DeLorean is set for a comeback, replicas of the original DMC-12 to be produced in Texas.
In what can be described as a ‘back to the future’ move, DeLorean has announced that it'll commence production of the iconic DMC-12 spotscar. The Texas-based DeLorean Motor Company, which currently runs restoration services for the iconic gullwing sportscar, has confirmed that it will commence production from as early as 2017.
Rumors about DeLorean going back into production have been doing the rounds since 2008. Now though it’s been made official. The company’s decision to resurrect the DeLorean sportscar comes courtesy of a recently passed Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturer’s Act of 2015. This law allows small time manufacturers to produce replicas of cars that are 25 years old. Since the DMC-12 was only produced between 1981 and 1983, it will qualify without any hitch. Annual production has to be capped at 500 units though.
The law also states that the replica cars do not have to pass modern safety tests, although current environmental norms should be met. As a result, DeLorean will have to source a new and cleaner powertrain for the car from some other manufacturer – a V6 petrol with a rated power output of around 300-400bhp is speculated at the moment. The original DMC-12 came with a Renault-sourced V6 that was only good for 130bhp.
The company claims its inventory has millions of parts, including the fiberglass and stainless steel components of the original car, which can be used in the production of the new model. Besides that, the replicas will also come with improved electricals, modern electronics, larger 17-inch or 18-inch wheels, bigger brakes, power steering setup (missing in the original car) etc.
DeLorean Motor Company is planning to limit production of the new car to 300 units, annually, so that the spare parts supply is not affected (close to 6,500 original cars are still on the road). The new DeLorean DMC-12 is expected to be priced around $100,000 (approx. Rs 67 lakh).
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