Sunstar write-up

["fivetwofive" <CBL302@xxxx>]

Sunstar write-up



Came across this while serfing the internet:

Here is a write-up by SunStar Toys (the company that makes the 
diecast 1/18 Delorean models) I really think that they wrote up a 
really nice write-up on our beloved Deloreans,judge for yourselves.
P.S.They even added a few extra Horsepower.

Claude
000570

History 
The DeLorean DMC-12 was made famous mostly by the "Back to the 
Future" movies where it starred as the "time machine". Exactly 8583 
DeLoreans were built in the factory in Belfast, Northern Ireland 
between the model years of 1981 and 1983. DeLoreans can only be 
described as unique or stunning. The car used methods and materials 
never thought of before and was told to be an "ethical sports car".

As mentioned earlier, Giorgette Giugiaro and Lotus did most of the 
design work, using the Lotus Elan chassis as the base for the car. 
But the Lotus chassis is about the extent of "normal" features on the 
DeLorean.

The body is made up of two parts, a fiberglass underbody insulated 
with a special type of foam for safety, and a #304 stainless steel 
skin covering the fiberglass. The stainless steel will never rust and 
is very similar to common kitchen cookware. The chassis was coated 
with a special enamel to prevent rusting also, but the coating was 
put on too thick at the factory resulting in cracking, allowing water 
to seep through. The most eye-catching part of the DeLorean, however, 
are the exotic gullwing doors. These doors used technology so 
sophisticated that it was also used on space shuttles and jet 
fighters. The 90 pound doors are self-opening care of pistons mounted 
underneath.

Originally, John DeLorean had planned to sell his new sports car for 
a sticker price of around $12,000 (hence the 12 in DMC-12), but 
production costs and various other details put the price at $25,000. 
However, he decided to stick with the original model name of DMC-12.

The DeLorean car didn't have the chance to be all John DeLorean 
wanted. Many things were cut from the original prototype to meet the 
deadline and production costs. Among the things left out were dual 
airbags, which is a shame because the DeLorean would have been the 
first production car to incorporate them. However, the DeLorean still 
faired very well in crash tests and was one of the safest vehicles of 
it's time, mostly do to the protective foam padding behind the 
fiberglass underbody.

The DeLorean DMC-12 was a very innovative and sophisticated car, 
including standard features that were uncommon in it's time such as 
power windows, mirrors, and door locks, rear engine design, and fuel 
injection. Despite it's limited production numbers, controversial 
creator, and cut corners, the DeLorean is undoubtebly a great sports 
car. There will never be another car quite like the DMC-12, even if 
plans are carried out for the release of the next generation 
DeLorean. It is a truly unique and interesting car that gathers more 
attention than any Ferrari, Lamborgini, Porsche or other exotic can 
ever dream of. 



Specifications 

Model DeLorean DMC12 (1979~82) 
Production 6,500 
Body Style Two-seater rear-engined sports coupe 
Construction Y-shaped chassis with stainless-steel body 
Engine 2850cc ohc V-6 
Power Output 145 bhp at 5,500 rpm 
Transmission Five-speed manual (optional three-speed auto) 
Suspension Independent with unequal length parallel arms and rear 
trailing arms 
Brakes Fours-wheel discs 
Maximum Speed 125 mph (201km/h) 
0 - 60 MPH (0 - 96 km/h) 9.6 sec 
0 - 100 MPH (0 - 161 km/h) 23.2 sec