Buick revives “Electra” trademark for an upcoming battery SUV

The Buick Clectra Concept is currently exhibited at the Auto China expo in Beijing, providing an insight into the future of electricity-powered Buicks.

The show car has been designed by the Shanghai Design Center of General Motors, and the name Electra pays homage to a classic car dating back to 1959 – 1990. The new design philosophy is called Potential Energy. Noteworthy exterior traits include butterfly-wing doors, huge 23-inch wheels, LED Matrix headlights, and a glass dome. Note also a skateboard attached to the lower rear bumper.

The cabin lacks a conventional front panel, which is replaced by a large curved screen. The folding steering wheel may indicate the study’s autonomous capabilities, and the seats are designed so as to appear hovering in mid-air.

The prototype utilizes an architecture known as the Ultium Drive (see video) and packs dual electric motors jointly rated at 591 hp (440 kW). Going 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 4.3 seconds, and a single charge is reportedly enough for 660 kilometers (410 miles) of uninterrupted driving.

Finally yet importantly, the vehicle supports V2X, a technology that enables intelligent data exchange between the autonomous car and the surrounding road infrastructure.