The DeLorean DMC-12, immortalized by the “Back to the Future” trilogy, is making a dramatic return—not through time travel, but with a state-of-the-art electric conversion. UK-based Electrogenic, a company celebrated for its adept conversions of classic cars, has revitalized the DeLorean, seamlessly blending its iconic design with contemporary electric vehicle technology.
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From 1981 to Present Day
The DeLorean DMC-12, brainchild of automotive executive John DeLorean, is a car steeped in history and intrigue. Introduced in 1981, the DMC-12 was the only model ever produced by the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC). Its development was ambitious, marked by DeLorean’s vision to create a car that would break the mold of contemporary automotive design.
The car’s stainless steel body panels, designed by Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, and its gull-wing doors set it apart from anything else on the road, lending it a futuristic aesthetic that would later make it the perfect choice for a time-traveling machine.
Underneath its striking exterior, the DeLorean DMC-12 featured a rear-mounted V6 engine developed by Peugeot-Renault-Volvo (PRV). This powertrain, however, was often criticized for its lackluster performance, producing just 130 horsepower, which was insufficient for the car’s heavy frame.
Despite this, the DMC-12 offered a unique driving experience, with its rear-engine layout providing a distinctive feel compared to front-engine vehicles.
The DeLorean Motor Company’s journey was fraught with challenges. Financial difficulties plagued the company from the start, exacerbated by John DeLorean’s controversial and ultimately failed attempt to save the company through a highly publicized drug trafficking sting in 1982.
The legal battles and scandal that ensued led to the company’s bankruptcy in 1982, halting production after only about 9,000 units had been built. Despite its short-lived production run, the DMC-12’s unique design and the mystique surrounding its creator ensured that it would become a collector’s item and a symbol of automotive ambition gone awry.
After the collapse of DMC, the DeLorean’s legacy lived on through enthusiasts and collectors who appreciated the car’s distinctive features and the story behind its creation. Various attempts have been made over the years to revive the DeLorean brand, with varying degrees of success.
The car’s appearance in “Back to the Future” significantly boosted its cultural status, transforming it from an automotive curiosity into a pop culture icon. The film series not only cemented the DeLorean’s place in history but also sparked a resurgence of interest in the car, keeping it relevant long after production had ceased.
Electrogenic’s recent electric conversion of the DeLorean DMC-12 adds a new chapter to this storied history. By replacing the original PRV V6 engine with a modern electric powertrain, Electrogenic addresses the primary criticism of the original car—its underwhelming performance.
The electric motor’s instant torque provides the DMC-12 with the kind of acceleration that John DeLorean might have envisioned, while the 200-mile range ensures that it can handle modern driving demands.
This electric transformation not only pays homage to the original DeLorean but also aligns with the growing trend towards sustainable automotive technology. By breathing new life into the DMC-12, Electrogenic has ensured that this iconic car will continue to capture imaginations, bridging the gap between past and future.
The electric DeLorean stands as a testament to innovation, honoring John DeLorean’s ambitious vision while embracing the advancements of modern electric vehicle technology.
The DeLorean DMC-12’s enduring legacy owes much to its starring role in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, where it was ingeniously transformed into a time machine by the eccentric Dr. Emmett Brown, played by Christopher Lloyd.
The film series, beginning in 1985, showcased the DeLorean’s unique design, including its gull-wing doors and stainless steel body, captivating audiences worldwide. The car’s cinematic modifications, like the flux capacitor and the ability to travel through time at 88 miles per hour, became iconic elements of pop culture.
Electrogenic’s modern conversion honors this rich history, ensuring the DeLorean continues to capture imaginations, this time with an environmentally friendly twist.
A New Chapter for a Timeless Icon
Electrogenic’s conversion of the DeLorean DMC-12 is more than a nostalgic revival; it represents a significant stride in sustainable automotive innovation. The company, known for electrifying classics such as the Jaguar E-Type and the Triumph Stag, has now turned its expertise to the stainless-steel sports car that captivated the 1980s.
According to Jonathan Bryce of Autocar, the electric DeLorean retains the car’s original aesthetic charm while incorporating a modern powertrain. The transformation involves replacing the outdated V6 engine with a 150 kW electric motor, which significantly enhances both performance and efficiency.
Equipped with a 52 kWh battery pack, the DeLorean now boasts an estimated range of approximately 200 miles on a single charge—ample for a leisurely drive through memory lane or a daily commute.
Performance and Preservation in Harmony
Performance upgrades extend beyond the motor itself. The electric DeLorean features regenerative braking, a system that not only extends the vehicle’s range but also enhances drivability. Scooter Doll of Electrek notes that the conversion preserves the DeLorean’s distinctive rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, ensuring that the handling characteristics, cherished by aficionados, remain largely unchanged.
The immediate torque from the electric motor provides a substantial boost in acceleration, modernizing the DeLorean’s performance to meet current standards.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Electrogenic’s endeavor is more than a technical feat; it is a commitment to sustainability. By focusing on converting classic vehicles to electric power, the company addresses the rising demand for eco-friendly transportation options while maintaining the allure and heritage of these automotive legends.
This approach also contributes to the preservation of classic cars for future generations, preventing them from becoming mere museum pieces.
A Vision for the Future
The electric DeLorean by Electrogenic exemplifies the potential at the crossroads of classic car culture and modern electric technology. This conversion not only breathes new life into a beloved icon but also sets a new standard for enjoying classic vehicles in an age increasingly dominated by electric mobility.
Electrogenic’s pioneering work in the electric conversion sector promises a future where the past and present merge seamlessly on the roads.
Electrogenic’s electric DeLorean DMC-12 conversion is a masterful fusion of retro design and cutting-edge technology, offering a glimpse into a future where the legacy of classic cars is upheld through sustainable innovation. A project like this illuminates what is possible when we draw inspiration from the past to shape the future of automotive engineering.
Sources:
https://www.electrogenic.co.uk
https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/press/autocar-jonathan-bryce-delorean-dmc-12
https://www.electrogenic.co.uk/press/electrek-scooter-doll-delorean-dmc-12
Article Last Updated: July 1, 2024.
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Michael Kahn is the publisher of The Weekly Driver, serving as writer, photographer, and content creator. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for adventure, he specializes in uncovering the stories and experiences of automobile enthusiasts. Michael’s work is inspired by his love for off-the-beaten-path road trips, global exploration, and the pursuit of exceptional culinary experiences, all captured through the lens of a world traveler and automotive enthusiast.
