Skip advert
Advertisement

New DeLorean DMC-12 could enter production next year

The US company now in charge of the famous DeLorean nameplate could start production of its revamped DMC-12 as early as 2021

Back in 2016, the now US-owned DeLorean Motor Company announced it would build a limited number of “new” DMC-12s, using a combination of modern components and leftover stock from the car’s original production run. The project has remained dormant for the last four years, but recent legal developments could see the car enter production in 2021.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The campaign was originally triggered in response to a 2015 US law-change which covered low-volume vehicle manufacturing. Once finalised, the updated regulations will allow smaller American car manufacturers to produce and sell up to 325 replica vehicles per year which don’t need to conform to the latest US crash-safety regulations.

We drive the DeLorean for Back to the Future day

DeLorean’s project has remained on the back-burner since the law’s introduction in 2015, following the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) failure to submit a series of guidelines for the proposal. However, SEMA filed a lawsuit against the NHTSA in October 2019, which seems to have forced the American government’s hand.

In December of last year, the NHTSA released a document which outlined the regulations of the Low Volume Vehicle Manufacturing Act. Should the bill pass scrutiny by the US Office of Management and Budget – which could take up to six months – the refreshed DeLorean DMC-12 could enter production as early as next year.

The American-owned DeLorean Motor Company bought the assets and leftover panelling from the original Belfast factory in 1997. As such, each “new” DMC-12 will wear the same body as its 1980s siblings. Once operating at full capacity, DeLorean Motor Company aims to produce between one and two vehicles per week – and each example is expected to carry a price-tag of around $100,000 (roughly £76,000).

The 1980s DeLorean DMC-12 used a Renault-sourced 2.8-litre V6 petrol engine, which developed 130bhp and 207N of torque. The old engine is unlikely to make it into the updated variant, though – it is rumoured that the refreshed DeLorean will use a new 350bhp 3.5-litre V6 engine, although the source of the powertrain remains unknown.

DeLorean will also update the old DMC-12’s chassis, technology and interior, adding new suspension, better brakes, modern headlamps, cruise control, power steering and an air conditioning system that actually works – all of which should make the car more driveable on modern roads.

Would you pay £76,000 for an updated DeLorean DMC-12? Let us know in the comments section below… 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025