Probably we can all agree that some ‘drop-in’ EV conversions seem like sacrilege. Replacing a thoroughly upstanding (epic, even) petrol engine with a battery-electric powertrain always leaves a bad taste in the mouth. But how about when said combustion motor is decidedly less than good? Can we learn to love a classic car that might actually benefit, practically and spiritually, from the much sleeker performance you get from moving electrons about the place?
Well, if any car tests that theory, it’s the DMC-12. John DeLorean might have conceived his sports car as a cutting-edge prospect, but it was famously mundane to drive - thanks in no small part to the French-built V6 that was no sledgehammer before its maker strangled it to satisfy contemporary US emissions standards. Needless to say, the stainless steel-bodied, gullwing door-equipped coupe became famous anyway thanks to a you-couldn’t-make-it-up backstory and Hollywood’s help.
Who could forget Marty McFly’s incredulous expression when he finds out that Doc Brown has made a time machine, ‘out of a DeLorean’? Next to James Bond’s fleet of Astons and the Bandit’s Trans-Am and Bullitt’s Mustang, it easily qualifies as one of the most famous - and recognisable - movie cars. But with just 130hp and famously patchy build quality, you wouldn’t necessarily want to own one.
But what about if the sucker was nuclear? Electrogenic cannot supply the Mr Fusion conversion, but for a fee it will drop in 43kWh of OEM-grade batteries where the fuel tank was, and above a new 160kW motor in the rear. Not exactly a fire-breather in electric terms, you might think (correctly), but the tuner reckons that 310nm of instantaneous torque - and a modest 40kg weight penalty - makes for a sub 5 second 0-60mph time. As standard, the DMC-12 is claimed to have taken more than 10.
Additionally, because the proprietary powertrain requires no cutting of the original structure, Electrogenic insists that it’s entirely reversible. It’s hard to imagine any DeLorean owner quibbling with the improved rear-drive performance - which is subdivided into selectable drive modes, including launch control - although you’ll need to make your peace with around 150 miles of range. The firm reckons a CCS rapid charger will brim the battery in about an hour.
“We’re delighted with the results of our ‘plug and play’ DeLorean EV conversion package; it transforms the DMC-12 from an American cruiser into a true sports car, with performance that perfectly matches its timeless space-age visuals,” said Steve Drummond, Electrogenic’s CEO. “I can also attest that the car’s original, Lotus-engineered, suspension is more than up to the task of handling the new-found torque; the car is fabulous to drive.” Certainly it looks fabulous, although the Oxfordshire-based firm doesn’t reveal how much it cost to convert the first production car. We’re guessing lots. An impending go ought to tell us if it was worth all the effort.
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