DeLorean Looks to Revive Iconic Brand With Corvette-Based Sports Car
DeLorean is back, and this time, it's building a new sports car with Corvette bones.
Coming Back
DeLorean Motor Company was founded back in 1975, but as is the case with most upstart automotive manufacturers, didn't stick around for too long. After skyrocketing to fame with its unique, futuristic gullwing sports car touting a stainless steel body - thanks in large part to its appearance in the hit film Back to the Future - DeLorean wound up going bankrupt in 1982. However, that legacy is set to live on again in the form of a new Corvette-based sports car from a company now known as DeLorean Next Generation Motors (DNG).
Photos: DNG Motors
Ironic Ties
This new sports car - which the company says will be "accessible" and not just some super limited, super expensive exotic - is based on the C8 Corvette, though it hasn't yet given this special machine a name. That fact alone is a bit ironic given the fact that DeLorean's founder - John Z. DeLorean - worked alongside Zora Arkus-Duntov at GM as he attempted to convince brass to let him make the switch to a mid-engine format in the Corvette.
Photos: DNG Motors
Like Father, Like Daughter
This project is in its infancy, but the plan is to remove the body of the Corvette and replace it with DeLorean's own bespoke panels, which will feature a gullwing design just like the DMC-12 that inspired it. The idea here is to pay homage to John Z's vision - which never quite became reality - fitting since DNG Motors is being led by his daughter, Kathryn DeLorean.
Photos: DNG Motors
From the Future
Thus, for now, at least, even the design of the new DeLorean hasn't been finalized, though these latest renderings give us a pretty good idea of what to expect. The new model is low-slung and quite futuristic in scope, and perhaps more importantly, it doesn't look anything like the C8 Corvette that's underneath those body panels.
Photos: DNG Motors
More Power
DNG Motors is planning to give its new model a bit of a performance boost, but for now, the company hasn't ironed out those details yet, either. We do know that it will work with a number of aftermarket companies to coax more power out of the Corvette's LT2 V8, however.
Photos: DNG Motors
Finding a Way
“I needed to find a way to build an affordable car for the DeLorean community,” DeLorean told Hagerty in a recent interview. “They’ll be heartbroken forever if I don’t give them something.” The new sports car “allows me to finish my dad’s story. I’m building him his dream car,” she added.
Photos: DNG Motors
Two Pronged Approach
As far as how much the new DeLorean will cost or how many will be produced, well, that much remains a mystery for now as well. However, the company is supporting its efforts with a $125k+ vehicle called the Model JZD, which is limited to just 42 units and should help keep the more accessible, mainstream model within the reach of the rest of us.
Photos: DNG Motors
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