DETROIT — Buick revealed the Wildcat EV concept today — an expressive vision of the brand’s new design direction as it transitions to an all-electric future.
The Wildcat was crafted to embody the brand’s fresh design language that will influence Buick production models in the foreseeable future. Buick’s new tri-shield logo, prominently mounted on the body front and rear, symbolizes the design transformation, with new production models slated to wear it starting next year.
“The Wildcat EV concept represents the real design future for the brand,” remarked Global Buick and GMC Design executive director Sharon Gauci. “Buick has always been forward-looking, and this expression is a glimpse of where we’re going and our optimism for the limitless possibilities of an electric future.”
The Wildcat EV concept also introduces a new, expressive face for Buick, marked by a bold, forward-leaning front end that hosts a low-mounted, trapezoidal grille. Sharp, high-mounted, and horizontal checkmark-shaped lighting adorns the vehicle, with the primary lighting housed at the outer edges of the grille. These lighting elements create a unique welcome choreography as the driver approaches.
Moreover, the vehicle, a 2+2 coupe, exudes a powerful, expressive presence, boasting an all-new, laid-back proportion complemented by a low, wide stance. The windshield seamlessly wraps around and flows into the side glass, which dramatically tapers with the fast roofline, accentuating the aggressive profile.
“From every angle, the vehicle looks like it’s ready to pounce,” expressed 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.”
Noteworthy exterior design highlights include:
- Distinctive semi-swing doors for easy entry and exit.
- Unique aluminum trim is seamlessly integrated 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 culminated in checkmark-style horizontal lamps echoing the front lighting signature.
- An external “state of charge” indicator is 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,” noted Boniface. “Its timeless proportions acknowledge the brand’s rich design legacy, while our latest technology moves you forward.”
A Blend of Modernity and Warmth
Inside, the Wildcat EV concept’s cabin emanates an inner glow that is inviting and comforting, integrating new technologies designed to enhance the riding experience.
“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.”
The 2+2 configuration is delineated by a prominent console extending from the base of the instrument panel to the rear seating area, using unique graphic and color contrasts to create visually floating elements intended to accentuate the cabin’s lightweight feel and spaciousness.
Color plays a pivotal role in conveying warmth and comfort in the interior. Legato Green flows through the cabin, accented with brushed or polished aluminum trim. Lively orange elements, including the seat belts, add visual distinction.
Additional interior design elements include cockpit-style seats with cantilevered headrests that appear to be floating, and a lightweight, flat-bottom steering wheel.
When it comes to technology integration and infotainment interaction, a sweeping touchscreen serves as the access point on the instrument panel, accompanied by a complementary screen on the console.
The Wildcat EV concept is poised to accommodate futuristic features such as artificial intelligence, biometrics, and aromatherapy. The vehicle can detect an elevation in the driver’s heart rate and automatically adjust vehicle settings to induce calmness. For instance, when Zen Mode is activated, it dims the cabin lights, disperses calming aromatherapy scents, and activates massaging seats.
Everything about the concept is intended to showcase possibilities — 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,” remarked 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
For nearly 70 years, the Wildcat name has been synonymous with innovative, progressive Buick concept vehicles that push the boundaries of design and technology. Like the new Wildcat EV concept, the first Wildcat — introduced in 1953 — was a show vehicle that previewed next-generation Buick design. Subsequent iterations, the Wildcat II and III, followed in 1954 and 1955, respectively, all overseen by the legendary chief designer Harley Earl. In 1985, another Wildcat concept debuted, a futuristically styled, mid-engine, and AWD supercar developed to showcase new engine technologies.