Techeetah partner DS road tests its futuristic supercar in China

Under the sunny skies of Sanya last time out, DS Techeetah became the sixth different Formula E team to have a driver top the podium in the six races so far in this wildly unpredictable season.

And it couldn’t have been more perfectly timed – thanks to a scintillating drive from reigning champion Jean-éric Vergne, the Chinese outfit was able to celebrate an ePrix victory on home soil.

The Frenchman’s win, combined with teammate Andre Lotterer’s fourth place, helped Techeetah climb into fourth place in the team standings and just two points off top spot.

Techeetah partner DS, which is sponsoring the Formula E team this season, has released its "dream" car the X E-TENSE.

Slated for a 2035 release, the all electric supercar has been designed with two different engines, one for race tracks and one for road use.

It boasts a driverless mode which will allow the passenger to kick back inside the comfy 'cocoon.'

Tesla expect its electric supercar, the Roadster, to be ready as early as next year and claim in will be able to complete 620 miles per charge, while boasting a top speed of 250mph.

The Rimac C_TWO slightly edges the Roadster for speed, boasting a top speed of 258mph, but will do 403 miles in one charge.

Though not a supercar, Aston Martin's Lagonda expects to revolutionize road travel with its vast, luxurious interior. The manufacturer estimates production on its new range of luxury, low-emission vehicles will begin in 2021.

Techeetah partner DS releases X E-TENSE electric supercar concept

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READ: Jean-Eric Vergne ends pointless run with victory at Sanya ePrix

READ: How to drive a 225kph electric race car

Ahead of Saturday’s Rome ePrix, Techeetah will be hoping it can become the first team to win multiple races this season having secured a podium place at the same race last year.

Manufacturer DS, partner and sponsor of Techeetah this season, has also been hard at work away from the track.

And in keeping with Formula E’s message of sustainability, DS’s supercar of the future – the DS X E-TENSE – is now being test driven as the company targets a 2035 release.

DS are aiming for a 2035 release.

Last month, CNN Supercharged presenter Nicki Shields had the chance to drive the futuristic car around the Sanya track.

The unusual asymmetric, three-seat vehicle has been designed with two different engines, one for race tracks and one for road use.

When on the road, driverless mode can be selected and and the passenger can sit inside the car’s cosy-looking ‘cocoon,’ while drivers on the race track are exposed to the elements.

The car’s suspension has been engineered by DS Performance – the technical team behind the manufacturer’s Formula E programme – while the vehicle body is “capable of recovering its original form after an impact,” according to DS Automobiles.

Formula E 2018/19 —

The 2018/19 Formula E season proved to be a thriller, with the exciting new Gen2 cars boasting top speeds of 280km/h. Eight different drivers won the first eight races in a season that went down to the wire.

Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne became the first double champion in the sport's history, defending the title he won last season thanks to three race victories.

Robin Frijns won his second E-Prix of the season, storming to victory in the final race of 2018/19 in New York.

Former world champion Sebastian Buemi claimed his first victory of 2018/19 at the first of a double-header in New York.

Jean-Eric Vergne strengthened his grip on the title with his third victory of the season in Bern, extending his lead to 38 points at the top of the championship.

Berlin, race 10 —

An ecstatic Lucas Di Grassi celebrated in style after dominating the Berlin E-Prix to close the gap at the top of the drivers' championship.

Formula E finally got its first repeat winner of the season in race nine, as Jean-Eric Vergne led from pole to finish to secure his second victory of the season.

Dutch driver Robin Frijns claimed victory in Paris on the day his country celebrated its national King's Day. The Envision Virgin Racing man was the eighth different driver to win the eight races so far this season.

Mitch Evans victory at the Rome ePrix was Jaguar's first in motorsport since 1991. The Kiwi is the only driver to score points in the seven races so far this season.

Sanya, race six —

Jean-Eric Vergne put an end to a miserable run of form that saw him go pointless for three straight races by taking victory in Sanya, the first time the championship had visited the south China city

Hong Kong, race five —

Edoardo Mortara backed up his third place in Mexico by claiming top spot in Hong Kong, Venturi's first ever victory in Formula E. Sam Bird had initially crossed the line in first place but after a four-hour investigation, was demoted for smashing into the back of race leader Andre Lotterer.

Mexico City, race four —

Former world champion Lucas Di Grassi celebrates his victory at the Mexico ePrix, arguably the most thrilling race in the sport's five seasons. Race leader Pascal Wehrlein's battery died just meters from the line, allowing Di Grassi to swoop past on the inside and snatch victory.

Santiago, race three —

On a sweltering afternoon in Santiago, Chile -- the hottest ePrix in history -- Sam Bird stormed to victory at the Parque O'Higgins Circuit. After finishing third overall last season, the Briton will have hopes of coming out on top this time around.

Marrakesh, race two —

Jerome d'Ambrosio followed up his podium finish in Saudi Arabia with victory in Marrakesh -- his third in Formula E -- to take an early lead at the top of the championship.

Ad Diriyah, race one —

The season got off to a thrilling start in Ad Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, as Portuguese driver Antonio Felix da Costa edged out Jean-Eric Vergne and Jerome d'Ambrosio to claim the second Formula E win of his career.

The 2018/19 Formula E season

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Electrifying

If you can’t wait until 2035, production of Rimac’s slick C_Two is set to begin in 2020.

Rimac say their car will boast a 403-mile range and be capable of reaching a top speed of 258mph.

Rimac are expecting to start production as soon as next year.

Meanwhile, Tesla claim its Roadster – expected to be available as soon as next year – will have a range of 620 miles per charge.

A basic version will have a top speed of 250mph and be able to do 0-60mph in 1.9 seconds.

But a SpaceX upgrade will be available to buyers, featuring 10 small rockets that will increase top speed and acceleration.

Tesla are aiming for its Roadster to be able to complete 620 miles per charge.

Watch the video above to see DS X E-TENSE in action.