In August 2022, Car Design TV Car Design TV partnered with Katherine DeLorean, the daughter of the visionary John Z. DeLorean, to challenge designers worldwide to reimagine the future of the iconic DeLorean. The goal was simple yet profound: to merge the car's iconic style with futuristic technology. Katherine, acting as the competition’s judge, selected designs that stayed true to her father’s spirit of innovation, creativity, and boldness. One designer who stood out in this exciting challenge was Kelly Holder, who submitted two compelling proposals. Drawing inspiration from the Back to the Future films, Holder combined cutting-edge technology with the timeless essence of the DeLorean. The results were not just futuristic visions but bold evolutions of a cultural icon.
Proposal 1: The Hydrogen-Electric Flying DeLorean
Holder’s first concept envisioned the future of sustainable mobility with a hydrogen-electric flying DeLorean, blending eco-friendly technology with the car's iconic design. The car featured a sleek, fluid form, enhancing its aerodynamics and supporting its futuristic flying capabilities. One of the standout elements was the cocoon-like speed tail glass, which wrapped around the vehicle, adding a touch of modern elegance while ensuring passenger safety—an essential aspect for any forward-looking design.
Despite its futuristic approach, Holder paid homage to the original DeLorean by retaining signature features such as the all-around lighting strip and gull-wing doors. She also reimagined the rear vent as a modernized digital element, seamlessly merging past and future in a bold, innovative way.
Proposal 2: The Autonomous Flying DeLorean
The second proposal delved into the world of autonomous vehicles, combining luxury, versatility, and emotion—key elements of a great driving experience. Unlike typical autonomous cars that often feel impersonal, Holder’s design conveyed a sense of life and movement, making the vehicle feel dynamic even without a driver. Its sleek, aerodynamic form nodded to the DeLorean's sports car heritage, maintaining the excitement of speed and performance. Inside, the design featured adaptable spaces that could shift to accommodate relaxation, work, or leisure, ensuring both comfort and flexibility for passengers. Signature DeLorean elements like the lighting strip and gull-wing doors were preserved, grounding the design in its iconic past while pushing the boundaries of modern automotive design.
Holder’s designs captured the imagination of the judges and voters alike, earning her the top prize in the DeLorean Design Challenge. With a remarkable 67% of the total votes, she stood out for her ability to balance future-facing innovation with nostalgic elements of the original car. Of her two proposals, the hydrogen-electric concept was favoured by 60% of voters, reflecting the growing interest in sustainable, futuristic transportation.
Katherine DeLorean’s Insights
Katherine DeLorean was particularly drawn to Holder’s designs because they captured two key elements her father valued: innovative technology and safety. “Kelly’s hydrogen-electric concept stood out because it reflected the forward-thinking, environmentally-conscious ethos my father would have embraced,” Katherine shared. She admired how futuristic the design looked at first glance, but how it still managed to evoke a sense of familiarity and nostalgia upon closer inspection.
For the autonomous design, Katherine appreciated the emotional connection it maintained, even in a world where human control over the vehicle is removed. “The experience of driving has always been emotional for those who love it,” Katherine remarked, and Holder’s design embodied that feeling, despite being a vehicle driven by automation. Since her victory, Holder has continued refining her concepts, allowing herself the freedom to explore and perfect the designs further. The competition reminded her of the magic that occurs when passion meets creativity, and it has reaffirmed her belief that iconic designs deserve thoughtful evolution rather than simple replication.
