DeLorean to Come Back (Sorta) 263
Alcibaides writes "DeLorean Motor Company, a suburban Houston company that rebuilds DeLoreans, is laying plans to bring the car back into limited production. The last DeLorean rolled off the assembly line in Northern Ireland in 1982. But like Duran Duran, the Rubik's Cube and other Reagan-era icons, the car retains a following. Of the 9,000 built in 1981 and 1982, about 6,500 are still on the road, according to James Espey, vice president of DeLorean Motor."
Hopefully... (Score:4, Funny)
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Flux compensator? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Flux compensator? (Score:4, Funny)
Hopped-up-on-goof-balls-Jesus-On-a-pogo-stick-ch rist, I've been telling everyone that /. was a religion!
Proof!
Now, what does that make Neal and Taco?
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Re:Flux compensator? (Score:5, Funny)
Child molesters? Zing!
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Almost "whooshed" me. But, being Priests in the Church of the Slash might qualify. Are they Trekkies?
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Wow. This guy was a visionary! [trollaxor.com]
NTITE
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Obviously this never happens (Score:4, Funny)
One point twenty one gigawatts!
Re:Obviously this never happens (Score:5, Informative)
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Or, depending on who [answers.com] you ask [wikipedia.org], a perfectly acceptable, if unusual, pronunciation of gigawatts.
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DeLorean Car Show (Score:3, Informative)
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I guess I just don't get the single car model shows, maybe one has to be very dedicated to that model to even put up with it.
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Options (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Options (Score:5, Funny)
No, but I understand that there's a cocaine compartment.
Re:Options (Score:4, Funny)
I understand that there's a cocaine compartment
Yep. The owner's manual refers to it as the "blow hole".
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I hope they found out how.. (Score:4, Funny)
like the kit DeLoreans? they were steel. (Score:2)
there is something kind of awesome that 95% of the nostalgia about those cars is purely based on Back To The Future, and nothing to do with being obscure car junkies, or fans of their quirky history.
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Also cars those days had a little light or lights on the dash showing how economic you were driving. I believe it came on when the vacuum in the carburettor reached a certain v
Don't be so sure. (Score:3, Insightful)
The 1976-1985 Honda Accords (generation's 1 and 2) used a CVCC engine [wikipedia.org] which required no catalytic converter to meet California emissions circa the late 1990s. I'm not a US citizen and haven't had a chance to find out of these regulations changed, but there you have it. I still have a working 1984 Honda Accord
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If you're going to build new ones (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:If you're going to build new ones (Score:4, Informative)
The engine is underpowered for the car, but it is a nice driver.
Remember that the car started out lower and meaner--with better handling. Last minute changes due to federal crash regulations at the time changed the ride height and thus the handling characteristics.
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They just probably realized they have to fab new replacement parts, so they might as well make some extras and assemble cars while they're at it.
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The 1969 Trans Am had 320 bhp (according to the specs, anyway). Can't find its weight ATM, but it's bound to be nearer 2 tons than 1500 kg. Later versions had even lower power output.
Serendipity (Score:5, Funny)
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Um, actually, you just started the next one. Sorry to have to break the bad news to you.
Saw a discovery channel special. (Score:5, Informative)
They do quite well for themselves. Not really news though.
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Re:Saw a discovery channel special. (Score:5, Funny)
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Actually, in order to get federal approval to mass produce cars for sale in the United States, a car company is required to have a large stockpile of parts. That's so if it goes belly-up (as DeLorean did), people who own the cars are still able to get them repaired for a reasonable period of time. I think they're required to have enough parts to service the cars for five years.
It'
Seems there is need to update the design... (Score:2)
And such alternative fuels would certainly fit the "back to the future" evolution of the car.
I might just consider buying one if those things happened.
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So some people do actually read the articles then?
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that's neat (Score:2)
Is that a Delorean? (Score:2)
I say, Yea, shame Subaru stopped [edmunds.com] making them.
Well no I did not say that, but I'll be more witty next time.
Of course they're bringing it back! (Score:2, Funny)
Styling is the ONLY good thing about this car (Score:5, Insightful)
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Even if brought back, it's unlikely its styling would survive the major rehashing it would undergo to avoid offending the sensibilities of the modern automobile consumer.
What?
Many of "the modern automobile consumer" would buy a new vintage car in a heartbeat, with the exact same exterior styling it used to have. The only reason restored cars go for a lot of cash at auction is because there is no production line to produce them at lower costs.
The only reason the old-is-new-again idea works is because the car companies stay close to the old look. Cars that don't (Pontiac GTO for example) have not done so well.
And then there are all the safety considerations which would likely change the chassis in significant ways. No, whatever car is brought back, it won't be your father's DeLorean. That might be a good thing
Custom/Kit/Experimental/Historic cars are not regulated in the sa
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What, are you kidding? The people who would buy it are the kind that like the 80's styling. For me, at least, cars like the DeLorean, C4 Corvette, 1st-gen 300ZX, and 2nd-gen CRX had some of the coolest styling ever.
