This model was planned as a high-performance four-seater, with gullwing doors—and other models to follow. DeLorean returns to the future with a new EV concept that epitomizes the production model. It's a high-performance four-seater, with gullwing doors and a claimed 0-88mph in 4.35 seconds.
The company, founded by former General Motors executive John Z. DeLorean in the late 1970s, launched the original DeLorean DMC-12 in 1981. A true international car, it was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign fame, with engineering by Lotus Cars, and a V6 2, 8 liters from the Peugeot-Renault-Volvo consortium. It was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A total of 8,987 cars were assembled before the company went bankrupt.
At the time, automakers were dreaming of what would come next. The second model planned is a 2+2 passenger car—similar in configuration to the new concept, but more angular.
The original company was liquidated in 1983, but only a few years later the distinctive model became firmly ingrained in American pop culture due to its role as a time machine in the 1985 film “Back to the Future.” After the company's liquidation, Stephen Wynne, owner of DeLorean, created the business ancillary parts that, over time, acquired a brand name and significant spare part stock remaining.
Fast forward to the 21st century, and the DeLorean Motor Company is a Texas-based parts and restoration company.
It has long teased the next generation of DeLorean. And now, the countdown to production.
The Alpha5 concept looks quite modern, even futuristic, with a subtle design that borrows from several existing cars and might look like a good fit for Lucid Motors' portfolio. The company initially planned to build 9,351 cars, in line with the initial production of the DMC-12. But they announced in February 2023 that they would target 4,000 cars “due to supply chain constraints.” Pre-orders require an $88 membership fee and are managed through an NFT system, allowing buyers to sell and trade their reservations. The price has not been announced.
The Alpha5 will be followed by the Plasmatail, a “shooting-brake” version—like a square hatchback. The company has stated that the car will be followed by an SUV.
The competition: The latest wave of EV performance and nostalgia.
What it looks like: A cross between the Kia EV6, Nissan Z, and Porsche Taycan.
Price: $150,000+ (estimated)
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While the brand may have gained widespread recognition, DeLorean Motors essentially launched an entirely new car and automobile company. That's tough, as the company found out four decades ago.
Strangely, the design of this new car is not similar to the original. With the high-demand Tesla Cybertruck heading into production, it seems the market is ready for a nostalgic, angular, unpainted car from the DeLorean.
In contrast, the Alpha5 concept looks quite modern, even futuristic, with a subtle design that borrows from several existing cars and might look like a good fit for Lucid Motors' portfolio.
What happens next with the reborn car company and this new car may be more entertaining than the fourth entry in the “Back to the Future” film franchise.
Outside
DeLorean again uses the legendary ItalDesign to style it. The company has created stunning concepts and production designs for many car companies, including Alfa Romeo, Audi, Ferrari, Maserati, and Volkswagen.
Here, they made a four-passenger car that looks like a coupe. The big door opened like a seagull, lifting from the hinges on the roof. This should offer much better rear-seat access than a traditional coupe. The gullwing doors may just be a wonder for a concept car, not a production destination.
The silhouette is sleek, with attractive sculpting on the fenders and hood. The company claims it is highly aerodynamic, which should help with range and noise. The wheel is pushed far into the corner. The combination of being an electric car, without the need for a driveline tunnel penetrating the interior, and having a relatively long wheelbase, promises to increase cabin space.
The black rear pillars and roof remind us of the Nissan Z. When viewed from the rear, the fenders and horizontal lighting look like a pure supercar.
In the
The four-seat cabin has a clean, minimalist design. Even the controls on the steering wheel are without labels. There are some interesting knobs on the center console that lead to the cup holders. Rear seat space seems limited, with little room between the front and second row of seats.
What Drives It
Powertrain details only slightly outweigh claimed acceleration times. We assume the Alpha5 will have a flux capacitor and at least some electric motors. The company estimates the base performance model will sprint 0 to 60 mph in 2.99 seconds and hit its target 88 mph trip time in 4.35 seconds.
With a 100+ kWh battery, the estimated range is 300 miles.
To put that in perspective, those numbers outperform the Porsche Taycan. The Taycan 4S we tested went 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds, had a range of 227 miles, and used a 93 kWh battery. Of course, Porsche has its advantage because it is for sale.
