For some, the DeLorean was an incredible feat of futuristic engineering that gave driving pleasure in abundance – for others it was a vehicle for which you would purchase breakdown cover long before you’d even consider filling one up for the first time.

But the DeLorean has had a makeover – kind of. Keen to keep up with all these new fangled ‘electric’ engines, the DeLorean Motor Company (situated in Texas and not to be confused with the failed Belfast based set up), has decided to replace its growling petrol engine with a 90 kilogram 24-30 KWh lithium iron phosphate battery.

And as far as the makeover goes, that’s pretty much it. The car maker claims the new DeLorean can achieve 60 mph in under 5 seconds and will be able to draw on 200bhp once they get round to putting it on the market in 2013. DeLorean lovers were given a preview of the newish vehicle at the International DeLorean Owners Event in Houston, Texas.

The re-vamped star of the Back to the Future film series has been constructed using 80 percent of the original DMC kit, with the other 20 percent accounted for by improved suspension and electric powertrain equipment. The heavy battery has been placed in such a way as to give a 35/65 weight distribution. Other new additions include an iphone dock, re-designed steering wheel and a re-trim.

The Texans have not yet given any indication as to how much the electric DeLorean will cost, but it’s unlikely to be cheap.