Preview: DeLorean Alpha5 EV Showcases a Futuristic Design
The model is planned as a high-performance four-seater, with gullwing doors—and with other models to follow
DeLorean is back to the future with an all-new concept EV that portends a production model. This is a high-performance four-seater, with gullwing doors and a claimed 0-88 mph in 4.35 seconds.
The company founded by former General Motors executive John Z. DeLorean in the late 1970s, launched the original DeLorean DMC-12 back in 1981. A true international car, it was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign fame, with engineering by Lotus Cars, and a 2.8-liter V6 from the Peugeot-Renault-Volvo consortium. And it was built in Belfast, Northern Ireland. A total of 8,987 cars were assembled before the company went bankrupt.
Photo: DeLorean Photo: DeLorean
It has long teased a next-generation DeLorean. And now, the countdown is on to production.
The Alpha5 concept looks quite modern, even futuristic, with a polished design that borrows from a few existing cars and might look at home in the Lucid Motors portfolio. The company initially planned to build 9,351 cars, a nod to the original DMC-12 production run. But it announced in February 2023 that it will instead target 4,000 cars "due to supply chain bottlenecks." Pre-orders require an $88 membership fee, and they are managed through an NFT system, allowing buyers to sell and trade their reservations. The price has not been announced.
The Alpha5 will be followed by the Plasmatail, a “shooting-brake” version—think squared-off hatchback. The company has stated that cars will be followed by an SUV.
What it competes with: Latest wave of performance EVs and nostalgia.
What it looks like: A cross between a Kia EV6, Nissan Z, and Porsche Taycan.
Price: $150,000+ (estimated)
On sale: Late 2024, at the earliest
CR's Take
Although the brand may have household recognition, DeLorean Motors is essentially launching an all-new car and car company. That is tough, as the company famously found out four decades ago.
It is curious that the design for this new car bears no resemblance to the original. With the high-demand Tesla Cybertruck moving toward production, it would seem that the market would be poised for a nostalgic, angular, unpainted car from DeLorean.
Instead, the Alpha5 concept looks quite modern, even futuristic, with a polished design that borrows from a few existing cars and might look at home in the Lucid Motors portfolio.
What happens next with this reborn car company and new car may be more entertaining than a fourth entry in the “Back to the Future” movie franchise.
Photo: DeLorean Photo: DeLorean
Outside
DeLorean turned again to legendary ItalDesign to pen the styling. This company has crafted stunning concept and production designs for many car companies, including Alfa Romeo, Audi, Ferrari, Maserati, and Volkswagen.
Here, they have crafted a four-passenger car that truly looks like a coupe. The massive doors open in a gullwing fashion, lifting upwards from a hinge on the roof. This should offer far better rear seat access than a traditional coupe. The gullwing doors may be just some magic for the concept car, rather than production intent.
The silhouette is sleek, with interesting sculpting on the fenders and hood. The company claims it is highly aerodynamic, which can help with range and noise. The wheels are pushed far out to the corners. The combination of being an electric car, without the need for a driveline tunnel running through the interior, and having a relatively long wheelbase, promises to bolster cabin space.
The rear pillar and black roof remind us of the Nissan Z. When viewed from the rear, those fenders and horizontal lighting look pure supercar. Very striking.
Ultimately, it is an attractive design, but does it stir nostalgic feelings for “DeLorean”?
Photo: DeLorean Photo: DeLorean
Inside
The four-seat cabin has a clean, minimalist design. Even the controls on the steering wheel are without labels. There are a couple interesting knobs on the center console that extend toward the cupholders. Rear seat room appears to be limited, with scant space between the front- and second-row seats.
Photo: DeLorean Photo: DeLorean
What Drives It
Powertrain details are scant beyond claimed acceleration times. We assume the Alpha5 will have a flux capacitor and at least a couple electric motors. The company estimates that the base performance model will run 0 to 60 mph in 2.99 seconds and reach the time-travel target of 88 mph in 4.35 seconds.
With a 100+ kWh battery, the estimated range is 300 miles.
For perspective, those figures edge out the Porsche Taycan. The Taycan 4S we tested went 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds, had a 227 mile range, and used a 93 kWh battery. Of course, the Porsche has the distinct advantage of being for sale.
Photo: DeLorean Photo: DeLorean
