Automotive

Back to the Future DeLorean could be set for a comeback

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A new US law may make it possible for DeLorean to begin making cars again
A new US law may make it possible for DeLorean to begin making cars again
The Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act makes it easier for companies producing limited numbers of replica cars that produced 25 year ago or more to operate
DeLorean says that it has been working for some time to identify suppliers for engines and other parts with a view to restarting production in 2017
The original DeLorean DMC-12 went out of production in 1983
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A cult icon it may now be, but by the time DeLorean's DMC-12 appeared in the first Back to the Future movie, production of the car had already stopped and the company had gone into liquidation. In 2017, though, it may start rolling off the production line again.

The current DeLorean Motor Company was formed in 1995 and, like the original (though unrelated) firm, is US-based. As such, it is subject to regulation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In an update on its website, Delorean explains that up until recently the NHTSA had not adequately distinguished between companies producing millions of cars and smaller companies producing only a few.

"NHTSA's one-size-fits-all approach meant that these small companies were subject to the same regulations and paperwork burdens as the large automakers that mass-produce vehicles," the company writes.

It says the new Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act, however, passed in December last year, allows for a more liberal regulatory structure and one within which it can work. The act makes it easier for companies producing limited numbers of replicas of cars that were produced 25 years ago or more to operate.

DeLorean says that, in anticipation of the legislation, it has been working for some time to identify suppliers for engines and other parts with a view to restarting production in 2017. While the news is encouraging, it points out that it is still early days and any move to restart production will still face a "number of hurdles."

Source: DeLorean

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10 comments
Stephen N Russell
Will DeLorean update model or redo Interior & leave body as is? Love to see. Must subscribe to via driveclutch.com or maven.com & rent. I know BTOF fans would want to rent Delorean model alone. Produce more. Make an EV model with Tesla chassis battery & 4 wheel drive mode. Be awesome Delorean/Tesla for EV market.
BeWalt
Stephen Russell - Exactly what I thought when I read this. Even with the nicest gas engine, it won't quite cut it. As an electric, this would be fantastic. And, they should add a noise generator to make it sound like the time machine...
Daishi
I've seen this covered at a few places now and the first request everyone made is for an electric version. From what I read you wouldn't want one with the original motor anyway so even the gas replica will not use the original motor specs.
I think the original version used a 2.8L motor that made 130 HP and had a ~9 second 0-60.
Mclaren developed a 200kW (268 HP) 26kg (57 lb) electric motor for the Mclaren P1 that is used as a stand alone motor in Formula E and it's amazing. It's a shame that it probably costs a fortune. There are lots of EV conversion kits around but most of them come with motors that are heavy and low HP and more geared for industrial use it seems. AM Racing makes a AC motor (250-90) that's 210 HP/280 Lb Ft torque and about 150 lbs but it costs about $10k.
People roll their eyes when companies like Mclaren roll out $1.3 million supercars like the P1 but some of the technologies they create like a small lightweight 200+ HP electric motor have the potential to make waves through the lower priced EV market.
Bob
When Delorean went out of business, I nearly bought one of the last new ones as a collector car. That was until I found out what an under powered dog it was for the price. I loved the design but for $25,000 in the 1980s it didn't look like a good investment. The "Back to the future" movie made it a cult favorite but who knew? When I saw the movie I wondered how many miles downhill it had to go to reach 88 mph. Any new release will need a substantial horsepower upgrade. Something like the new 2.3 Mustang turbo would give good performance and fuel economy. Keeping the weight under 2800 pounds and the price under $60,000 would make it would be a winner.
Rigby5
Great design.
JweenyPwee
A stock DMC even with the mediocre motor could do 120mph rather easily (I own a stock 83).
The "new" one will have a NA V6 putting out around 360HP. Awesome.
And to those saying they should produce an EV version, it's understandable most people haven't looked at Delorean recently, because if they did, they'd know that DMC has been developing an EV version and even has a prototype or 2. They've been showing it off at auto shows for years. The DMC-EV is at least 5 years old by now.
They've also been undoing the "Oil Crisis era" EPA stranglehold on the stock motor, bringing it up to the intended 200HP it was supposed to have during production.
All the public knows about the Delorean is hype and myth, which is understandable. The car for most people only exists in lore.
If I had a dollar for every time a "car buff" at the gas station starts telling me about its "helicopter engine..." and "heavy silver body..."
It's a fiberglass body with a thin stainless steel skin and the car weighs less than a FRS/BRZ.
Tom Lee Mullins
I think that is really neat.
noteugene
Only question is why? One of the crappiest cars ever built & you want to do it again?
unklmurray
Noteugene,you are so very wrong....I personally would love to have one of the coolest cars ever built,you must be a youngster.. those of us who actually know what we are talking about,know the Delorean 2 B not just a "Back to the Future"movie car.....I got to frive one .....If I could afford one I'd buy it in a heartbeat!!And Yes an EV version would make it even KULER!!..LOL