Buick has unveiled its Wildcat EV concept coupe — which is meant to lay out the brand’s new design direction as it transitions to an all-electric future, although the division of General Motors hasn’t announced any plans to actually build it.
Editor’s Note: This story has been compiled from a Buick news release
The Wildcat was developed to convey the all-new design language that will influence Buick production models for the foreseeable future. Buick’s new tri-shield logo, mounted prominently on the body front and rear, symbolizes the design transformation and new production models will wear it starting next year.
“The Wildcat EV concept represents the real design future for the brand,” said Sharon Gauci, executive director, Global Buick and GMC Design in a news release.. “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.”
The Wildcat EV concept also introduces a new face for Buick that features a low-mounted, trapezoidal grille. Sharp, high-mounted and horizontal check mark-shaped lighting flanks the vehicle, while the outer edges of the grille house primary lighting. The lighting elements are configured to create a unique welcome choreography when the driver approaches.
The 2+2 coupe has a windshield that wraps around and flows into the side glass, which tapers dramatically with the fast roofline.
“From every angle, the vehicle looks like it’s ready to pounce,” said Bob Boniface, director, Global Buick Design in the same news release. “It’s the result of careful attention to the proportions and sculptural beauty derived from the intersection of forms, not lines.”
Additional exterior design highlights include:
- Semi-swing doors for easy entry and exit.
- Unique aluminum trim that appears to flow seamlessly into the interior seat structures.
- Micro-LED lighting technology and thin-beam projector lenses for the front lighting.
- Blade-style taillights embedded in the roof’s sail panels, culminating in check mark-style horizontal lamps that echo the front lighting signature.
- An external “state of charge” indicator visible in the exterior hatchback glass.
- Jet Age-inspired 18-spoke “turbine” wheels.
- “The more you look at the Wildcat EV concept, the more the details reveal themselves,” said Boniface. “Its timeless proportions acknowledge the brand’s rich design legacy, while our latest technology moves you forward.”
Interior
Inside, the Wildcat EV concept’s cabin integrates new technologies,
“It’s a space intended to strike an emotional chord,” said Therese Pinazzo, Buick exterior and interior design manager. “It is defined by simple, graceful forms that convey balance, harmony and a feeling of warmth.”
Interior design elements include cockpit-style seats with cantilevered headrests that appear to be floating, and a lightweight, flat-bottom steering wheel.
A sweeping 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 features such as artificial intelligence, biometrics and aromatherapy. The vehicle is designed to detect an elevation in driver heart rate and automatically adjust vehicle settings to calm them down. For example, when Zen Mode is activated, it will dim the cabin lights, disperse calming aromatherapy scents and activate massaging seats.
Everything about the concept is intended to convey what’s possible — in design, technology and the transformative experience of EV mobility.
“We are on the cusp of true change, and this concept is a tangible vision of it,” said Gauci. “It inaugurates the next chapter in Buick’s design heritage, as we make the crucial transition to our all-electric future.”
Wildcat: A Concept Legacy
Buick said for nearly 70 years, the Wildcat name has been reserved for its concept vehicles. The first Wildcat — introduced in 1953 — was a show vehicle that previewed next-generation Buick design. The Wildcat II and III concepts followed in 1954 and 1955, respectively, and the designs of all were overseen by legendary chief designer Harley Earl. In 1985, another Wildcat concept debuted. It was a futuristically styled, mid-engine and AWD supercar developed to showcase new engine technologies.