Preview: DeLorean Unveils Alpha5 EV Concept With Futuristic Design

The model is planned as a high-performance four-seater, with gullwing doors, and a new design unlike its famous predecessor

By Jeff S. Bartlett

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. This Alpha5 concept has been unveiled online, with its public debut planned for Aug. 18 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show.

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, Ireland. A total of 8,987 cars were assembled, before the company went bankrupt.

At the time, the automaker was dreaming of what would come next. That planned second model would have been a 2+2 passenger car—akin to the configuration of this new concept, but more angular.

The original company was liquidated in 1983, but just a few years later the distinctive model became firmly entrenched in American pop culture due to its starring role as a time machine in the 1985 movie Back to the Future. In the wake of the company’s liquidation, Stephen Wynne, a DeLorean owner, created a supporting parts business that, over time, acquired the brand name and significant remaining parts stock.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and DeLorean Motor Company became a Texas-based parts and restoration company.

A DeLorean Alpha5 pictured with its gullwing doors open

Photo: DeLorean

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: $100,000+ (estimated)
On sale: Not revealed

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.

Large doors help make the Alpha5 look truly coupe-like.

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 of the upcoming 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”?

Inside

For now, there is no information about the interior.

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 0-60 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 0-60 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.

Top view shows how the gullwing doors hinge. Each is held up by two struts when open.

Photo: DeLorean

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