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1981 DeLorean DMC-12

DMC-12 image

The descriptions of the Classic Cars in the Directory were partly generated or supplemented with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). The content may occasionally not always be entirely accurate or factually correct despite careful checking.

The DeLorean DMC-12 1981 is an iconic sports car that is famous for its futuristic design and technical features. This vehicle is equipped with a rear-engine layout, and a fiberglass body with distinctive gull-wing doors that swing upwards, providing easy access to the cabin. The DeLorean DMC-12 was produced in only one model year - 1981 - and is best remembered for its role in the Back to the Future movies.

At the heart of the DeLorean DMC-12 lies a 2.9-liter, V6 engine that was developed in cooperation with Renault and Volvo. It is capable of producing up to 130 horsepower and accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 8.8 seconds. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission which allowed for precise and smooth shifting.

The DeLorean DMC-12 has a tubular steel frame, which is enclosed by a fiberglass body. This makes the car lightweight, but also quite durable. The wheels are 14-inch alloy, and the tires are upgraded radial tires which were introduced in the second model year. The suspension is a double-wishbone design with coil springs and shock absorbers. The rear suspension is mounted on the engine and gearbox - this is known as a transaxle arrangement, which is relatively uncommon in sports cars.

One of the most unique features of the DeLorean DMC-12 is its gull-wing doors, which open upwards instead of to the side like conventional doors. These doors provided easy access to the cabin, which was quite spacious for a sports car. The interior has an air of luxury with leather seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a classic instrument panel with a speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge. The car also has power windows and central locking.

The DeLorean DMC-12 was equipped with safety features that were ahead of their time. It has a 4-wheel disc brake system that provided exceptional stopping power, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) - another rare feature for a car of its time. The DeLorean DMC-12 was also the first production car to feature unpainted stainless steel body panels. The panels are highly durable, and will not rust or corrode over time, making the DeLorean DMC-12 one of the most unique and long-lasting sports cars built.

Overall, the DeLorean DMC-12 1981 is a vehicle that is famous for its unique styling and advanced technical features. From its gull-wing doors to its stainless steel body panels, the DeLorean DMC-12 was built to be a futuristic sports car that would stand the test of time. Its technical specs such as the V6 engine, transaxle rear suspension, and ABS system were all ahead of their time, making the DeLorean DMC-12 an innovative piece of automotive history.

Milestones

- DeLorean DMC-12 is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1981 - First production cars roll out of the factory in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland in January 1981 - The distinctive stainless steel body is shown to the public - The car is marketed as an innovative sports car with gull-wing doors and a futuristic design - The car features a rear-mounted V6 engine producing 130 horsepower - The DeLorean DMC-12 gets its first Hollywood movie break as the time machine in the hit movie 'Back to the Future' (1985) - Production ceases in late 1982 due to financial difficulties and only around 9,000 cars are ever produced - The DeLorean DMC-12's popularity and cult status grows steadily throughout the 1980s and 1990s as an iconic symbol of the era


Technical

- Engine: 2.85L PRV V6 petrol engine - Output: 130 hp @ 5,500 rpm - Torque: 153 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm - 0-60 mph time: 10.5 seconds - Top speed: 112 mph (180 km/h) - Transmission: 5-speed manual or optional 3-speed automatic - Brakes: Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes - Suspension: Independent suspension with front and rear sway bars - Steering: Rack-and-pinion steering - Wheels: 14-inch aluminum wheels with Goodyear NCT tires - Fuel tank capacity: 14.3 US gallons (11.9 imperial gallons) - Weight: 2,789 lbs (1,264 kg) - Dimensions: 168.3 in (427.5 cm) length, 70.9 in (180.1 cm) width, 44.9 in (114 cm) height - Doors: Gull-wing doors with gas-charged struts - Exterior: Stainless steel body panels - Interior: Leather seats with wool blend carpets and full instrumentation - Audio: AM/FM radio with cassette player and power antenna (optional) - Air conditioning: Optional factory-installed air conditioning (rarely ordered) - Production: Approximately 9,000 units produced from 1981-1983.

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