DeLorean Might Finally Start Building New DMC-12s Soon
Back in 2016, the U.S.-based DeLorean Motor Company—owner of the DeLorean brand—announced it would build a limited run of "new" DMC-12s using new-old stock. The move was made possible by the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act of 2015, which allows small companies to build 325 cars per year that don't have to conform to modern federal safety regulations.
Obviously, that never happened. DeLorean put its plans on hold because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) failed to submit guidelines for the proposal, which was supposed to go into effect by December 2016. But thanks to a lawsuit from SEMA filed in October 2019, it seems the regulatory body has finally taken action.
As Hagerty has pointed out, NHSTA finally released a 120-page document outlining regulations for the new law. The insurance company spoke with DeLorean vice president James Espey, who said plans are finally underway to begin production of the "new" DMC-12.
These new DMC-12s will likely receive a modern engine making 300 to 350 horsepower, along with an upgraded interior with modern tech. It should cost around $100,000. Espey told Hagerty the company will likely produce one to two cars a week.
Of course, not everything is set in stone. Builders will have to wait for a 30-day comment period to end, then an Office of Management and Budget review, which could take six months, Espey told Hagerty. The outcome of the 2020 presidential election could also have an effect on how quickly the regulations become law.
As Hagerty points out, DeLorean wouldn't be the only company to benefit from the Low Volume Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Act. Other low-volume shops like Icon, Singer, and Superformance could use the new regulations to their advantage.
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