general motors brings out futuristic space-age designs for buick electra orbit concept car

space-age designs around GM China’s buick electra orbit

General Motors (GM) China introduces the Buick Electra Orbit electric concept car, drawing from space-age and 1950s designs with its proportions and exterior. Its shape includes a low front section, a wide central body, and a stretched rear, design choices that come from old jet aircraft and Buick vehicles from the mid-20th century. The wheels are 24 inches in diameter, fitted within specially shaped fenders. These fenders help shape the side view of the vehicle. GM China’s Buick Electra Orbit also includes scissor-style doors that open in an upward motion. 

These doors allow for more space when people enter and exit the vehicle. There are also deployable aerodynamic parts that activate at high speed to control air movement around the car. The front trunk area opens in the middle using a dual-pivot system, and inside, there is a storage space that includes specially designed luggage. The theme of space age continues through the neutral metallic tone and finish on the concept car’s exterior. This shade is rightfully called ‘space’, and the color is designed to reflect the environmental tones and light conditions surrounding the concept car, as if the electric vehicle were in space. 

all images courtesy of General Motors (GM) China

Electric Concept car with Digital Illusion Carpet

Inside the vehicle, GM China’s Buick Electra Orbit follows a 2+2 seating layout with two seats each in the front and back. The cabin uses an orbit-inspired design, and there’s even a display known as The Ring, which stretches from the left to the right side of the vehicle. It is a large digital screen that provides information and media for both the driver and passengers. The cabin is also flexible because the steering wheel and dashboard can change their shape depending on the driving mode. In manual mode, they are designed for the driver’s use, while in autonomous mode, the focus shifts to allow the driver to be more like a passenger.

In the center of the dashboard is an AI assistant that uses a design shaped like a wormhole, and the center console includes a round controller that provides physical control of the concept car’s functions. The materials used in the cabin include fabrics with traditional brocade patterns. The color scheme comes through as a red clay tone combined with other natural textures, and for the Buick Electra Orbit concept vehicle, the GM China team adds crystal parts in the cabin and a light-based floor surface, called the Digital Illusion Carpet, to create a space-themed atmosphere. The concept was designed with input from GM’s Technical Center Korea and completed by the GM China Advanced Design Center. So far, the Buick Electra Orbit concept car by GM China is a concept car.

its shape includes a low front section, a wide central body, and a stretched rear

the design choices come from old jet aircraft and Buick vehicles from the mid-20th century

the theme of space age continues through the neutral metallic tone and finish on the concept car’s exterior

side profile of the concept vehicle

the model includes scissor-style doors that open in an upward motion

view inside the concept vehicle’s cabin

there’s a 2+2 seating layout installed

side view of the cabin

project info:

name: Buick Electra Orbit concept vehicle

company: General Motors China | @generalmotors

teams: GM’s Technical Center Korea, GM China Advanced Design Center 

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