Car DeLorean DMC-12 It became one of the most recognizable symbols of pop culture of the XX century, largely thanks to the cult film Back to the Future. However, behind the glossy image of the time machine hides a real car with its unique engineering solutions and controversial technical indicators. Understanding the real characterization It is necessary not only for collectors, but also for anyone interested in the history of automotive design and mechanics.
This vehicle, released in the early 1980s, had a futuristic appearance for its time, which was radically different from conservative models of competitors. Stainless steel body, guillotine doors and low silhouette created the illusion of a super-technological car. In this article, we will look in detail at what exactly was hidden under the hood and how the technical parameters affected the behavior of the car on the road.
Many enthusiasts mistakenly believe that external revolutionaryness guaranteed outstanding dynamics. The reality is more complicated.. The engineering decisions of John DeLorian and his team were dictated not only by the desire to create a masterpiece, but also by the strict budgetary constraints and the need to comply with American safety standards of the time. Let’s dive into the technical depths of this legend.
Engine and power plant
Heart. DeLorean DMC-12 It was a V-shaped six-cylinder engine with a volume of 2.85 liters, developed by the French company. PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo). This unit, also known as the Zeiliter, was originally designed as a more economical and compact alternative to the traditional V8, which was critical for a cross-engine sports coupe. For the American market, the engine was equipped with mechanical fuel injection. Bosch K-JetronicThis provided stable but not outstanding work.
In the standard factory configuration, the power unit was only 130 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. Torque. It reached 205 Nm, which for a car with rear-wheel drive and significant weight was clearly not enough to create the effect of "pressing the seat." The engineers had to compromise: they sacrificed power for reliability and compliance with California’s environmental regulations, which were the most stringent in the world at the time.
⚠️ Warning: The PRV V6 engine is known for its sensitivity to fuel quality and the condition of the ignition system. The use of low-quality gasoline can lead to the rapid failure of expensive components of the fuel system.
There was also a turbocharged version of the engine developed by the company. Garrett. This option is known as turbo-DeloreanIt could develop power up to 200-210 horsepower. However, due to the company’s financial difficulties and difficulties with certification, the turbo version never entered mass production during the years of the original plant’s existence. Today, such cars are extremely rare and are valued by collectors for their weight in gold.
Dynamics and acceleration
When it comes to acceleration, DeLorean DMC-12 It is often the subject of jokes among motorists. The car weighing about 1230 kg (depending on the configuration and year of release) with an engine of 130 hp. I couldn’t boast of sports agility. Acceleration to 100 km / h took him about 10.5 seconds, which in the early 80s was considered an acceptable result for a conventional family sedan, but not for a car with a claim to a sports car.
The top speed was about 190 km/h (about 118 mph), but achieving this indicator required ideal road conditions and a long straight stretch. Aerodynamics of the body, despite the wedge shape, was not perfectly debugged: the drag coefficient was quite high due to the wide stern and design features of the bottom.
It is worth noting that many owners subsequently carried out engine tuning, installing more productive exhaust systems, reconfiguring the injector or changing the camshafts. Such improvements allowed to reduce the acceleration time to 8-9 seconds, which already made the car more competitive on modern roads. However, even in the runoff, Delorian was valued not for speed, but for uniqueness and style.
When evaluating the dynamics of DeLorian, remember that factory measurements were carried out on gasoline with an octane number other than the current one. Chip tuning or firmware replacement (if applicable to modified versions) can give a noticeable increase in power.
Transmission and drive
The choice of transmission was one of the key issues in the development DMC-12. Initially it was planned to use front-wheel drive, which would be revolutionary for the sports car of those years, but in the end, the engineers chose the classic scheme with a new model. rear-wheel-drive. This decision was driven by a desire to provide better weighting and more predictable cornering behavior, although the implementation proved to be not ideal.
Two types of transmissions were installed on the car: 5-speed manual transmission of production Renault (Model UN1) and 3-speed automatic Turbo-Hydramatic 350 from General Motors. Mechanics was highly respected by enthusiasts for being able to better control the thrust of the motor, which, as we remember, was not characterized by excess power. The automatic box, by contrast, has often been criticized for being “reflective” and for further reducing already modest dynamic performance.
The main gear had a gear ratio of 3.73:1 (for mechanics) or 3.07:1 (for automatic). This setup allowed to slightly compensate for the lack of torque at low revs, but made driving at high speeds less comfortable due to increased engine noise. Clutch. In the mechanical version was single-disc, dry, and required regular adjustment as the friction linings wear.
- 🚗 The Renault UN1 manual gearbox had a characteristic “cut” switching and required a clear operation of the clutch pedal.
- ⚙️ GM’s automatic transmission made it much easier to drive city traffic, but it shrouded about 10 to 15 percent of the engine’s power.
- 🔧 The driveshaft connected the engine and differential, and its condition directly affected the presence of vibrations when moving.
☑️ Transmission check
Suspension, brakes and handling
Chassis DeLorean DMC-12 It was designed with a view to comfort and safety, in the spirit of John DeLorian’s philosophy. In front, an independent suspension was used on double transverse levers with springs and a transverse stability stabilizer. An independent scheme was also used behind, but with a more complex lever geometry designed to compensate for the body rolls when cornering.