Will they still suck? (Score:2)
If you own one of the classics, you should either be comfortable with doing your own wrenching, or have the money to pay for regular mechanical work at a level far above that of a normal production car.
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I hear to make it more modern... (Score:3, Funny)
Put the right power source in! (Score:5, Interesting)
This guy put a Mazda 20B into his Delorean, twice the power of the stock V6, plus it's smooooooth. Instead of the same underpowered old engine, put an engine in that the car deserves.
Engines have changed a lot (Score:2)
According to Wikipedia, these are the specs:
2.8L V6, 170 HP (Europe), 130 HP (US). The engine was severely derated to meet emissions specs in the U.S. Back in that time period it was probably carbed - EFI didn't become common until later in the 80s, and once that was introduced it became easier and easier to meet emissions specs without compromising horse
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That rules! A RISC engine :-) I wish more sports cars came with Wankel RISC engines. The compact size and low weight would also make it easier to use in a hybrid. Imagine a hybrid Wankel turbo...
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how about retrofitting a delorean with an electric power plat a la the tesla?
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Not here in Canada. We've gone metric a long time ago. We no longer fear the gallon gulping engines.
A few facts from someone who had one (late 80's) (Score:5, Interesting)
Mobyy_6kl was basically right about the engine: The US saw a detuned version of the PVR 2.8L V6, though in US trim it's peak output was rated at 130hp (not 120) and ~165 lb-ft.
One important thing to realize is the state of automotive engineering at the time the DeLorean was sold. If you compare it to the cars being manufactured and sold today, things look very different.
While today's economy cars have engines as powerful as the DeLorean's; In 1982, there were only 4 car models being sold that were rated as having over 200 peak horsepower. Only 4. Today, virtually every family sedan has more power than that. DeLorean One now sells a tuned and upgraded version of the very same engine that puts out around 195 hp.
The build quality of "exotic" cars has drastically changed since the time of the DeLorean. For it's time, the quality, and fit-and-finish (of the later build cars especially) of the DeLorean were very good. If you ever go look at an exotic car from that era, say a Ferrari 308, look carefully at the interior and panels, check the gaps and how straight the lines and seams are. Examine the switchgear. The Ferrari of the time was not much better than a kit car, and can't compare the build quality of today's "exotics". We can thank very rapid technology and quality advancement, not to mention the Acura NSX for giving the rest of the industry a lesson on build quality and reliability.
The DeLorean was envisioned as more of a Luxury/Grand Touring coupe than a pure performance car. It also has its roots in a 1970's safety car design.
A lot of parts were sourced from other manufacturers, making service interesting and sometimes much less expensive than it otherwise would be. The 'backbone' the car sits on is from Lotus (Lotus Esprit) as well as the windshield. The brakes/pads were from the same company that was supplying Jaguar at the time. The A/C system was a GM/Delco unit, same as on some Cadillacs. And so on...
Though underpowered, the handling was good for the time, especially considering its 65/35 rear weight distribution (it was a true rear-engine car, not mid-engine). Lotus, whose engineering group is still doing chassis tuning for other car companies today, is responsible for the DeLoreans handling. Note the rear tires were larger than the fronts. Try tossing around a Fiero to see the difference the engineering makes. The brakes were pretty good for their time (pre ABS/Monster rotor size).
Build Quality and reliability increased with production (VIN) number. The first thousand or so cars had to be extensively re-worked when they arrived in the USA to fix manufacturing and design errors. Later cars were bolted together much, much better. And I do mean bolter. I swear that you could almost completely tear down a DeLorean with just a 10mm socket wrench. Also, there were about 2200 design changes (big and small) from the first car to the last one off the line. I know several late '81s that had over 100,000 miles put on them without needing excessive maintenance.
Most of the DeLoreans were 1981 models, with a few '82 and '83 models. The DeLorean plant shut down and restarted near the end. Early '81s had black interiors, and the rest had Grey (a big improvement IMHO). For the '82s and '83s you could get the Black interior as an option. It was a comfy car to ride in. I had passengers fall asleep on me several times.
None of the cars was ever painted at the factory. All painted cars were done aftermarket. The thick type 304 Stainless Steel panels had an epoxy coating and were designed to last at least 25 years. At the time of the DeLorean's design, most cars still regul
Re:A few facts from someone who had one (late 80's (Score:2, Informative)
1978 Porsche 911 Turbo (930) - 320 hp
1982 Porsche 928 - 220 hp
1982 Ferrari Mondial 8 - 205 hp
1982 Ferrari 308 - 240 hp
1982 Ferrari 512 BBi (Boxer) - 340 hp
1982 Lamborghini Countach - 375 hp
1982 Lamborghini Jalpa - 255 hp
1982 Jaguar XJS - 262 hp
1982 Aston Martin V8 Volante - 263 hp
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The quote of "only 4" cars is something I took from Car & Driver Magazine, and I am unsure how they may have qualified it.
