Hagerty magazine, (author Jay Leno): DeLorean, Legacy in a Briefcase

[louielouie2000]

How did the DMC compare to its contemporaries in terms of power-to-weight ratio? If it remember correctly, the Vette of that era was a bit underpowered as well.

Regarding power to weight ratio of the DeLorean's 1981 contemporaries, here are the power and weight stats from Motor Trend and Car & Driver:

DeLorean DMC-12- 130hp / 2712lbs = 20.86lbs per hp
Ferrari Mondial- 205hp / 3500lbs = 17.07lbs per hp
Ferrari 308- 205hp / 3320lbs = 16.20lbs per hp
Maserati Merak- 180hp / 3200lbs = 17.78lbs per hp
Porsche 911SC- 172hp / 2700lbs = 15.70lbs per hp
Porsche 928- 220hp / 3351lbs = 15.23lbs per hp
Chevrolet Corvette- 190hp/ 3307lbs = 17.41lbs per hp
Datsun 280Z Turbo- 180hp / 2960lbs = 16.44lbs per hp

So the 911SC was the lightest (only 12 pounds lighter than the DeLorean!), but the 928 has the most HP and best power to weight ratio despite being the heaviest car. Obviously the DeLorean is one of the very lightest cars of its contemporaries, but it's still the most underpowered by far in regards to power to weight ratios. But that's not the accusation Leno leveled against the car- he said it was heavy, and as you can see, it most definitely is not.

[Dangermouse]

The heavy misconception I think comes from the lack of power steering....I only drove mine a few miles so far, and while I noticed a definate difference in the steering from my Mustang, I wouldnt say it was heavy at all.

Tire pressure makes a huge difference in low speed handling in the D. Keep it about 1psi over recommended and it is very light indeed.

[Lwanmtr]

Hehe..right now my rears are low on pressure...but then she hasnt moved since oct-2015

[DMC-81]

I got back home and read the magazine. I wrote a personal email to Hagerty expressing my displeasure.

I also read the Banshee article that starts on page 54. It was written by a different author and credited JZD with leading a concept/prototype that although was nixed, influenced several GM cars afterwards, including the 1968 Corvette. Good article!

[Tamir A.]

FYI - I spoke to a Hagerty Insider. Apparently Jay Leno doesn't write his articles for Hagerty. This DeLorean piece was written by Larry Webster (Hagerty's VP of content) for Jay Leno. Leno probably read it, and signed off on it, but it didn't originate from him. But he certainly gave it his blessing.

Just thought everyone would appreciate knowing the full story behind this article.

Hagerty published it simply cause it was by jay Leno... Not sure about any responsibility on their part on an article like that as for accuracy or libel...still it does seem like they arent really considering that many Delorean owners do insure through them (I havent yet insured mine).. I could just imagine the backlash of comments had this been an online article...lol.

I would hope that if one of you writers did a good response to this that they would publish it as well.

[Michael]

FYI - I spoke to a Hagerty Insider. Apparently Jay Leno doesn't write his articles for Hagerty. This DeLorean piece was written by Larry Webster (Hagerty's VP of content) for Jay Leno. Leno probably read it, and signed off on it, but it didn't originate from him. But he certainly gave it his blessing.

Just thought everyone would appreciate knowing the full story behind this article.

I don't know why but that's even worse. Not because of the content but because I feel like they were dishonest about the source. I mean that article was written in the first person! I know all about ghost writers but for 200 word magazine op eds?

[DMC-81]

FYI - I spoke to a Hagerty Insider. Apparently Jay Leno doesn't write his articles for Hagerty. This DeLorean piece was written by Larry Webster (Hagerty's VP of content) for Jay Leno. Leno probably read it, and signed off on it, but it didn't originate from him. But he certainly gave it his blessing.

Just thought everyone would appreciate knowing the full story behind this article.

Thanks Tamir. I agree that this makes the issue worse that the Editor-In-Chief of Hagerty wrote the article. I forwarded my comments to him and also to McKeel Hagerty, the Executive Publisher. Still, if Leno signed off, then it's his too.

For anyone who wants to write a response, the format of Hagerty's email system is first initial last name at hagerty dot com. I.E. lwebster at hagerty dot com . The generic mailbox is editorhagerty at hagerty dot com

I got an auto reply that Larry is out until 7/28 so I'll see if I get a response.

[DL4567]

Interesting DeLorean comment in this Jay Leno's Garage video from a week ago. He didn't say it, but I took it as a positive remark by Jeff Dunham. Start watching at 1:40 for full context leading up to it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1rpefqSxng

[DMC-81]

Update: I just got an apologetic response from Larry, and he's asking if my letter can be used in the next issue. I used some information from this thread, and I stated such in my letter.

I will send a PM to the owners' info used. If they all agree, then I can approve the whole letter for publication consideration.

[SamHill]

I authorize Michael to write all future posts for me. In first person.