DeLorean Joined Airspeeder International Series
The automaker has become the first American constructor to join the electric flying vehicle racing series.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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DeLorean has entered the Airspeeder International Series as the constructor for a new American electric flying race team. The team is scheduled to debut their Airspeeder Mk3C aircraft during the 2026-27 racing season.
Why it matters
The racing program functions as a public test bed for advancing electric propulsion technologies and refining the regulatory framework for future flying vehicles. It also marks a significant expansion for the company into aerial sports.
DeLorean will compete with the electric vertical takeoff and landing Airspeeder Mk3C aircraft. The racing season is slated for the 2026-27 cycle, with follow-up development for the 2027-28 season already planned.
The players
DeLorean
An automotive manufacturer that is entering the aerial racing sector as the first American constructor in the Airspeeder International Series.
UC Berkeley
A public research university that is collaborating with the DeLorean racing program on electric propulsion and flight control engineering.
Georgia Tech
A public research university that is providing engineering support for the design and safety systems of the team's racing aircraft.
The details
The program features collaborations with engineering students from UC Berkeley and Georgia Tech to optimize flight controls and AI-enabled safety systems. These aircraft navigate through complex, electronically defined courses in three dimensions.
Timeline
The 2026-27 Airspeeder International Series season begins in November 2026.
DeLorean plans to help develop a new racing aircraft for the 2027-28 season.
Roadmap
DeLorean's entry into the Airspeeder series highlights the automotive industry's pivot toward electric vertical takeoff and landing technologies. This shift moves beyond traditional road vehicles to compete in the emerging sector of AI-enabled aerial racing.
This collaboration provides engineering students at participating universities with direct experience in the development of electric aviation. It also offers the public a view of how new propulsion and safety regulations may shape future personal flight.
The takeaway
This entry showcases how traditional automotive brands are leveraging racing series as R&D platforms for aerial mobility. The integration of academic partnerships suggests a focus on cultivating the next generation of aerospace engineers.
What happens next
The racing team will reveal its official aircraft design, pilot lineup, and full program details prior to the start of the season in November 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in the Electric Vehicles industry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HotCars.
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