The Teslas: modern heirs of the revolutionary spirit of Citroën DS?

There are many things that drive one crazy in the world of automobiles, but nothing is as exasperating as seeing people compare electric cars to iconic classics. Just imagine! We find ourselves discussing Teslas, those high-tech metal pieces created in a California garage, and Citroën DSs, those design wonders that shone under the spotlight sixty years ago. You might as well compare a cactus to a lollipop, right? Yet, there are parallels and coincidences that are hard to ignore.

Tesla and Citroën DS: The Technological Revolution

On one side, there's the Citroën DS, this French masterpiece unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1955. At that time, the DS was a true UFO. With its hydropneumatic suspension, power steering, and even its semi-automatic gearbox, it did everything but cook your eggs! And on the other side, we have the Tesla, these electric cars with futuristic technologies that put the speed of sound to shame. In 2012, the Model S defied conventions by offering 400 km of range and a 0 to 100 km/h time in just 4.4 seconds. Yes, yes, all of this without a sound, just a sublime silence. A bit like a fine Scottish whisky sneaking behind your palate.

• Technical advancements of the DS:
• Hydropneumatic suspension
• Power steering
• Semi-automatic gearbox
• Innovations from Tesla:
• Remote software updates
• Autopilot
• 17-inch touchscreen

Avant-Garde Design and Technical Freedom

Cars have always reflected their era, and this game of mirrors is fascinating. One of the common traits of these two automotive monuments is the technical freedom enjoyed by their designers. At Citroën, engineers had free rein to develop the DS without worrying about the standards set by the industry's conventions of the time. This gave birth to a design that few dared to copy. On the other hand, Tesla's youth and the Silicon Valley atmosphere allowed these pioneers to break the chains of convention. A bit like a child in a candy store, they went beyond the possible!

In terms of design, both brands show unmatched boldness.

• Design features of the DS:
• Sleek and aerodynamic lines
• Innovative and ergonomic interior
• Design features of Tesla:
• Clean and futuristic design
• Technology-focused cabins

An Automotive Heritage and a Market Economy

The DS catered to a bourgeois elite, while the Teslas were initially reserved for those who wanted to ostentatiously display their love for sustainable mobility. With initially excessive prices, both models spawned a handful of enthusiasts eager to stand out. We remember the queues at the exit of the Grand Palais for the DS, just like the gasps of “wow” at the launch of the Model 3. An enchanting spectacle, blending financial interests and passion, in different but symphonic times.

• Historical prices of the models:
• DS 19: 930,000 francs in 1955 (around 80,000 euros today)
• Tesla Model S: Starting from 71,760 euros in France in 2013
• Model evolution:
• Citroën created simplified versions like the ID.19 to attract more customers.
• Tesla took a similar approach by launching price spacings with the Model 3.

The Critiques at the Heart of Passions

Passionate admirers of both brands, whether they own a French car or a Tesla, often clash in heated debates. While the DS had its detractors, the same goes for Elon Musk's electric cars, which face criticism and sarcasm from "purists" of driving. Who would have thought that behind an automobile could hide so many passions, rivalries, and tedious minds lounging in their Irish wheat field?

These enthusiasts often find themselves in conflict, particularly over:

• Build quality
• Marketing strategies
• Environmental impact

Stay Current or Look Back?

The DS models evolved over nearly 20 years, while Teslas appear more volatile, but their heritage on both sides is undeniable... A question keeps resurfacing: is Tesla's technological revolution the promise of tomorrow's automobile or a parenthesis in the history of the automobile? The DS was a prelude to a culture of design that was not successfully crowned after its decline, so what awaits Tesla's future? Who could say, as everyone is waiting to see which will revolutionize the automotive landscape once again?

Let us hope that neither the DS nor the Tesla are simply memories of the automobile in a nostalgic backdrop. Who knows? Maybe the cars of tomorrow will offer something more? In the meantime, let those who aspire to acquire one of these technological and design marvels join in the debate.

Source: www.automobile-propre.com

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