DeLorean Motor Company Enters Electric Flying Car Racing Series
The iconic brand will compete in the Airspeeder International Series starting November 2026, utilizing aircraft developed by Alauda.
DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) has announced its entry into the inaugural Airspeeder International Series, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) racing competition. The move comes just days after Tesla unveiled its updated Roadster, which features a planned capability for brief airborne movement via SpaceX thrusters, reigniting public interest in flying car technology.
What Happened
DMC confirmed it will race as the DeLorean Airspeeder Team when the 2026–27 season opens in November 2026. The announcement, contained in a press release dated October 13, states that the team will compete in a sport built on electric propulsion, advanced flight control, and AI-enabled safety systems. Unlike the DeLorean Aerospace startup, which is developing its own DR-7 eVTOL prototype, DMC’s racing entry will utilize the Airspeeder Mk3C. This aircraft is not an in-house creation of DMC but was developed by aerospace startup Alauda, which is affiliated with Airspeeder through its founder, Matt Pearson. Initial reports suggest the early races may involve remote-controlled, uncrewed vehicles, though DMC states its team includes pilots.
Why It Matters
The entry of a heritage automotive brand into the nascent eVTOL racing sector signals a growing intersection between traditional car culture and emerging aerospace technology. For buyers and enthusiasts, this development highlights how legacy names are leveraging new technologies to remain relevant. DMC indicated that future seasons, specifically the 2027–28 series, will see teams designing their own eVTOLs. The DeLorean Airspeeder for this later season is planned to be designed in collaboration with student engineering teams at universities including UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech. This partnership aims to advance not only the technology behind flying vehicles but also the regulatory and safety frameworks required for their responsible adoption.
The Bottom Line
DeLorean Motor Company will enter the electric flying car racing circuit in November 2026 using the Alauda-developed Mk3C aircraft. The initiative distinguishes itself from DeLorean Aerospace’s separate DR-7 prototype efforts and positions the brand within the evolving eVTOL market, with plans for custom vehicle development in subsequent seasons.
