Iconic electrified DeLorean DMC-12 to star at Salon Privé 2024

An electrified DeLorean DMC-12 is to be one of the star cars at Salon Privé 2024 after internationally renowned EV technology company Electrogenic confirmed its attendance at the world-famous Blenheim Palace summer season spectacular.  

The iconic hero car of the Back to the Future films “now finally has the sporting performance its futuristic shape always deserved,” with Electrogenic’s custom ‘plug and play’ EV conversion kit transforming the 1980s supercar. It offers more than 150 miles of real-world electric motoring and can use the latest CCS rapid chargers for speedy top-ups.  

The DeLorean DMC-12, the vision of former GM executive John DeLorean, was designed in partnership with Lotus, built in Belfast, and launched in mid-1981. Boasting dramatic wedge styling and crowd-pulling gullwing doors, the composite-construction car’s headline feature was its stainless-steel bodywork, guaranteed not to rot. The tech has stood the test of time; remarkably, three-quarters of the 9,000-plus DeLoreans built are still on the road. 

The low-tech Renault V6 engine was always the weakest link of the DeLorean DMC-12. Strangled by catalysts to meet strict US emissions regulations, it produced just 130hp, meaning performance was infamously tepid.  

Electrogenic’s drop-in conversion, which is fully reversible, replaces the lukewarm V6 engine with an electric motor producing nearly 220hp. This motor drives a fixed-ratio gearbox that drives the rear wheels. It has a 43kW battery pack, which is fitted in place of the fuel tank under the front luggage compartment and above the electric motor in the rear. 

 Performance is transformed. The petrol-powered DeLorean huffed and puffed to 60mph from rest in just over 10 seconds; the Electrogenic DMC-12 takes under 5 seconds. It is the first Electrogenic car to have launch control, too. There is instant torque and ample power reserves at any speed on the move. It also has adjustable regenerative braking and selectable drive profiles, from range-enhancing ‘Eco’ to ultra-sharp ‘Sport’.  

Given its starring role in Back to the Future, the EV has fittingly futuristic extra features, too, including touchscreen Apple CarPlay and a bespoke virtual dashboard that displays drive modes, battery usage, and charge status. The air conditioning system has been enhanced, and the EV system has vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, so owners can charge a laptop, power a fridge, or even charge another car on the go. 

Electrogenic CEO Steve Drummond says the DeLorean DMC-12 is set to be a sure-fire star of Salon Privé 2024. “Our engineering team has been blown away by the response it gets from the public; it generates interest and excitement like nothing else. You’re constantly being stopped by DeLorean fans asking for pictures or wanting to take a closer look at the car. It’s clear that the DMC-12 holds a special place in the hearts of many.”

Salon Privé Director David Bagley said: “The world-famous DeLorean is always a huge draw, and this incredible development from Electrogenic creates arguably the finest DMC-12 ever. The engine was always its weakest link, so replacing it with a powerful, long-range electric drivetrain arguably turns it into the high-tech sci-fi car it should have been. 

“That Electrogenic is a British firm based just up the road from Blenheim Palace in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, makes its appearance at Salon Privé 2024 even more fitting. I can’t wait to see the reaction to this fantastic development, which our guests from the UK and internationally will find fascinating.” 

Salon Privé Week 2024

27 August – Salon Privé MotorAvia

28 August – Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients

29 August – Salon Privé Concours Awards presented by Aviva Private Clients

30 August – Salon Privé Style Friday presented by Boodles

31 August – Salon Privé Supercar Saturday and Club Trophy presented by Lockton

Tickets can be purchased via the website: www.salonpriveconcours.com