Brake system The car included disc mechanisms on all four wheels. The front brakes were ventilated, which ensured efficiency during repeated braking. However, the weight of the car and not the most perfect for the sports car brake setting were often the subject of criticism. The braking distance of 100 km/h was longer than that of competitors of the time, such as Porsche 911 or BMW E24.
⚠️ Caution: Brake calipers on the DeLoreans are prone to acidification, especially if the car has been idle for a long time. Before the first trip after a long break, be sure to check the free movement of the calipers pistons.
The handling of the machine is often described as "neutral" or even prone to understeering at the clutch limit. Wide tires (usually the 195/60 R14 or the 195/55 R15 in later versions) helped keep the road running, but the soft suspension settings did not allow aggressive cornering. For many owners, this was the reason for modernization: the installation of stiffer springs, polyurethane silent blocks and improved stabilizers.
Body features and materials
The most recognizable characteristic DeLorean DMC-12 It is a body made of stainless steel. John DeLorian insisted on using this material, considering it durable and not requiring painting. Sheets of stainless steel thickness of about 1 mm were attached to a fiberglass underbody, which, in turn, was mounted on a steel frame-back.
Stainless steel It is not subject to corrosion in the usual sense (rust), but it is easily scratched and crumpled. When hitting such a body is difficult to restore to the ideal state without replacing the panels. In addition, over time, the metal can tarnish, requiring polishing with special compositions to preserve shine. That is why many owners choose the option with body painting, although this reduces the collectible value of the “original” silver DeLorian.
Gull-wing doors are another business card of the model. They open upwards and have a complex system of pneumo- or hydrocompensators (torsion) that keep them in the open position. Door mechanism It requires regular lubrication and adjustment, as sagging can lead to distortion and difficulties with closing. In the cold season, owners are advised not to leave the car with the doors open for a long time to avoid deformation of the mechanisms.
Why wasn't the body painted from the factory?
Initially, it was planned that stainless steel itself would be the finishing coating. However, during the production process, it turned out that the metal has a different shade in different batches, and it had to be coated with a transparent varnish to unify the color.
Table of the main technical characteristics
For convenience of comparison and analysis, we will give a summary of the main parameters DeLorean DMC-12. These figures will help to make an objective idea of the capabilities of the car.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Engine. | V6, 2849 cm3 | PRV (Peugeot-Renault-Volvo) |
| Power | 130 hp @ 5500 rpm | European version up to 145 hp |
| Torque. | 205 Nm @ 2750 rpm | Available at low speeds |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 10.5 seconds | Depends on the state of the car. |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h | Limited by aerodynamics |
| Weight (loaded) | ~1230 kg | Depends on the configuration. |
Analyzing the table, you can see that the power-to-weight ratio is approximately 106 hp. per ton. By comparison, modern urban hatchbacks often have higher scores. However, uniqueness It is not in the dry numbers, but in the totality of design, history and emotions that it gives to the owner.
Fuel consumption and operating costs
Economics has never been a strong point. DeLorean DMC-12Especially given its modest power. The average fuel consumption in the combined cycle is about 13-15 liters per 100 km. With active driving or in urban traffic with frequent traffic jams, this figure can grow to 18-20 liters. For the early 80s, this was considered the norm for an engine of this volume, but today it makes you think about efficiency.
Car maintenance also requires attention and financial investment. Spare parts for PRV V6 They are becoming increasingly rare, although the owner community is actively engaged in the reproduction of worn-out parts. Special attention is required by the cooling system and electrician, which in machines of that period often suffers from the oxidation of contacts.
Owning a DeLorian is not just a transportation hobby, but a hobby that requires time and resources to maintain the technical condition of the legendary car.
⚠️ Note: When buying DeLorian, be sure to check the condition of the fiberglass subframe (fiberglass tub). Cracks in it can lead to serious problems with body geometry and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it true that the DeLorean can fly?
No, in reality. DeLorean DMC-12 Can't fly. This ability was given to the car exclusively in the cinematic universe of the movie Back to the Future thanks to the fictional device "stream drive" and modifications of Doc Brown. In reality, the car is firmly on four wheels.
How many DeLorean cars were produced?
During the existence of the original plant in Dunmalegith (Northern Ireland) from 1981 to 1983, about 9000 units were produced. DeLorean DMC-12. The exact number often varies from source to source, but most converge on a figure of just under 9,000.
Can I buy a new Delorian today?
No new cars have been produced since 1983. However, the company DeLorean Motor Company (Texas), which owns the rights to the brand and parts residues, offers remanufactured cars or assembled from original components that can legally be considered new depending on the laws of the country.
Why doesn't DeLorean have an emblem on the hood in front?
Actually, the logo. DMC It is present, but it is very minimalistic. In front, on the nose of the car, there are often no badges at all, since the design of the stainless steel body assumed maximum purity of the lines. The main logo was usually placed on the rear bumper or inside the cabin.