The Buick Wildcat EV concept is a two-door, four-passenger electric concept vehicle unveiled by Buick on June 1st, 2022. The concept’s purpose is to convey the brand’s new design language, which will influence future Buick models as it pushes into an all-electric future.
“A Real Design Future”
“The Wildcat EV concept represents the real design future for the brand,” said Sharon Gauci, executive director of Global Buick and GMC Design. “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.”
Exterior
The exterior design of the Buick Wildcat EV concept features a “new, expressive face,” one that “can’t be ignored.” Its forward-poised front end lends a feeling of speed and agility even when not in motion, underlined by a trapezoidal grille. Its sharp bodylines and sleek profile speak to its streamlined agility, maximizing its power and efficiency at speed.
Lighting elements in the shape of a check mark bracket the front fascia, leading the eye into the primary lighting assemblies positioned on the outer corners. The lights are designed to present a unique welcome animation with a micro LED sequence, greeting the driver and passengers as they approach.
The rear end features a wide stance that transitions to a streamlined, pointed front end. The concept’s semi-wing doors allow for ease of ingress (entry) and egress (exit) from the vehicle, with unique aluminum trim that “flows seamlessly into the interior seat structures.” The concept rides on a set of Jet Age-inspired 18-spoke “turbine” wheels.
“From every angle, the vehicle looks like it’s ready to pounce,” said Bob Boniface, director of Global Buick design. “It’s the result of careful attention to proportions and sculptural beauty derived from the intersection of forms, not lines.”
Logo
The Buick Wildcat EV features the redesigned Tri-Shield Buick insignia, which will be affixed to all Buick models starting in 2023.
Interior
The Buick Wildcat EV concept’s interior is designed to “strike an emotional chord,” according to Therese Pinazzo, Buick interior and exterior design manager. The interior seats four people via a 2+2 seating configuration with a large console that runs from the base of the instrument panel to the rear seats. The interior is furnished in Legato Green with brushed or polished aluminum trim interspersed throughout, complemented by “lively orange elements,” including the seatbelts.
The Wildcat EV concept features cockpit-style seats with cantilevered headrests that give the illusion that they are floating. The unique, flat-bottom steering wheel further emphasizes the lightweight feel of the interior.
“It is defined by simple, graceful forms that convey balance, harmony and a feeling of warmth,” Pinazzo said, referring to the cabin.
Technology
The Wildcat EV Concept’s cockpit features a large touchscreen spanning the instrument panel and the center stack. A smaller screen resides below, within the center console.
The Wildcat EV concept also has cutting-edge tech like artificial intelligence, biomectrics and aromatherapy. In fact, the vehicle can detect when its driver’s heartbeat has increased, and will automatically implement measures to calm them by adjusting cabin temperature and activating aromatherapy treatment along with massaging seats.
Powertrain
It’s believed that the Buick Wildcat EV Concept is underpinned by the GM BEV3 platform / vehicle architecture, and that the powertrain is comprised of GM’s Ultium batteries and Ultium Drive motors. Specifications were not revealed.
Name
The Wildcat name was first seen on a line of concept vehicles designed in the 1950s that demonstrated new Buick design language, then again in 1985 for a mid-engine supercar concept. By using the historic Wildcat nameplate, the concept car represents Buick’s march forward into an era not dependent on fossil fuels while maintaining the rich nature of its storied past.
Unveiling
The Buick Wildcat EV was unveiled on June 1st, 2022.
The concept has not been physically built, and instead exists as a series of highly detailed digital renderings.
