The iconic DeLorean — everyone's favorite futuristic car from the past — is coming back, with a few tweaks — flux capacitor not included, of course.
The upcoming DeLorean EV is definitely more future than past, however, looking to build upon its icon status and promising to put a new spin on the '80s original by using an all-electric engine with a 100kWh battery pack.
The DeLorean Motor Company, or DMC, has, to date, only released one vehicle for consumers. That vehicle was known as the DMC-12 and was well-known for its striking, all-stainless steel body panels and gullwing doors.
The DMC-12 had a prominent role in the 1985 film. With a few modifications, including plutonium stolen from terrorists and the famous flux capacitor, Doc Brown transforms the car into a time machine.
Financial difficulties in the '80s all but sunk the company. Several concepts, including a bus, a 4x4, and a 4-seater sedan, were drafted, but none made it to assembly lines.
The upcoming DeLorean EV promises about 300 miles of range on a single charge of its 100kWh battery pack, and will go from zero to sixty in just under three seconds. It'll also go zero to 88 in 4.35 seconds. If you're a Back to the Future buff, you'll get this reference.
The original DMC-12 was very much a product of its time, with a boxy, brutalist look. The new DeLorean EV has the smooth lines of a modern sports car, but incorporates the stainless steel aesthetic of the original (and, of course, those famous gullwing doors).
Production will take place at DMC's facility in San Antonio in the coming years. While $175,000 is a steep price, it's only the starting price for the "base performance model," so a fully kitted-out DeLorean EV will likely sell for more.
DMC has released concept art of the car in order to build hype, but the real thing won't be seen by the public for another few months. It's set to make its formal debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance car show in August.
It's fascinating to see a company find new inspiration in a car that was first produced 40 years ago. It's worth noting that the modern incarnation of DMC is, apart from its name, a separate entity from the original company founded by John DeLorean.
$175,000 is out of most people's price range for a new ride, but the chance to drive around in a genuine DeLorean — and all the flux capacitor references that come with it — would be tempting indeed.
Be sure to let us know what you think in the comments!
h/t: DeLorean