Your list is very instructive though; all of those cars would be considered "exotics" (the Jag a little less so) and I do believe that some of them (the 512BBi and Jalpa for starters) were not available for sale in the US due primarily to emissions.
A little more research may be needed to be definitive, but I think the point I made is
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(I recently owned a 1995 BMW M5 Station Wagon, for example)
Tell me, are they really exempt from the Laws of Physics, I mean, impossible to crash? Can you also go faster than c? Can you go from 150mph to 0 in 6 feet on ice? Or am I missing something?
No exemption from the laws of physics, but a real blast to drive. I used to take mine out to the track when the local chapter of the car club would have a DE (Driver Education) event. Nothing like seeing a station wagon hold its own in a pack of M3s.
I am a
Remember I-ROC Z's? (Score:2)
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Jokes (Score:2, Funny)
DeLoreans are the only car to have snow tires mounted on all four wheels as standard equipment.
DeLoreans have chronic alignment problems. They always veer toward the white line.
The best fashion statement of the era was to own a DeLorean with license plates made by John himself.
Ba-dum-bah!
You forgot one (Score:2)
Drug Reference??? (Score:2)
The real question (Score:2)
How is the maintenance on one of these? (Score:2)
Trust me, as a car nut, I would LOVE a Delorian. It's a car I WANT to like
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The stainless panels were brushed *then* stamped. so basicly, if you get into an accident youll NEVER get that grain right ever again, so you paint it.
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Zoooooooom Whooooooosh!!!!!!
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This sucker is nuclear!
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But seriously, there are newer, better designed and better looking cars around now - even if they modernise it, it'll probably still handle like a top heavy single hulled boat.
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That said, I have conflicting memories of whether the Mr. Fusion provided power for the car to drive or if that came from gasoline. I vaguely remember the car running entirely out of power and being pushed into a driveway where Doc stuffed garbage into the Mr. Fusion, but I also remember gasoline in other scenes...maybe technology change between the 1st and 2nd movie?
Re:This sucker's electrical... (Score:4, Informative)
When Marty goes back to 1885 he's got Mr. Fusion, but they can't return to 1985 right away because he ripped a fuel line when he arrived-- so all the gasoline leaks out of the car and there's no way to replace it in 1885 Hill Valley.
Hence the whole 'stealing the train' bit.
~Philly
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There's one for sale in the Bremerton, WA area right now. It's fairly good condition. $24k.
I loved the styling. I hope they keep it, and even make the parts so they can be used on the older cars.
However, with the 6 cylinder in the original, it was underpowered. I'd like to see a nice V8 jammed under the hood as an option.
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Re:The car retains a following (Score:4, Interesting)
IIRC, only the US versions (which were probably the majority) were severely underpowered. The European ones weren't exactly speed demons either, but they had around 170 hp as opposed to the 120 hp in the American ones. 170 hp is actually a pretty good result for a 2.8l engine from the early 80s. Our '85 Ford Scorpio [wikipedia.org] had a 2.8l Cologne V6 [wikipedia.org] which produced around 150 hp. And for additional comparison, the Porsche 924 ranged from 110 hp in early US models to 170 in the '88 Turbo version. This power reduction, as well as softer and higher suspension (and the 85mph speedo [delorean.com]!) were appearantly a result of idiotic federal regulations at the time.
Still, more powere is (almost) never a bad idea though, so I'd love to see something more powerful in the new DMC.
Re:The car retains a following (Score:5, Funny)
Re:The car retains a following (Score:5, Funny)
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B.
Re:The car retains a following (Score:4, Informative)
Re:The car retains a following (Score:5, Informative)
(Rear engine, folks.)
Re:The car retains a following (Score:4, Informative)
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That is not what mid-engine means. Corvettes are mid-engined cars and have been for decades. Mid-engine to an engineer means the center of gravity is between the front and rear axles. Many shade-tree mechanics who want to build performance trucks build custom crossmembers and engine mounts to move the powertrain's center of gravity back to improve handling and acceleration characteristics. In marketing terms, "mid-engine" has become a colloquialism for rear-mounted engines, but cars such as the P
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The SLR McLaren is listed as a front mid-engine layout, just in case you want to see a(n almost) current car besides the 'Vette which is correctly listed as a mid-engine car.
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Even if it's in the rear, it's still a hood. That just means that the trunk is in the front.
NTITE
The car looked home-built (Score:4, Informative)
The OUTSIDE of the car looked awesome.
The inside of the car looked rather like it was home-made. Instead of the contoured flush-fitting panels that even cheap cars had back then, it was all square-cut panels. Granted they were covered in fair-quality leather, but the interior did look rather clunky.
And as others have mentioned, the US version had a lower-end engine. The guy told me that it would only go about 120 mph tops, which was surprising because (for what they cost new) I'd thought they were much faster than that.
~
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