The whole new DeLorean Motor Company situation has been happening for a while. Production of “New” DMC-12s was supposed to start way back in 2017 but due to a delay in the Low Volume Manufacturers Act – an act that allows companies to build up to 325 examples of cars at least 25 years old – all of that has had to go on hold. Now, the act has finally be pushed through and the new DeLorean DMC-12 can finally go into production.

It’s a Different DeLorean Motor Company and a Different Car… Kind of

For the most part, the new DMC-12s will look every bit like the originals from the early 1980s (1981-1983, to be exact,) but there will be some impressive differences brought about by this limited-run production. On the outside, the only real difference will be the headlights – those have to be updated to comply with current safety regulations. And, let’s be honest, the headlights on the original DMC sucked. The good news is that it will still feature the stainless steel body and the cool top-hinged doors.

The interior will be largely the same as well, but word has it that all examples of the DMC-12 produced from this limited run will include a modern infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, heated and cooled seats, and probably even navigation. Expect to see modernized lights inside as well, but otherwise, it’ll be just like the original… but faster.

Reports indicate that the new DMC-12 will feature 350-horsepower engines, we’re presuming V-6 engines, that should help make up for how slow the original models were. For the record, the originals had just 130 horsepower, and let’s just say that Marty McFly’s maiden run up to 88 mph was accelerated to some degree. If you’ve ever driven an original DMC-12, you know they were the definition of a slow-moving turd on four wheels. We have no other specs for the car at this time, but reports from Hagerty claim that the new 350-horsepower engines will be EPA and CARB certified.

With all of this in mind, there are two caveats to mention. First off, production can’t start before the new regulation allowing production of 25-year-old cars is finalized by the government. Until then, it’s a waiting game. Right now, there’s a 30-day public comment period that’s followed by another review. It’s estimated that it’ll take a least six months for everything to be finalized and for production of the new DMC-12 to actually kick-off. The other caveat is that, despite the 325-example cap, DeLorean Motor Company doesn’t plan to produce that many, and will aim for one or two per week at most.

Disassembly of a DeLorean DMC-12