Finally, DeLorean didn’t wait until August to show us its brand new electric car. The DeLorean Alpha5 will be a very exclusive model, a prelude to a more complete range.
The story of DeLorean was short, but embellished with touches of glamor and polar which marked the spirits. With of course a significant cinematographic participation for the only model of the mark. Ingredients that still make the name of the brand resonate and justify its rebirth today.
A nod to the past
A renaissance that will not take place in a neo-retro mode. The style of the new DeLorean Alpha5 is certainly signed like that of the DMC-12 by the ItalDesign studio (now without Giorgetto Giugiaro), but we will content ourselves with a few details to draw a parallel.
There are of course the butterfly doors. True Symbols of the DMC-12they come back here in an unusual length: the Alpha5 has 4 seats and not 2. The principle of these large doors has already been used by the Italian studio on 2 concepts: the DeVinci in 2019 and the Voyah i-Land in 2020.
More subtly, the rear lights evoke the geometric side of the lights of the DMC-12, also on 3 lines. As for the 18-spoke turbine rims, they are also reminiscent of the spoke pattern (45) of the original model. Finally, the rear window is replaced by shutters: very 80s.
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The angular lines, on the other hand, give way to curves which stretch over 4,995 mm in length and 2,044 mm in width. The height of 1,370 mm would place this model in the category of coupés (there are only 2 doors…) with 4 seats. The Cx of 0.23 is within the current standard for this type of vehicle.
On board, the screens are present, but the smaller central screen has been repositioned in the lower part and is limited to basic controls: audio, air conditioning, etc. The main screen is the one facing the driver.
Mechanics of the present
Of course, under this very modern plastic, there are undersides which also have nothing to do with the origins of the brand with the V6 PRV and Renault transmissions. The new generation of DeLorean will be electric.
We still do not know the power of the engines, but it is undoubtedly generous since the 0 to 100 km/h is accomplished in 2.99 seconds. Less usual measurement, but which is explained here, the 0 to 88 mph (142 km/h) will require 4.35 seconds and the maximum speed is limited to 250 km/h.
The 100 kWh battery provides a range of 483 km (cycle not specified).
Open door to the future
After a stint at Tesla, then at Karma, Joost de Vries bought the rights for the DeLorean brand. This Alpha5 is only the first stone of the building. The brand does not currently have a factory and it will be produced in Italy, probably directly by ItalDesign. Only 88 copies are planned with deliveries in 2024.
On the other hand, we are informed of other models. Including an electric sedan, a hydrogen SUV… and a V8 coupé! A very eclectic program.