Video Games Shaping Reality
Gaming has clearly influenced the modern automotive scene. For instance, William Byron, who got his start in sim racing on iRacing, has since risen to the top of NASCAR and is now a two-time Daytona 500 champion. That influence, however, isn’t limited to motorsports. French luxury marque DS Automobiles has just unveiled the Taylor Made N°4 Concept, a design study that draws heavily from the aesthetics and culture of video games.
For context, DS Automobiles is a Stellantis subsidiary that was previously under the Citroën umbrella. The N°4 – pronounced “number four” – is a premium compact hatchback positioned against rivals such as the BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. None of these models is currently offered in the United States, where consumer demand continues to favor larger vehicles like the Ford F-150. Nevertheless, the new concept demonstrates that creativity in automotive design has no limits, drawing inspiration well beyond traditional luxury-car norms.
Design Freedom Without Market Pressure
The Taylor Made N°4 Concept was completed by the DS Design Studio in collaboration with Taylor Barnard, a young Formula E driver who openly describes himself as a “hardcore gamer,” citing titles such as Fortnite, Rocket League, and Call of Duty. Barnard recently joined the DS Penske team this season, following a stint with McLaren.
One of the concept’s most striking elements is its reinterpretation of titanium, including a finish known as Craft Titanium. This material replaces traditional carbon fiber in aerodynamic components such as the front splitter and air vents, giving the car a distinctive visual identity compared with most performance-oriented models.
The vehicle also features “Light Gold” accents, a signature of the DS Performance Line. Additional personalization includes Barnard’s racing number 77, an N°4 script on the nose, and purple highlights – his favorite color.
No powertrain specifications for the concept were released. However, the production N°4 is available with hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrain options.
“I dreamt it up, DS Automobiles made it. The N°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 honored,” Barnard said in a press release.
Design That Lives Online
The Taylor Made N°4 Concept made its public debut at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9, displayed alongside Barnard’s DS E-TENSE FE25 Formula E single-seater. Those unable to attend in person will still be able to experience the car digitally, as it is set to debut later this year in Driving Empire on Roblox.
For U.S. buyers, the closest Stellantis alternative in terms of size is the Fiat 500e, which ranks among the smallest cars sold in the country, alongside models such as the Mini Cooper and the Mazda Miata.
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