‘Clous de Paris’ stripe that runs along the bonnet, or the small orange LED spotlights on either side of the rear window, reminiscent of the classic 1955 DS. No It won’t go unnoticed either, almost five meters long and more than two meters wide, ensuring a powerful presence wherever it goes.
power with refinement
From the tracks to the road, DS seeks to reflect in this DS 9 the technologies and performance that allowed DS to win four Team and Driver titles in the Formula E World Championship. The DS 9 E-TENSE 4×4 360 is the most powerful version of the model and the entire range of cars from DS Automobiles. The plug-in hybrid mechanics received a specific preparation carried out by DS Performance engineers at the Poissy plant in France, which allowed the maximum power of the hybrid system to be raised to 360 hp. The development and tuning of the engine, as well as the active suspensions of the DS 9 E-TENSE 4×4 360, allowed it to achieve exceptional and impeccable performance.
A 200 horsepower four-cylinder block associated with two electrical sets, one of 110 horsepower, integrated into the gearbox at the front, and another of 113 horsepower coupled to the rear axle, are complemented by an intelligent all-wheel drive system. all four wheels. . The 11.9 kWh battery benefits from an advanced management system to save energy and guarantees a range of 51 km in electric mode. Fuel consumption is impressively low, clocking in at 1.8 liters per 100 km with homologated CO2 emissions of 41 grams per kilometer (WLTP cycle, mixed circuit).
In the less powerful variant, the DS 9 E-TENSE 250 now offers more power and autonomy in electric mode in a plug-in hybrid version with two-wheel drive, with a 200 hp gasoline engine, a 110 hp electric motor and new battery pack with a total capacity of 15.6 kWh that allows you to travel up to 70 km without emissions. The 7.4 kW on-board charger allows a full charge in two hours and 23 minutes. In this cheaper version, the approved fuel consumption is only 1.1 liters per 100 km, according to the WLTP combined cycle, with low CO2 emissions of around 26 grams per kilometer (WLTP cycle, mixed circuit) .
sublime comfort
Inside the DS 9 nothing was left to chance, whether it was experimenting with the ergonomics of the seats, front and rear, or noticing the high quality and refinement of the finishes. The rigor of the perfectly aligned seams is combined with the quality of the materials used, such as the Alcantara® used in the lining of the center console and the dashboard, contributing to the luxurious appearance of the cabin and also to the soundproofing of the cabin. The show of elegance inside the DS 9 is accentuated by leather-trimmed seats, in a pattern that resembles a watch strap. The small crystals embedded in the controls and the three elegant tilting analog clocks, installed above the engine start button, demonstrate the care applied to all the finishes.
The premium alignment that has guided DS Automobiles since the launch of the brand in 2014 is clearly seen in its commitment to research and development of cutting-edge technological solutions, such as interior design that favors high acoustic comfort, essential on long trips. Absorbing structures designed to eliminate vibrations and acoustically filtered laminated glass help suppress outside noise.
The result is a referential soundproof environment, which is further exploited in the versions equipped with the FOCAL hi-fi system. Specially developed for the DS 9, it offers 14 speakers evenly distributed throughout the cabin and a nominal power of 515 W, providing an acoustic experience capable of satisfying the most demanding music lovers.
With a wide range of standard equipment, the DS 9 can be further enhanced by personalization options that can include the extended dual-zone climate control system for the rear seats, power sunroof, heated windscreen, automatic tailgate with sensor activation for greater comfort in the rain or when we have shopping bags in hand. The heated, ventilated and massaging rear side seats, which include armrests with controls, join the GPS navigation system and the wireless charging platform for smartphones, in the list of available comfort and convenience equipment.
cutting edge technology
Suspension has always been a strong engineering argument for the brand, and is an important legacy for DS Automobiles, which developed the DS ACTIVE SCAN SUSPENSION system to analyze the road ahead. Through a camera, four position sensors and three accelerometers, the data collected is processed by the computer that maps the suspension, being able to act on each of the wheels independently to improve safety and comfort, providing a unique driving experience. Testimony to the cutting-edge technology that distinguishes the DS, this active suspension combines the stability and comfort of a luxury sedan with the dynamic performance of a Gran Turismo.
The DS 9 offers level 2 semi-autonomous driving, usable up to 180 km/h, thanks to DS DRIVE ASSIST, a system that uses sensors to permanently control speed and direction, keeping the car in the lane chosen by the driver. , in complete security.
Adaptive cruise control is very precise and helps to drive in congested traffic situations, making the DS 9 automatically move forward at stops and starts in cities. Through a camera it manages to maintain safety distances and also recognizes continuous and discontinuous lines, constantly analyzing the car’s surroundings to detect signs of danger in time to avoid it.
During parking manoeuvres, the DS PARK PILOT system is capable of detecting an empty space when passing through it, when driving at speeds below 30 km/h. Then simply select the option on the touch screen and press the “Park” button and the technology does its job. The DS 9 parks itself, controlling acceleration, braking and steering automatically. When you return, the DS PARK PILOT can also be activated to help you back out of the parking space without hitting other vehicles, pillars or walls.
To make driving safer, the brand has invested in the development of DRIVER ATTENTION MONITORING DS. Using an infrared camera mounted on the steering column and another camera on the windshield, the system analyzes signs of distraction, continuously monitoring the driver’s eyes for signs of fatigue, perceptible in movements of the face and head, while analyzing the trajectory of the car.
Among the range of technological solutions presented by the DS 9, we also highlight the application developed in collaboration with DS PERFORMANCE and the double Formula E champion at the service of DS, Jean-Éric Vergne. DS ENERGY COACH is an application that helps drivers optimize energy regeneration during deceleration phases, using maps and graphs displayed on the central screen.
The DS 9 is already available on the market, with a price range that goes from €62,100 for the basic version of the DS 9 E-TENSE 250 to €76,800 for the more equipped DS 9 E-TENSE 4×4 360. Sales figures in the segment suggest there is a growing appetite for unusual models, making this new French sedan a very tempting proposition for customers who like to stay on the sidelines.
The DS 9 plug-in hybrid does, after all, carry the heritage of an emblem of immense prestige. The original DS marked an era with its revolutionary technology and unusual futuristic design and unrivaled comfort. Now it is the mission of this DS 9 to replicate that icon of excellence of the 20th century, asserting itself as the new déesse of modern times.
Source: Observadora
