Skip to main content

Great Scott! Production of the iconic DeLorean will kick off again in 2017

DeLorean DMC-12
Ronan Glon/Digital Trends
Currently, enthusiasts who want to put a DeLorean DMC-12 in their garage need to either track down one of the roughly 8,000 examples built in Northern Ireland during the early 1980s, or apply the lessons learned from Back to the Future and travel through time. Next year, collectors will be able to conveniently buy a brand new one from a company based in Humble, Texas.

In 1997, the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) bought the parts and the tooling required to build the DMC-12 from the defunct DeLorean Motor Company that originally designed the car, and it has been selling like-new examples rebuilt from the ground up ever since. The company’s business model took an unexpected turn last month when the federal government passed a law that allows small automakers who build replicas of classic cars to sell complete, turn-key models instead of offering kits that buyers need to assemble themselves. For DMC, it’s the perfect opportunity to capitalize on its massive stock of spare parts.

The original DMC-12 shipped with an anemic 2.8-liter PRV V6 engine that made about 130 horsepower. DMC is running out of engines to rebuild, so it’s talking to two suppliers — including General Motors — about installing a modern V6 behind the coupe’s passenger compartment. Technical details haven’t been finalized yet, but the new DMC-12 is expected to offer anywhere between 350 and 400 horsepower. The cars will also ship with upgraded brakes to cope with the generous bump in power, and they’ll ride on bigger alloy wheels.

DMC also plans on updating the interior with modern technology. However, the boxy, Giugiaro-penned design of the original DMC-12 (pictured) will remain unchanged, meaning the new model will retain the four old-school square headlights, the stainless steel body, and the funky gullwing doors.

Automobile Magazine reports that DMC will start production in early 2017 if the low-volume replica manufacturing law comes into effect in a timely manner. Production will be limited to 325 examples annually, the limit set by the aforementioned law, and pricing will start at under $100,000 — great Scott! — before options are factored in. If that’s too much, the company will continue selling restored examples for approximately $50,000.

Editors' Recommendations

Ronan Glon
Ronan Glon is an American automotive and tech journalist based in southern France. As a long-time contributor to Digital…
There’s a huge Black Friday sale on Thule roof cargo boxes
thule rooftop cargo boxes deals amazon november 2023 box on car

It's almost winter, which means snowy day trips and skiing, and if you pack your whole family inside one vehicle, it can be difficult to get the rest of your critical belongings (such as bikes and kayaks) to your destination. In theory, you could buy a larger car. Many families get a minivan for the explicit purpose of relieving this kind of pressure. But that's pretty extreme when you could simply expand the storage space of your current car. And with Black Friday sales like this one, putting dozens of Thule rooftop cargo boxes on big discounts, now is a good time to consider doing so. We're seeing deals were you could save $100 (or even more) or Thule rooftop cargo boxes and accessories. Just tap the button below to access the curated collection, then keep reading for our take in how to shop the sale.

Why you should shop the Thule rooftop cargo box sale
One of the first things we want you to know before you shop the Thule collection is some features that aren't immediately apparent just by looking at the cargo boxes. For example, you may be highly concerned about driving off and having your belongings (including embarrassing items like underwear) go everywhere because the box flies open. Thule boxes, however, typically snap shut with an audible click. You know your items are secure. Alternatively, items like their

Read more
Honda recalls more than 300,000 vehicles over seat belt safety issue
2015 Honda Accord Sport

Honda has recalled more than 300,000 of its 2023-2024 HR-Vs and Accords over a safety issue, according to a document posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The issue concerns a missing seat belt part, which means that in the event of a crash, the belt “will not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury,” the NHTSA said.

Read more
How to watch Tesla’s Cybertruck delivery event today
Tesla's Cybertruck.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk behind the wheel of a Cybertruck. Tesla

It’s been a long time coming, but Tesla is about to deliver the Cybertruck to its first customers.

Read more