Buick Wildcat Claws Back, Conceptually Anyway

Buick resurrects its Wildcat nameplate, this time for a concept electric vehicle that reflects a bold styling project.

The newly unveiled model reveals the General Motors brand’s design path as it pivots to an all-electric future, according to GM. The company says the concept’s edgy styling will influence Buick production vehicles to come.

The Detroit automaker vows Buick is in step with GM’s vision for a zero-emissions, all-electric future. Buick decision-makers plan to bring the company’s first EV – aptly named the Electra – to the North American market in 2024. Plans are for Buick to be all-electric by the decade’s end. 

Electra is another retrieved Buick model name. Gasoline engines powered original Electras that were sold from 1959 to 1990.

The Wildcat concept EV is a two-door coupe. That’s a rare breed indeed today, contrasting with Buick’s current all-SUV Enclave-Envision-Encore premium lineup.

Why a coupe? “One of our young designers did a coupe rendition, and everyone rallied around it,” says Bob Boniface, director-global Buick design. “It was the best canvas to demonstrate our new design language.”

The Wildcat EV concept – which is not planned for production – features a redo of Buick’s tri-shield logo after 30 years. It is prominently positioned, front and back. All production Buicks will sport it, starting next year.

“Buick has always been forward-looking, and this expression is a glimpse of where we’re going, and the optimism we have for the limitless possibilities of an electric future,” says Sharon Gauci, executive director-global Buick-GMC design.

A touted feature on the concept EV is a bold, forward-leaning front end. The centerpiece is a low-mounted, trapezoidal grille. Flanking it is high-mounted and horizontal lighting. The automaker says the arrangement creates “a unique welcome choreography when the driver approaches.”

Boniface says the Wildcat’s “low, ultra-wide stance,” adding that “from every angle, the vehicle looks like it’s ready to pounce.” 

Buick Wildcat rearview

Other styling cues Buick highlights:

Inside, designers styled the Wildcat EV concept’s cabin to create an inviting inner glow while integrating new technologies, say Buick designers.

“It’s a space intended to strike an emotional chord,” says Therese Pinazzo, Buick exterior and interior design manager. “It is defined by simple, graceful forms that convey balance, harmony and a feeling of warmth.”

Graphic and color contrasts aim to create the perception of visually floating elements that accentuate the cabin’s lightweight feel, she says.

Buick Wildcat interior

Orange is a daring interior color. The Wildcat concept includes it here and there, including the seat belts for a visual distinction (pictured, above).

Additional interior design elements include cockpit-style seats with cantilevered headrests.

On the technology front, a sweeping infotainment touchscreen is the access point on the instrument panel, along with a complementing screen on the console.

The Wildcat EV concept is built to be a platform for futuristic features such as artificial intelligence, biometrics and aromatherapy.

The vehicle even detects an elevation in drivers’ heartrates and automatically adjust vehicle settings to calm them down.

For example, when Zen Mode is activated, it dims cabin lights, disperses calming aromatherapy scents and activates massaging seats.

Such biometric features have shown up on other concept cars in recent years, such as the Kia Telluride. But only a few such mood-improving features have made their way into production vehicles so far.  

 Buick reps say everything about the Wildcat concept “is intended to convey what’s possible — in design, technology and the transformative experience of EV mobility.”

For nearly 70 years, Buick has put the Wildcat name on a series of concept vehicles.

GM sold production Wildcats from 1963 to 1970. They epitomized a particular segment of that automotive era: cars that stretched long, looked like speedboats on wheels, chugged fuel and had a road presence.

Steve Finlay is a retired Wards senior editor. He can be reached at [email protected].