Buick shows Wildcat EV concept pointing the way forward for Buick design

Buick recently debuted the new Wildcat Concept EV to show the brand's new design language and electrifying future. As you probably know, Buick is much, much more popular in China as it is in the US so many current Buicks are not even available in the US. I can't say whether this concept was designed with China and Chinese customers in mind, but the concept is stunning even though many details probably wouldn't see production. “The Wildcat EV concept represents the real design future for the brand,” said Sharon Gauci, executive director, 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.” Firstly, automakers these days don't make coupes, even ones like this concept that has large and specially-articulated doors that allow easy access for all passengers. The fastback roofline might be another casualty although the integration of the taillights into the roof is nicely done (watch video). But most importantly, this concept announces Buick's all EV future. With a slightly higher roofline and four doors this would make a nice Buick Electra (see previous post link below to view that concept from 2020). There is a lot to like here. Can't wait to see how Buick fits this design into its future vehicles. Click on "read more" below to view the media release for mor information. Enjoy!

Source: Buick - Media release, pics, video. Electra post.

Buick debuts Electra EV concept in Shanghai

Buick has chosen a storied name from its past, Electra, to be affixed to its concept EV for the Shanghai Motor Exposition. China is Buick's largest market where they sell hundreds of thousands more vehicles there than in the US. As a result, Buick's attention is very China-centric creating vehicles and concepts that will appeal to Chinese buyers. With that in mind, Buick created the Electra concept showing the brand's vision for the future. Remember that Electra was the name given to Buick's top-of-the-line land yachts of decades past. It seems fitting that the name was resurrected for an EV. While no specs were given other than a 0 to 60 time of just over 4 seconds, the Electra uses flowing design themes and a few touches that won't see production like the A and B pillar-less roof, floating dashboard, and doors that open up (just ask Tesla how that works out on a production vehicle). It is a striking design and I look forward to seeing how this design rubs off on Buick's vehicles. More to come.

Source: Buick - Pics and media release

Buick points toward it's future with the premium 2021 Envision SUV/CUV

Buick has kinda been on a roll of late especially in China, Buick's biggest market. The new 2021 Envision premium SUV (CUV?) will only improve said roll. The Envision is a looker and not your grandmother's Buick either. When the Envision arrives early next year (as a 2022 maybe?) it will include Buick's (and GM's) latest tech. a turbo four mated to a nine-speed automatic, available all-wheel drive, available Avenir luxury trim, and much more. Final specifications will be announced closer to the Envision's introduction. The body side sculpting, lower greenhouse, and Mercedes-esque grille are nice. Wouldn't this make a nice EV or at least a hybrid? GM does have the tech in-house to make it happen and the Buick brand could use the model-line update. Check back for more info later this year.

Source - Press release and pics courtesy of Buick

Buick updates Encore sub-compact luxury crossover with new GX ST model

A few years ago, Buick (and GM) took a leap and brought a new, Korean-made, smaller crossover into the US market with the intro of the Encore. Pundits and automotive insiders thought Buick was crazy, until they sold as many as they could produce. Seems folks wanted a little luxury with their small CUVs. Worked for Mini right? Soon, just about everyone had a "sub-compact" luxury crossover offering. But Buick's Encore was still (relatively) popular. For 2020, Buick has added a new model to the recently updated Encore with the addition of the GX ST. The Encore GX ST is meant to add a sporting flair to the littlest Buick and it does. The new Encore is more attractive and the black ST accents go well with the more sculptural design. Engines include the standard 1.2-liter turbo or the premium 1.3-liter turbo engine with the larger engine delivering up to 155 horsepower, 174 ft-lbs. of torque and offer a GM-estimated 31 mpg combined. FWD (front-wheel-drive) models will come with a CVT (continuously-variable-transmission) and 1.3-liter models equipped with AWD (all-wheel-drive) will be fitted with GM's nine-speed automatic. Yeah efficiency is in, drag racing is out. Most of GM's suite of safety- and technology-equipment will be either standard or available as an option (see press release after the "read more" jump). Buick's new Encore GX ST is an attractive option for those of who want a little lux in our mini-sized rides. The new Encore should be at your local Buick dealer now, Covid-19 allowing.

Source: Pics and press release courtesy of Buick.