Electric concept DeLorean Alpha5 from “Back to the Future”

The American company DeLorean Motor Company has unveiled its first original model — the Alpha5. The full debut will take place in August at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance (California, USA). However, in response to numerous requests from fans, the company has already revealed images and key specifications of the new car. At first glance, it is evident that the Alpha5 has inherited only some recognizable design elements from the iconic DMC-12 (famous from the "Back to the Future" saga), while in all other aspects, it is a completely different vehicle.

The historic company of John DeLorean, which shut down in 1982, has no connection to the new car: the founder himself passed away in 2005. However, in 1995, entrepreneur Stephen Wynne revived the brand in Texas, acquiring the trademark rights and focusing on restoring and selling original DeLorean DMC-12 cars. Later, he decided to go further and create a full-fledged successor to the legendary sports car.

Wynne's initial plan was to release a modernized DMC-12 coupe with an updated engine, but the project never materialized. Instead, a subsidiary company — DeLorean Motors Reimagined LLC — was established specifically for the new model. The design and engineering solutions were entrusted to the Italian studio ItalDesign, the same company that worked on the original DMC-12.

Inside the Alpha5, the unusual layout of the front panel draws attention: a separate digital instrument cluster and a large "tablet-style" touchscreen multimedia system, smoothly transitioning into the center console—similar to flagship Mercedes models. The rear row features two separate seats. Thanks to the absence of central pillars and the signature gull-wing doors, access to the back promises to be as convenient as possible. Meanwhile, the number of physical buttons is minimized.

In terms of dimensions, the DeLorean Alpha5 is significantly larger than its predecessor: length — 4,995 mm, width — 2,044 mm, height — 1,370 mm. The aerodynamic drag coefficient is just 0.23, which also sets the new model apart from the DMC-12. However, stylistic references to the legendary "DeLorean" have been preserved: distinctive rear window louvers, three-tiered rear lighting, and the signature silver body color reminiscent of the unpainted stainless steel cladding of the original.

The previous low-powered V6 has been replaced by a fully electric powertrain. So far, it is only known that it is being developed in the UK, with a high probability that Williams Advanced Engineering is involved, as the company has already collaborated with ItalDesign on electric vehicle projects.

The claimed specifications are impressive: the Alpha5 accelerates to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 3.4 seconds and has a top speed of 150 mph (241 km/h). The battery capacity exceeds 100 kWh, allowing for a range of over 483 km under the WLTP cycle. Additionally, the company has revealed a figure aimed at delighting "Back to the Future" fans: reaching a speed of 88 mph (142 km/h) takes 4.35 seconds—exactly the time the DeLorean needed in the movie to travel through time.

Mass production of the DeLorean Alpha5 will begin in Italy only in 2024, with just 88 units being produced (another reference to the legendary "88 mph" speed). In addition, the company’s plans include a coupe with a V8 engine, an electric sedan, and a hydrogen-powered crossover.