25th Feb 2003, 06:32

Hi.

Wasn't the Delorean mainly designed by Lotus and Built in the republic of Ireland?

I also seem to remember that there was a gap of quite a few years between the design of the body & the actual building of the car, which could explain the fact it looked a bit dated even when it came out.

23rd Nov 2003, 00:12

OMG dated? It STILL looks like it could be a 200,000 dollar car! As for having anything to do with Lotus, no. DeLorean used to work for GM and then quit and made his own company, yes they were built in Ireland.

23rd Nov 2003, 00:18

I just sent the last comment. As for GM having bad engines/drivetrain, what are you talking about! GM has WAY better engines/drive train than Ford or Chrysler, light years ahead. Ford has had its share of transmission problems and they can't seem to get their head gaskets to work! As for Chrysler, I have yet to see a FWD car come out of there I would even consider buying. Their transmissions are jokes, their engines are OK though. Chrysler's first attempt at FWD was alright (their K-cars, they were OK for reliability. But again, their engines had head gasket problems. Their second attempt, the mini-vans, were a terrible failure. The transmissions were just horrible.) GM's first attemp at FWD was a success, their X-body cars had amazing engines and transmissions (however the cars themselves sucked like most stuff churned out during the 1980s.) Ford's first FWDs were OK also, I believe it would be the Escort that was Ford's first FWD car. The engine/transmission were pretty good, but they were plagued by carburetor problems and many, many other small problems. IMO, GM has always had the best engines/drive train. Chrysler and Ford have proven this for me.

5th Dec 2003, 17:45

To the comment made above, YES, in fact, Lotus DID design the chassis and suspension for the DeLorean.

http://www.dmcnews.com/faq/h_lotus.htm

In fact, the styling of the car is very much like the Lotus Esprit. Coincidence? Well, the designer of the DeLorean was also the designer of the Esprit.

http://www.dmcnews.com/faq/h_style.htm

In fact, one could say that the DeLorean is a safe, reliable Lotus. Now, there's a phrase you don't hear every day. :-)

Seriously: good handling, good styling, relatively inexpensive, but not very fast... how Lotus-esque.

As to the power issue, DMC-Houston has a performance upgrade for a reasonable cost using your stock engine (or a crate PRV6) that gets 197 hp and 193 lb-ft, which while not spectacular, puts it far ahead of the Corvettes of the era, especially considering the Delorean's 2700 curb weight.

I don't own a DeLorean myself -- yet -- but I plan to purchase one as soon as I graduate...

30th Jan 2004, 18:39

Original owner since 1983. What can you say BAD about this incredible design that is still stylish today (2004)? Look at ANY other 1983 car and tell me the same. Get together with a DeLorean club (there are many around the country). I have kept this car up for over 20 years, and have had my personal car up to 160 miles per hour. Granted, if you buy one now - you can expect to pay $25K for it, so if you buy one for $10K, expect to pay $15K to get it right... $15K, pay $10K, etc. Guys, this is the CLASSIC sports car, only 8583 were EVER made, and they will never return. Embrace it or sell it.

28th Mar 2004, 20:33

The Delorean was first conceived in 1978, the car wasn't built until 1981 due to lack of finances and John Delorean couldn't find anyone to style or build his car. Then he received an aid from the Irish government for 98 million dollars. The plant was built in Ulster, Ireland and from 1981 to 1982 the cars were built. After 1982, John was accused of drug trafficking. From that point cars were still produced just in smaller numbers in 1983. The engines were Peugeot, Renault, Volvo (PRV). NOT General Motors as that other guy claimed. As for performance, the car was designed by Lotus, along with the chassis. Due to the emissions, because the EPA sucks, the cars horsepower plummeted to a mere 136 hp. Frankly, 136 hp isn't going to move a 2800 pound car anywhere quickly. After Delorean was acquitted for drug trafficking, he attempted to open the factory again in South Africa, but with his previous failure, he was declined. Supposedly, Delorean is going to start up again with a new car based on the DMC-12. Hopefully this rumor is true.

14th Jul 2004, 15:49

Has anybody heard any more rumours about an all new DMC 12, or know any websites with further information. I am from the UK and I am very knowledgable with regards the car. A very commonly found conversion here is to fit the DMC 12 with a 3.0 24 valve Renault/Citroen/Volvo engine. This gives the Delorean 200+ BHP and with additions of Turbo charging can push 350bhp. This engine is a direct descendant if the original, in fact using the same block I believe. However, the thought of a brand new DMC 12 fitted with a Ford or Chev V8 is enough to make me melt. Please someone find out what is happening! Mark R

15th Aug 2004, 04:20

Buy German and I'm English, then your cars will handle, go fast and last forever.

11th Sep 2004, 05:37

Hi

I used to live in the U.K. and have owned in my time four Lotus cars, (built in Norfolk U.K.) and two Deloreans.

Lotus cars are a heap of junk, but fantastic to drive, - they are superb driving machines, but don't go too far in one. Delorean cars were partially designed by Colin Chapman, the ex-head of Lotus, - but the interest was, I think just monetary - with no love of that car.

If you are rich, and have the money for a second, spare car that goes, when you need to be somewhere, then buy a Delorean, (as a toy,- but always remember, that it is only a toy!)

-Eug.

26th Sep 2004, 18:45

Point of Order. The cars were made in Northern Ireland and the investment (or JD's habit) was heavily subsidised by the British taxpayer.

25th Oct 2004, 19:25

I've always wanted one...

12th Apr 2005, 10:02

Well, now that John Z has passed on, those rumors of reviving the car bearing his name will never be more than rumors.

Kind of sad that instead of being remembered for all his accomplishments at GM, he will instead be remembered more for this failed car venture and the embarrassing drug sting arrest...

23rd May 2005, 13:25

Yeah, those cars are slow. Bricklins are a much better looking gullwing car. The DMC is just junk, owned one for 3 years. It was fun, but then I got a Bricklin. Much faster, more attractive. I got more looks in the Bricklin than the DMC. Its too slow, too expensive. The DMC is less than a Bricklin.

23rd May 2005, 23:40

$10,000 in engine and transmission repairs? And you still want a Cadillac power train to make it into a real car? I am utterly amazed at the lengths people will go to for "style".

It appears that the conception of the this car was based upon a passion to build a gull-winged automobile and not much beyond that.

2nd Jun 2005, 07:37

Hi there.

I know that it's a long way for you, but www.delorean.co.uk offer a 400+bhp engine conversion, along with all sorts of other nice things for the DeLorean.

Check it out.

Way to go for buying such a cool car by the way!