Con la DS N8 debutta la Medium EVO con modifiche che ritroveremo anche sulla Gamma (e richieste anche da Lancia)
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DS Automobiles can count on extensive modifications to the STLA Medium platform, which becomes STLA Medium ‘EVO’, because it will be sharing it internally with the next DS N°7 (presented in 2025, marketed in 2026), and also with the next Lancia Gamma of 2026, which will be produced in the same plant in Melfi, Italy. And it is thanks to the contribution of the Italian programme that the basis of the STLA Medium ‘EVO’ platform has been approved, with a retracted windscreen and modified bay, and a lowering of the hard points of the roof.
Indeed, work on the DS ‘D85’ – now N°8 above – was accompanied by work on the next Lancia Gamma, which Jean-Pierre Ploué (then head of design for the Italian marque) wanted to be dynamic and ‘aero-efficient’. This was not possible with the STLA Medium platform as it stood. And what Jean-Pierre Ploué wanted soon became a reality! At least at the time when the Stellantis group was headed by Carlos Tavares…
Photo : © LIGNES/auto
This diagram of the architecture of the Peugeot e3008 in blue and the DS N°8 in white above clearly shows the modifications made for the DS N°8, the forthcoming DS N°7 and the Lancia Gamma: in 1, the bonnet has been lowered by 5 cm, which is enormous in architectural terms, in 2 the windscreen has been moved back, in 3 the windscreen bay makes it possible to lower the dashboard by 5 cm, in 4 the roof has been lowered by 6 cm, which has a major impact on the SCx in particular, in 5 the rear seats of the N°8 can be tilted further (30°) and in 6 the stern has been lengthened to reflect the more formal positioning of the DS N°8. DS Automobiles is therefore the first brand to benefit from this evolution of the STLA Medium, and the design team, led by Thierry Métroz, has taken advantage of this package to offer good interior space in row 2, despite the dynamic, plunging line imposed by the fastback concept.
Photo : © LIGNES/auto
Next, let’s look at the technical architecture of the DS N°8 which, like any 100% electric architecture, has its advantages and disadvantages. Above, although the ‘H’ point line (at hip level) is classically positioned in relation to the reference plane (in 1), the cabin cell is raised because of the presence of the batteries under the floor, in 2. This is the basis of a 100% electric architecture which imposes a more generous height than that of a combustion engine car, but here it is kept under control at 1.58 m on the DS N°8.
Thierry Métroz tells us that ”work on the modified platform began in 2018, before the first drawings for the D85 project. It took a year working with the architecture teams to make the changes we wanted to the STLA Medium. All these modifications enabled us to give a real elegance to the silhouette, which is more of a saloon than an SUV. This fastback silhouette is very aerodynamically efficient. It’s also a real weight saver”, with a final figure of 2.1 tonnes.
Since we’re talking about the next Lancia Gamma, future cousin of the DS N°8, let’s put it opposite the latter. We asked Thierry Métroz if the future Lancia would indeed benefit from this ‘EVO’ platform. ”Yes, Lancia will use this architecture. We designed it for the DS N°8, for the next DS, which will benefit from all these architectural developments and advantages, and Lancia will use it for the Gamma.” The first important piece of information is that the Lancia will be shorter than the DS N°8, which is 4.82 m long. At around 4.60 m, the Italian will be closer in size to the Peugeot e3008, but with sleeker proportions thanks to the STLA Medium ‘EVO’ platform. [...]
FINE-TUNED ACOUSTICS
DS N°8 is part of Stellantis’ Premium division, which currently comprises three brands: Alfa-Romeo, DS Automobiles and Lancia. As such, the newcomer aims to highlight French ‘savoir-faire’, particularly in terms of choice of materials, quality of assembly, design and on-board experience.
Produced on the same platform and in the same factory as the forthcoming Lancia Gamma, the DS N°8 attempts to make a difference with its acoustics: more than two square metres of absorbent material in the engine compartment, an acoustic windscreen of almost 5 mm, acoustic front and rear windows, elaborate seals (below), and so on. But with the carry-over imposed by the group’s former boss, Carlos Tavares, the Gamma could logically carry over some or all of these elements…
Photo : © LIGNES/auto
Above, a detailed view of the rear door of DS N°8. In 1, a top door felt at the roof junction. In 2, delicate work carried out on the opening handle, for watertightness and acoustics. In 3, the classic door perimeter seal. In 4, an additional seal and in 5, the overhang of the outer finish of the rocker panel. [...]
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