This Is What A Modern-Day Buick Roadster Could Look Like
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Buick hasn’t offered a two-door car for well over a decade. In fact, the last two-door offered by the Tri Shield brand was the G-bodied Riviera that ended production in 1999. But rumors of the Regal Grand National and associated GNX performance variant returning in the not-too-distant future have been in circulation for well over a year, and all signs point to the reincarnation of the storied two-door GN/GNX on the Alpha architecture. But as we await anything official from GM on that front, designer Marc Senger decided to take matters into his own hands.
Although he currently works for product development studio Eleven, the Boston-based designer has “never quite escaped the gravitational pull of working in Detroit”. So he created the following set of renderings of a Buick roadster, which he calls Wildcat.
Notably, Marc’s design concept isn’t named after Buick’s full-size sedan produced from 1963 to 1970. Instead, the name (and some of the design inspiration, we imagine) comes from a unique fiberglass-bodied Buick concept that debuted in 1954.
Mark’s Wildcat roadster is designed as a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive model cradling a supercharged V8 (LT4, anyone) in what we assume is the flagship GS model. Those proportions would place the vehicle in a space currently occupied by the likes of the BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Jaguar F-Type, Porsche Boxster/Cayman, and the (lesser) Audi TT.
Following is Marc’s description of the renderings:
GM’s 1954 Buick Wildcat II concept is widely considered among the most stunning show cars in GM history. It embodied Buick’s combination of effortless luxury, with a spry underbelly of raw performance worn on its sleeve.
This new Buick Wildcat aims to recapture original designer Harley Earl’s instinctual take on the luxury roadster, with a thoroughly modern bias. It will compete in a segment dominated by European prestige models (BMW Z4, Jaguar F-Type, Audi TT, etc), but will deliver a truly American driving experience. An experience aided by a Buick-specific supercharged V8, spiritual ‘54 cues like open fenders, “floating” headlights, liquid-smooth feedback, and relatively compact proportions. The low, 35-inch high cowl is the sole, yet critical shared dimension between the ’54 car and my own.
One may argue this segment is Cadillac’s territory to fight, but I feel the Buick brand is in need of an engaging halo-car to redefine what Buick performance could be today: An oxymoronic, Jekyll & Hyde blend of brute force and buttery elegance. If Buick wants to attract a younger segment, this could be an aspirational gateway.
The GM Authority Take
Congratulations to Marc for a design well-done. Although the renderings seem to have some elements that aren’t entirely consistent with a high-performance roadster (the rear tires, for one, are too skinny), the general design is interesting, unique, and head-turning. We also appreciate the various unique-to-Buick elements throughout the design, which somewhat reminds us of the now-discontinued Plymouth Prowler, especially when looking at the exposed front wheels.
That said, Marc is absolutely correct in saying that a vehicle like the Wildcat would occupy Cadillac’s turf, which is now all about performance-oriented luxury. In fact, GM Authority was first to report that GM has a performance-focused luxury roadster planned for The Wreath and Crest The Wreath-less Crest brand. But it’s worth noting that today, luxury roadsters are mostly purchased by an “older” audience, a circumstance that is the result of high roadster prices (which are higher than those of the average compact luxury car) and rather limited availability — thereby defeating the idea that a roadster would help lower the average age of a Buick customer — something the Tri Shield has no problem in doing already. Add to that the extremely low sales volume for luxury roadsters (or roadsters of any kind, for that matter) across the industry, and it seems that the chances of seeing this kind of Buick enter production are slim to none.
But all that should not in any way take away from Marc’s great designs.
Hat tip to Daniel H.
Yeah, that’s what Buick needs to shake off it’s grey-hair, out-of-date image; a retro car looking like it’s from the early 50’s.
I know it’s a third party conceptual rendering, but does any car designer have their head in this century?
This is a nice show car and only a show car at best. Imagine how the sides would be chewed up with no front fender.
What Buick needs right now is the new replacements for the Regal and Lacrosse GM is working on along with some other RWD models to fill out the line.
The last thing they need to worry about right now is a Low Volume no profit two seater that will be lucky to sell 12K units.
Designers dream but reality smacks them up side the head.
I own a two seat car and love them but I also know there is a time and place for product like this and right now Buick needs the money cars. We will see sedans and maybe a coupe that will not compete with Cadillac but will more than compete in their segment. If GM can turn Cadillac around they can fix Buick too.
Buick will see many new models shortly and it will be volume models that make good profits and it will be aimed more at the Lexus, Acura, low end Audi buyers.
