- DeLorean Motor Company is planning a new DMC-12 as early as next year
- Work can now begin thanks to the Low Volume Vehicle Manufacturers Act
- New DMC-12 will feature the same design as the previous model with modern components
The DeLorean DMC-12 is back and a new generation could arrive as early as next year. The iconic car’s rebirth is credited to the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act announced in 2015.
The act gives smaller automakers the right to build up to 325 cars without having to adhere to current safety regulations governing new vehicles. It’s under this act that DeLorean will be able to produce a small run of new DMC-12 models.
The implementation of the LVMVA stalled following the 2016 presidential election, but a recent lawsuit brought fourth by SEMA got the ball rolling again. The NHTSA was responsible for implementing the act but didn’t have a permanent administrator following the election of Donald Trump who could sign off on specific regulations for the act.
SEMA decided to act with a lawsuit asking the NTHSA to release these regulations which open the door for countless small manufacturers including DeLorean.
According to Hagerty, DMC has had plans for a new DMC-12 ready since 2016.
The company’s vice president James Espey says there are plans for a limited run of new DeLorean DMC-12 models which will pack modern technology into the car’s original design. And yes, it will be built with stainless steel and yes, it will have gullwing doors.
As Marty McFly learned as he tried to escape rocket launcher-wielding terrorists, the original DeLorean’s 130-horsepower engine was barely enough to outrun a T1 Volkswagen Type 2. Early reports suggest the new DeLorean DMC-12 could pack as much as 350 horsepower.
No word yet on production numbers, price or even exactly when the new DMC-12 will be available. But just the thought of a new, modern version of the car with the same design has us very excited.
[…] by /u/kaptnk [link] […]