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| The DeLorean is making a comeback, this time as an EV |
The company was set up by businessman John DeLorean and thanks to a British government grant, production was set for Dunmurry in Northern Ireland. Production kicked off in 1981 at which time things started to go south...
At the DMC-12's launch, the US was facing one of its biggest slumps since the 1930's. Not only were sales slow in the DeLorean's key market but John DeLorean himself was accused of embezzling company funds. The FBI even accused him of plotting to smuggle cocaine into the US in return for cash to keep the company afloat. DeLorean was later acquitted of any wrongdoing. Even so, the writing was on the wall and production came to an end in 1982. A total of 9,000 units were built.
The car itself sported many design led features such as gull-wing doors. Unfortunately the driving experience was nothing to write home about. The engine was a rather humble Renault sourced 150bhp V6.
Fast forward to 2012 and rumours began circulating that production would kick start again, this time in Texas. Reports suggested that from 2013 customers would be able to buy a brand new DeLorean. This time though there was one big difference - the old petrol engine was due to be replaced with an electric motor. It seems even retro projects were getting in on the eco theme.
The planned DMC-EV was the work of Stephen Wynne, a long standing DeLorean fan who set up a specialist workshop to preserve the cars after moving to the United States many moons ago. He acquired the rights to the DeLorean name in 1995 and has had plans ever since to make new ones. He is a fan of electric vehicles, believing they will have a big part in the future of motoring, hence his decision to power the new model by electricity.
The DMC-EV was mooted to cost about £57,000 and was said to hit 60mph in about five seconds with a top speed of 120mph. Range was expected to be in the region of 100 miles with a charge time expected to take 15 hours. New DeLorean production will likely take place at DeLorean's new HQ in Houston, Texas.
I've never been a huge fan of the DeLorean although I can understand its cult appeal. I expect the new EV model would have appealed to a select number of customers who are not only fans of the original, but who also want an EV with sure-fire 80's appeal. It would certainly offer a chance to stand out against the expected popularity of Tesla's new Model-X, another gullwing sporting EV.
News of the DMC-12's revival has been rather quiet recently and their company website isn't clear on when new models will actually start production and indeed if it will sport an electric powertrain or if it will feature a petrol engine instead. A relaxation of US law concerning niche vehicle manufacturing is said to be in DeLorean's favour. The company is said to be in talks with a number of engine suppliers. At the time of writing, small scale production is due to commence in 2017.
We'll have to wait and see what happens with new DeLorean manufacturing. In the meantime share your memories and thoughts on DeLorean. Are you a fan? If so, are you pleased that it's due to come back from the dead?...