Couldn’t agree more about Regal. Buick needs a new Regal in the worst way. I wish they would drop using Regal as a model name too. It’s a horrible name to reach a younger demographic. I wish buick would just go to a numbering system like Audi and BMW. They could use the same numbers for Opel.
The best thing for buick in new models would be an opel adam and corsa. Both models are saving opel in Europe along with the small SUV. I also would like to see some diesel offerings.
Buick should stick with names but try to be original.
As for the Adam. Ehh I am not sure how well that would do. Fiat started flat took off for a while and now has fallen flat again. The Fiat dealers are mad and that is why they are doing so many other models so fast to spur sales. I just think it is a very limited market for cars that small yet. It may just be me but I just see limited sales just as the Fiat, Smart and IQ.
I would rather see Buick get a updated Astra hatch.
Opel Adam is a fun car and a low price point. I believe it may be a better car than the 500 and the Mini. It certainly is better than the Spark. It could really get some buzz, for Buick (although I would bring it over as an Opel, or with a Buick badge, but the same Opel grill.
Sorry, from the front/side looks like a Prowler that swallowed some kind of old mercury grill. The rear looks like a Viper. Sure this guy doesn’t work for Chrysler?
I agree the Adam is a fun car but the price point is not in the Spark area if it is brought here. That has been the hang up.
The only small car that has really sold well here has been the Mini. The Fiat is not doing well. The smart is gone and the IQ is now gone.
The Spark is working only because it is dirt cheap. The Sonic is doing ok but it is not as big of a seller as many had hoped.
If you could sell an Adam for $15K I would be all for it as would GM but that is the problem and they can not sell it for that little. Even the Fiat is not all that cheap once options are added.
You can down rate me all you like but that does not change the facts. I am for the car but show me a way they can sell it cheaper and I will change my mind.
Note it is a better car than the Spark but it also adds to the cost. It works well in Europe as they love small cars in towns. I see the Astra as a better fit for the Mini.
Even now the Mini has to keep reinventing itself to keep life in the line and expand sales. Also it is well supported in global sales where many other cars are not.
Like I said show a way to sell this car at a Spark price and I am sold but when it will be smaller and more expensive than the Sonic it will be a tough sale.
Agreed…
I have to hand it to auto designers, they’ve got a lot of guts. It’s apparent that Senger, has his share.
I don’t know if it’s true, but it seems like it would be harder to design the ass end of a car, than the front end… but, IMO, Marc has done just this. Royce commented, that the butt, looks like a Viper, if this is so, then the Solstice, and Sky designers were influenced by the Viper.
It’s apparent that Senger gave a salute to the original Buick Roadsters front end and inadvertently, or intentially, did what a good designer does… Shock, or a second look from the audience. He succeeded.
Dan, I couldn’t agree more about them dropping the Regal name. I know someone who has a 2011 Regal. I’m told that every time people talk about their cars and she says she has a Regal, the response is either “oh yeah, I had one of those”, or “oh, I remember those”. I drove my mom’s 1992 and 2000 Regale, and this 2011. It is nothing at all like those cars. They were fine, but floaty and old school, whereas the 2011 feels like a modern, even slightly European car. They absolutely should have called it the Insignia here like the Opel. And if China still wanted to call theirs the Buick Regal, no problem.
Buick, never drop the Regal! I have a 1995 and my brother had the 1985. It is a superb name. But please keep improving it. It is like the Corvette in Chevrolet’s line!
Ray, I just cannot agree on keeping the Regal name. I do want them to keep improving the car and I look forward to it on the upcoming platform. But, the name is holding it back. Also, every other recent Buick has gone with a completely new name instead of a heritage name, so it makes the Regal stand out as all the more of an oddity in the Buick stable.
To revamp the image completely they need to drop the name. Sometimes to convince people you are different you have to rename things.
Lets face it not too many people with great memories of a Regal outside of the GN people. It was not a bad car just not a memorable car.
How many here grew up with a Regal poster on the wall? Show of hands? Oh none!
“To revamp the image completely they need to drop the name. Sometimes to convince people you are different you have to rename things.”
I point to Cadillac, it’s CTS and everything that has come with it; defiantly resisting the howls and belly-aching cries of those who want ‘real names’.
If it weren’t for the change in names and attitudes at Cadillac, it would just be a directionless and as low-rent as Lincoln.
Maintaining a car in this age of high cost is getting difficult for many. I am going to sell my car as I cannot afford it now.
Fantastic concepts for sure
I hope someday such concepts will be implemented in life and we can see similar cars on our roads.
I like this article but this site was blocked for my country. I am using browser hijacker now.
So cool car! I have a car hire in Bulgaria service, check info here https://localcarhires.com/en/bulgaria/ and I want to add to the list cars like this.