This DeLorean is now equipped with a supercar's V8 engine and is finally prepared to unleash its power | Carscoops

      This DeLorean build replaces its original engine with a V8, featuring upgraded suspension and brakes, and is now prepared for its initial true drive.

      July 4, 2025 at 14:20

      by Stephen Rivers

      The DeLorean has replaced its original Renault-sourced V6 with a 453-hp Ferrari V8. It made its first appearance at the 2024 SEMA Show but has only just been made ready to drive. The backbone chassis has been reinforced to accommodate the additional power while minimizing flex.

      There’s no denying the DeLorean's unique appeal. Whether it’s due to movie fame or its distinctive design, the DMC DeLorean stands out as a remarkable vehicle. However, the stock Renault-derived powertrain is far less impressive. The original V6 is notorious for being lackluster and fails to deliver the performance that its aesthetic suggests.

      To address this shortcoming, the aftermarket community stepped in. One team enhanced the DeLorean's performance by integrating a powerful Ferrari V8. After months of custom fabrication and troubleshooting, the car is finally primed for its inaugural drive to an event, under its own power.

      Performance Meets Preservation

      FuelTech sponsored this project and successfully salvaged two key components: the DeLorean itself, which was without an engine, and the Italian V8 that previously powered a (now totaled) 2012 California. The engine has a displacement of 4.3 liters and produces 453 hp (337 kW). To manage this power, the builder installed a six-speed manual transmission from a Porsche 911.

      The team also enhanced the suspension using KW coilovers, replaced bushings throughout, and included aluminum control arms. While the wheels are larger than the original, they retain the classic appearance, and bigger brakes have been added to ensure effective stopping power when the car is pushed hard. Toyo R888 tires provide exceptional grip. All these upgrades are essential, given the DeLorean's significant issue: chassis stiffness.

      Backbone Under Pressure

      Unlike modern ladder or box-style chassis, this vehicle is built on a backbone chassis, making it susceptible to flexing. This was already a concern with the original V6, so one can only imagine the stress it now faces with the much more powerful Ferrari V8 installed.

      Nevertheless, these modifications have made the car more capable of handling the forces involved, allowing it to undertake its first drive.

      That drive was to an event called Caffeine and Octane in Atlanta, Georgia, a well-known gathering. Sometimes it's recognized for the activities that occur before and after, and other times for the remarkable creations that are displayed. In this instance, the attendees appeared thrilled to witness such a sophisticated build up close.

      When the car first appeared at the SEMA show last year, it was not quite prepared for the challenges captured in the video below. Here’s to another extraordinary machine on the road for everyone to admire.