The DeLorean DMC-12, forever etched in our hearts thanks to Back to the Future, always screamed “cool” with its 88mph time-travel lore, but it wasn’t exactly built for speed. That sharp, stainless-steel body looks like it could zip past a spaceship, but the original 130-horsepower PRV V6? Total snooze for a car with such a futuristic aesthetic. Then along comes FuelTech, a Florida crew of gearheads who swapped out that sluggish V6 for a Ferrari F355’s 3.5-liter V8, giving this legend the oomph it always deserved.
FuelTech didn’t just swap in a Ferrari engine and call it quits. They acquired a 1981 DMC-12, stripped everything down, besides keeping the stainless-steel shell, and then gave everything else a total overhaul. What sets it apart from all other DeLoreans is its Ferrari F355’s 3.5-liter V8, which pumps out 375 horsepower, complete with an 8,250 rpm redline. Snagging this engine was no walk in the park; Ferrari parts aren’t exactly lying around. But FuelTech’s deep ties in the performance world landed them a pristine one. To make it work, they rebuilt the DeLorean’s rear chassis, crafting a custom subframe to hold the V8 while keeping the car’s sleek, low-slung balance.
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The transmission had to step up too. The DeLorean’s old five-speed manual felt like a relic, so FuelTech went with a slick six-speed manual from a Porsche 996. Known for its silky smooth shifts, this gearbox handles the Ferrari V8’s power like a champ. Custom axles and a beefy clutch tie it all together, ensuring the rear wheels can take the extra torque. They also threw in adjustable coilovers for tighter handling without losing the DeLorean’s surprisingly comfy ride.
Inside, the cabin mixes retro vibes with modern flair. The DMC-12’s quirky dashboard stays, but FuelTech spruced it up with a digital gauge cluster, a killer audio system, and Recaro seats that grip you like you’re in a Ferrari.
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