Watch the Buick Wildcat EV hit the road in this behind-the-scenes GM design video

Using computer animation, GM designers demonstrated the low-slung coupe to senior management.

The Buick Wildcat EV created a stir when it was introduced last year. Inspired by the bold styling of cars like the original Wildcat and Riviera, the 2+2 coupe features styling that heralds Buick’s new design language. While the Wildcat EV has almost no chance of ever going into production, it was recently shown off in a video on the General Motors Design Instagram account.

It begins with someone walking into a dark garage past two rows of Buicks parked in the shade. Then it transitions to a vibrant orange Wildcat EV. Similar to the Gray Metallic car, there are minor differences, including the design of the wheels and the lack of chrome around the windows. The front end is a little different, blacked out rather than having chrome slats. But the biggest difference is seen in the back. Instead of taillights that extend to the sides of the rear window, the orange Wildcat lights are located at the tops of the fenders, and extend along the edge of the rear spoiler.

Then, the Wildcat EV takes to the road, meandering along a two-lane highway next to a body of water. The low-slung coupe is shown from different angles as it climbs hills, descends into ruts, and then passes a waterfall. General Motors Design points out on its Instagram account that the video is a behind-the-scenes animation used to showcase the GM-driving Project Wildcat.

Gallery: Buick Wildcat EV Concept

Although the coupe never got the green light, the Wildcat EV’s design language is already trickling into Buick’s lineup. The 2024 Invista borrows heavily from it, giving the small crossover a distinctive look to rival the Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos in the same class. It has also been featured in the Envision, which aims to compete with the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. Across the entire range, the Buick logo gets a simplified design makeover, which results in the triple shields being aligned horizontally.

Although sedans such as the Regal and LaCrosse are out of the domestic market in 2020, they are still present in China. Both cars were recently updated with updated interiors and styling that incorporate some of the same design language from the Wildcat EV.