Technology 3 min read

Back to the Future DeLorean Flying Car is Here

DeLorean DMC-12 replica | Grzegorz Czapski | Shutterstock.com

DeLorean DMC-12 replica | Grzegorz Czapski | Shutterstock.com

The DeLorean is making a comeback as a two-seat vertical takeoff and landing aircraft that could see daylight within a year.

Heavily described and used as a plot device in works of science fiction, flying cars have long marked the spirits without being able to materialize. In recent years, however, many serious projects have emerged and will eventually lead to functional prototypes.

This time, it is DeLorean’s turn (the mythical and short-lived carmaker) to propose its take on flying cars with an ambitious project.

Back to the Future fans, rejoice!

Flying #DeLorean in the works--prototype ready within a year.Click To Tweet

Back to the Future’s DeLorean

After a 17-year career at General Motors, John Zachary DeLorean (1925–2005), founded the DeLorean Motor Company in 1974.

The 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, commonly known as the DeLorean, was a sports car and the only model ever produced by the carmaker.

The following year, after about 9,000 DeLoreans were built, the DeLorean Motor Company filed for bankruptcy and closed its then state-of-the-art factory in Northern Ireland.

The last DeLorean was manufactured in December 1982.

The DeLorean owes much of its success to the film series “Back to the Future”. One of the hallmark scenes of these science fiction films, which has gained a popular cult following, occurs when Michael J. Fox uses the DeLorean to speed into a different space and time.

Since April of last year, the original “Back to the Future” DeLorean has been on exhibition for the public at the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Now, the DeLorean is coming back, but not in the way you think.

The DR-7, a Flying DeLorean for the Future

Who else dreamed of flying in a car while watching Back to the Future? I know I did!

Now DeLorean fans can rejoice more as reality should soon join fiction.

In 2012, Paul DeLorean, the nephew of John Z. DeLorean, founded DeLorean Aerospace, where he serves as CEO and chief designer, to fulfill his dream of creating a flying car.

DeLorean Aerospace is working on a prototype of a two-person VTOL aircraft, which should be operational by next year.

Of course, this is not the DMC-12, the famous 1981 model featured in the movie trilogy.

Called the DeLorean DR-7, this is a much more sophisticated and futuristic version, based on the design of the Formula 1 race cars.

This VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) vehicle will be powered by an all-electric engine, and ducted fans to propel the aircraft into the air.

An autonomous flight control system will enable the DR-7 to be flown with a minimal training and no license.

Equipped with four wings, the DR-7 is 20 feet long and 18.5 feet wide. So future owners may need a large garage.

Good luck finding a spot to park in the city!

When are you going to place your DR-7 preorder?

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Zayan Guedim

Trilingual poet, investigative journalist, and novelist. Zed loves tackling the big existential questions and all-things quantum.

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