An electrified DeLorean DMC-12 is to be one of the star cars at Salon Privé 2024 after internationally renowned EV technology company Electrogenic confirmed its attendance at the world-famous Blenheim Palace summer season spectacular.
The iconic hero car of the Back to the Future films “now finally has the sporting performance its futuristic shape always deserved,” with Electrogenic’s custom ‘plug and play’ EV conversion kit transforming the 1980s supercar. It offers more than 150 miles of real-world electric motoring and can use the latest CCS rapid chargers for speedy top-ups.
The DeLorean DMC-12, the vision of former GM executive John DeLorean, was designed in partnership with Lotus, built in Belfast, and launched in mid-1981. Boasting dramatic wedge styling and crowd-pulling gullwing doors, the composite-construction car’s headline feature was its stainless-steel bodywork, guaranteed not to rot. The tech has stood the test of time; remarkably, three-quarters of the 9,000-plus DeLoreans built are still on the road.
The low-tech Renault V6 engine was always the weakest link of the DeLorean DMC-12. Strangled by catalysts to meet strict US emissions regulations, it produced just 130hp, meaning performance was infamously tepid.
Electrogenic’s drop-in conversion, which is fully reversible, replaces the lukewarm V6 engine with an electric motor producing nearly 220hp. This motor drives a fixed-ratio gearbox that drives the rear wheels. It has a 43kW battery pack, which is fitted in place of the fuel tank under the front luggage compartment and above the electric motor in the rear.
Performance is transformed. The petrol-powered DeLorean huffed and puffed to 60mph from rest in just over 10 seconds; the Electrogenic DMC-12 takes under 5 seconds. It is the first Electrogenic car to have launch control, too. There is instant torque and ample power reserves at any speed on the move. It also has adjustable regenerative braking and selectable drive profiles, from range-enhancing ‘Eco’ to ultra-sharp ‘Sport’.
Given its starring role in Back to the Future, the EV has fittingly futuristic extra features, too, including touchscreen Apple CarPlay and a bespoke virtual dashboard that displays drive modes, battery usage, and charge status. The air conditioning system has been enhanced, and the EV system has vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, so owners can charge a laptop, power a fridge, or even charge another car on the go.
AutoBrief Snippets
- Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 will electrify Salon Privé 2024
- ‘Plug and play’ kit finally gives a drivetrain to match Back to the Future star car’s sci-fi looks.
- Electric conversion halves the DeLorean’s 0-60mph time
- Guests will have a rare opportunity to inspect the electrified automotive icon up close
- Salon Privé 2024 at Blenheim Palace to be held on 28-31 August
- 19th year of Salon Privé in 2024: ‘The UK’s most exclusive automotive garden party’