DeLorean Horsepower
09-15-12 | 04:42 PM
#1
DeLorean Horsepower
Looked fast but only Peugeot–Renault–Volvo 2.8-liter V-6 producing just 130 hp.
1980–1981 DeLorean DMC-12
Because of the DeLorean's iconic starring role in Back to Future more than a quarter-century ago, it's still impossible to separate the image of the DMC-12 from the reality of its performance. But despite its pop culture superstardom and enduring appeal, the DeLorean was definitely not a quick car.
Sure, John Z. Delorean's American supercar was penned by famed Italian designer Giugiaro and wore flashy stainless-steel body panels and sexy gullwing doors. It's chassis showed promise too, as Delorean contracted Colin Chapman of Lotus to develop the suspension. But peer beneath the engine cover and you'll find the joint-venture Peugeot–Renault–Volvo 2.8-liter V-6 producing just 130 hp. Pretty anemic for a car that looked like the future and cost $25,000 at the time. In fact, in a 1981 Car and Driver comparison test, the Delorean was the slowest of the five sports cars tested.
1980–1981 DeLorean DMC-12
Because of the DeLorean's iconic starring role in Back to Future more than a quarter-century ago, it's still impossible to separate the image of the DMC-12 from the reality of its performance. But despite its pop culture superstardom and enduring appeal, the DeLorean was definitely not a quick car.
Sure, John Z. Delorean's American supercar was penned by famed Italian designer Giugiaro and wore flashy stainless-steel body panels and sexy gullwing doors. It's chassis showed promise too, as Delorean contracted Colin Chapman of Lotus to develop the suspension. But peer beneath the engine cover and you'll find the joint-venture Peugeot–Renault–Volvo 2.8-liter V-6 producing just 130 hp. Pretty anemic for a car that looked like the future and cost $25,000 at the time. In fact, in a 1981 Car and Driver comparison test, the Delorean was the slowest of the five sports cars tested.
09-15-12 | 05:07 PM
#4
0-60 in 10.5 seconds.
1/4 mile 18 seconds.
A Prius is quicker.
http://www.supercars.net/cars/414.html
1/4 mile 18 seconds.
A Prius is quicker.
http://www.supercars.net/cars/414.html
09-15-12 | 05:22 PM
#5
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,313
Likes: 141
From: Illinois
0-60 in 10.5 seconds.
1/4 mile 18 seconds.
A Prius is quicker.
http://www.supercars.net/cars/414.html
1/4 mile 18 seconds.
A Prius is quicker.
http://www.supercars.net/cars/414.html
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09-15-12 | 07:48 PM
#11
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 20,855
Likes: 3,107
From: Alberta
The DeLorean is the ultimate poser. Not only is the engine a dog, the stainless steel construction is largely cosmetic. The reasons Doc Brown selected the car according to him was because of the integrity of the stainless steel, but in reality it is just panels bolted to a flimsy sub frame.
