The first images of DeLorean Motor Company’s future electric vehicle, the Alpha5, have been released. The wedge-like supercar style, pair of enormous gullwing doors, and four seats are the key features, allowing it to exceed 88 MPH with two extra passengers or transport significantly more than 55 pounds of cocaine.
Last month, DeLorean previewed its future electric vehicle, promising a major presentation on August 18th. To be clear, it won’t be made by the original DeLorean, but by a Texas business that acquired the DeLorean name and spare parts rights.
The Alpha5 was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro’s ItalDesign company (which also created the first DeLorean), but no word on whether it would feature stainless steel panels like the original. It’s based on the “Medusa” concept developed by the original DeLorean company before it went bankrupt in 1982.
The DeLorean was planned to have four independent gullwing doors, but it appears that the company chose to go with two (perhaps wisely, given the intricacy of such doors). The Alpha5 has a passing resemblance to Tesla’s new Roadster from the front, with identical lines on the hood and trunk.
DeLorean is aiming for a 100kWh battery pack with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system to provide outstanding range. It will have a top speed of 155 MPH and will accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 2.99 seconds or (yes) 0-88 MPH in 4.35 seconds.
The DeLorean was, of course, made famous by the Back to the Future films. John DeLorean, the car’s developer, had a colourful past, having overseen the development of American muscle vehicles like as the Pontiac GTO in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1982, he was arrested and charged with cocaine trafficking, but he was found not guilty. The Alpha5 will be revealed to the entire public on the new DeLorean company’s website tomorrow morning.