Buick unveils new forward-thinking Wildcat EV concept in Canada

GM is showcasing the Buick Wildcat EV concept throughout the Canadian Auto Present circuit to determine that an all-electric future will embody a model that’s seen brighter days previously.

If pushing the envelope on design is a part of the story, then Buick hasn’t been synonymous with that form of factor — not less than not recently. As soon as a model leaning towards luxurious, Buick escaped the proverbial scrap heap within the 2009 bailout and subsequent restructuring that flatlined the likes of Pontiac, Saturn, Saab and Hummer. However like Hummer, EVs are a possibility to revisit a model’s function and reintroduce it to new drivers.

The Wildcat continues to be an idea, but it seems to be like a radical departure for Buick, together with the brand new tri-shield emblem adorned on the entrance. The pickings have been slim for some time now. As much as February 2023, there are solely three fashions out there in Canada: Encore, Enclave and Envision — all of them crossovers or SUVs. There are different fashions, however solely in abroad markets, like China. The Wildcat is a sedan, maybe marking a change in technique.

Design

It’s humorous as a result of “Buick” and “sedan” went collectively for a very long time. The market shift to crossovers and SUVs has been a boon to conserving Buick alive in North America, however the Wildcat is meant to be a nod to the model’s legacy with a concentrate on its all-electric future. Magnificence is subjective, however I believe this car seems to be fairly slick, and it apparently influenced the design for the brand new 2024 Encore GX, and can achieve this for others too.

This EV idea is itself impressed by the Wildcat of outdated, when Buick first unveiled an idea underneath the identify in 1953. Its historical past in muscle efficiency additionally performs a task right here, given the ability this idea is meant to have, although these particulars are nonetheless unclear as a result of it’s not meant to promote to shoppers. The two x 2 coupe design incorporates a decrease centre of gravity due to a sloped roofline that seems to merge with the windshield and home windows.

From the headlights to the tail lights, even right down to charging indicators within the hatchback glass and the turbine-looking wheels, every thing simply seems to be flashy.

I didn’t get to take a seat inside, however Buick selected to attempt a number of issues within the cabin as nicely. The translucent steering wheel is one in all them, as is the aluminum trim that appears to be in all places. The centre console “floats” from the entrance to the rear seats, whereas a 30.4-inch touchscreen cuts throughout the motive force’s facet over to the infotainment display in the course of the sprint.

Buick says the inside was “constructed to be a platform for futuristic options akin to synthetic intelligence, biometrics and aromatherapy.” Meaning it will theoretically be capable of monitor a driver’s coronary heart price and alter car settings to calm any nerves, like dimming cabin lights, activating the therapeutic massage characteristic within the seat or releasing an fragrant perfume. No shock, it’s calling this “Zen Mode.”

All in on electrical

GM’s said aim is to be absolutely electrical by 2035, whereas Cadillac will lead the cost (no pun meant) by pulling that off 5 years earlier. It’s additionally been confirmed applied sciences within the Wildcat EV idea will make their option to upcoming Buicks. We simply don’t know what and when.

Since Buick is conserving the electrification specs and options nearer to the chest, firm reps didn’t reveal something about vary, charging or efficiency. It’s a completely drivable car, that a lot is obvious, besides there’s nothing official concerning the powertrain and even how driver autonomy would possibly determine into the entire thing.

Going ahead, Buick EVs will fall underneath a typical identify, Electra, becoming proper in with the prevailing fashions that each one begin with the letter ‘E’. The corporate was additionally mum on whether or not it’s testing particular electrical driving options and even swapping out elements. It was constructed with GM’s Ultium battery platform, the underside housing the cells and forming the idea for the chassis.

Getting youthful

Buick is aware of it must cater to a youthful crowd to compete long-term, and isn’t actually hiding that. The design all however confirms it, because it bears so little resemblance to something within the present lineup. The phrases “dynamic,” “recent” and “daring” got here up typically in conversations I had with reps on the present.

Over the subsequent 18 months, Buick plans to launch about 5 new automobiles “that may have quite a lot of cues” taken from the Wildcat EV. We’ll should see after they roll out.