DeLorean Motor Company, the cult-classic automaker made famous by the Back to the Future franchise, is leaping into the future once more—this time through blockchain. The company announced the launch of its on-chain vehicle reservation and marketplace system for its long-awaited Alpha5 electric vehicle (EV), built on the Sui blockchain. In a high-profile endorsement, legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart has joined the initiative alongside DeLorean Labs, adding star power as the brand transitions from iconic legacy to digital pioneer.
The new Web3 marketplace introduces an innovative twist to EV ownership: tokenized build slots. These slots, represented on-chain as NFTs, allow buyers to reserve production spots for the Alpha5 and trade them securely with other enthusiasts. Users can buy, sell, bid for priority access, or stake their reservation tokens to earn $DMC—the native token powering the DeLorean digital ecosystem. USDC purchases via Sui will also be natively supported.
“Since DeLorean’s emergence in the 1980s, the brand has stood as a symbol of vision, rebellion, and futuristic innovation,” said Cameron Wynne, Chief Brand Officer of DeLorean. “Today, we honor that legacy by leaping forward once again, this time on the blockchain.”
The marketplace offers not only reservation management but also blockchain-based performance analytics. This provides each Alpha5 with an immutable digital record—covering vehicle history, performance data, and trading activity—a capability that surpasses traditional car tracking systems and positions DeLorean as a trailblazer in digital-first auto ownership.
The Vehicle Reservation System and Marketplace is Built on Sui
The platform is built on Sui, a Layer 1 blockchain known for its speed, scalability, and focus on asset-centric design. Sui’s object-based architecture enables high throughput and rapid execution, making it ideal for complex, transactional marketplaces like DeLorean’s.
DeLorean’s Web3 strategy is spearheaded by DeLorean Labs, the company’s dedicated blockchain division. According to the company, DeLorean Labs eventually plans to roll out its on-chain marketplace model to other industries exploring blockchain-based solutions for reservation, trading, and secondary resale markets. While specific sectors weren’t named, the approach suggests potential applicability across any domain where reservation ownership and peer-to-peer exchanges play a central role.
The Alpha5 is DeLorean’s first production vehicle in over four decades. Unveiled in 2022 as a futuristic EV reboot of the original DMC-12, the Alpha5 sports gullwing doors, 300+ mile range, and a 0-60 mph time under 3 seconds—blending classic nostalgia with cutting-edge engineering. Limited pre-orders for the car are now being fulfilled through the tokenized marketplace, marking one of the first large-scale consumer applications of blockchain in the automotive sector.
From Sci-Fi to Smart Contracts
Stewart’s announcement follows recent involvement from fellow Back to the Future actor Christopher Lloyd, building cultural continuity between DeLorean’s past and its blockchain-powered future. The company’s goal: to educate consumers on how Web3 infrastructure can enhance transparency, security, and ownership in the automotive industry.
Tokenized vehicle reservations open up entirely new models of engagement. This approach of DeLorean demonstrates how blockchains can bring real utility and fluid markets to even the most traditional of industries.
The Web3 strategy coincides with a broader surge in blockchain applications across physical asset markets. Projects like VINchain, Helium, and Boson Protocol are similarly working on tokenizing real-world infrastructure—whether it’s vehicles, connectivity, or commerce. However, DeLorean’s cultural cachet and iconic history give it a unique advantage in user acquisition and mainstream education.
A Web3 Roadmap for the Automotive Industry?
While many major automakers like Tesla and BMW are experimenting with crypto payments or connected vehicle data, DeLorean is going all in with an integrated on-chain marketplace and token economy. At the heart of this system lies the upcoming $DMC token, which will function as a governance, utility, and staking asset within the DeLorean Protocol.
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Image Credits: DeLorean