As a long-time car nut and follower of John DeLorean's career all the way back to the GTO, as well as a fan of Lotus all the back to the '60's Elan, I would like to say a few things. Since I am retired from a career in the financial industry, I have some knowledge of that side of the story, too. Sadly, it is of course quite possible that the future will show you to be correct in your comparison, but I certainly hope not.
The DeLorean did not end up exactly as it was originally planned. The European V-6 was a true rear engine design with 35/65 weight distribution and underpowered for an exotic sports car. The somewhat silly gullwing doors and unpainted stainless steel skin limited the car's appeal. Production in Ireland faced all sorts of start-up and other problems.
In contrast, the Tesla Roadster was based on the Lotus Elise from the beginning. It was not an all-new design; it just had an all-new power source. Whereas the DeLorean was just another entry in the yuppie sports car market, the Tesla is the best-funded and most completely developed of a new type of electric vehicle that the world desperately needs. Of course the original model will sell in low volume only to current yuppies, but the later sedans could be a real boon to the U.S. economy. The reopening of the NUMMI plant in LA was one of Tesla and Toyota's smartest moves yet. The loser will be hard-headed GM that not only originally opened the NUMMI plant with Toyota, but they used to own part of Lotus and sold it! Soon Toyota will have control of the all-electric market, as well as the hybrid market.
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