DeLorean DMC-12 (Reborn)
DeLorean’s rebirth is imminent, with the
Texas-based "DeLorean Motor Company" preparing to unveil an updated
DMC-12 for 2017.
The vehicle’s unique looks,
brushed stainless steel body and overall attributes that made it coveted will
remain unchanged, but the underpinnings will be upgraded with modern bits and
bobs, so that the car will be relevant and up to par with present-day demands.
Thanks to a low-volume manufacturing
bill approved by the federal government, the new company, which began
assembling and refurbishing DMC-12s from new/old stock and OEM parts using
existing VIN numbers, will build about 300 brand-new automobiles from the
supplies of spare parts the company still has on the shelves.
Furthermore, DMC met with potential
suppliers in order to replace or upgrade some elements of the original vehicle,
including the chassis, electrical system, front fender, engine, braking, and
wheels and tires.
The chassis, for instance, was
originally made from mild steel and coated with an epoxy to protect against
corrosion, but as the resin aged it became more brittle and crack, exposing the
metal to the elements. The improved solution would replace the original idea
with NOS chassis, electro-coated for corrosion protection and powder coated for
cosmetic appearance.
The DeLorean’s wheels will be replaced
as with 17-inch and 18-inch variants which will leave more space for an updated
braking system. A must-have feature, especially as the Texas-based company
plans to offer an engine that more than doubles the original 2.8-litre V6’s
power.
That means at least 260 HP, the company is looking at three possible suppliers (two
from the U.S. and one foreign), with the frontrunner being a
naturally-aspirated V6 which chugs out between 300 and 400 HP.
