Could something as interesting as the Buick Roadmaster return to the market? It might go against the grain, but isn’t that what we want?
What do most EVs have in common? Many models, especially the car and SUV versions, have adopted the Tesla design philosophy. While it was interesting at first, now, it’s becoming boring, bland, and unappealing. Tesla is no longer ahead of every other EV automaker in terms of design. Couldn’t we bring back some old-school styling and actually enjoy a vehicle that offers some interesting features? Why can’t EVs be more stylish?
Electric vehicles have the same application of futuristic styling
When the first hybrids appeared, it was easy to understand the styling offered. The early versions of the Toyota Prius were wedge-shaped, had partial wheel covers, and sat low to the ground. Every angle, surface, and shape was made in an effort to conserve fuel. As electric vehicles became a reality, similar styling philosophies were adopted. Then Tesla went and deleted the grille, and all other automakers did the same thing. While appealing at first, the translation of futuristic styling is too much like watching the Jetson’s cartoons. Sure, the future tech was cool, but everything was the same, and that’s boring.
Why not bring back some old-school style?
American muscle cars dipped back in time to offer classic styling and shapes in the Challenger, Camaro, and Mustang, and we loved them for it. Maybe it’s time to take some of that throwback style and apply it to an electric vehicle. The 1990s Buick Roadmaster is a good place to start. While most won’t appreciate the faux-wood paneling, the massive wheels, character, and qualities of the Roadmaster could be a big hit in today’s market. Rather than offer more vehicles that look the same, let’s see something that makes vehicles stand out.
Why do all new vehicles look the same?
If you answered this question with “money,” you’re on the right track. Although automakers, especially General Motors, have always found ways to utilize the same platform across brands, we’ve hardly ever seen the use of similar platforms across entire vehicle ranges. Now, we are. Many automakers are working on what they term “global platforms,” which means the same basic build can be found underneath several models in the same vehicle line. Additionally, instead of offering differentiating styling, most brands have a singular style philosophy, which is translated into various models, which saves automakers money to create multiple platforms.
Why not bring some of that Buick Roadmaster styling back?
In the 1990s, the Buick Roadmaster conformed to the norms of the day. This wasn’t an outrageous sedan and wagon lineup, but one that looked similar to what we found at every car lot. The opposite would be true today. Imagine an EV with massive amounts of faux wood paneling, a lower lip jutting out from below the lower grille, and a set of 23-inch wheels. Recently, HotCars artist Timothy Adry Emmanuel imagined such a machine and offered renderings of what a new EV version of the Roadmaster might look like.
One rendering offered shows a Roadmaster with a low, sharp front, which finishes in slim headlights and the grille area mentioned. The car swoops back from a long hood over a low windshield and to the rear. The tail is finished in a similar shape to the previous tailgate of the Roadmaster wagon, with a jutting out in the middle above the rear bumper.
Emmanuel went as far as to put body panels over the rear wheels and showcased a set of massive 23-inch chrome wheels in the rendering. Although the wood-panel version will certainly turn away many that see it, the version offered with regular sheet metal is stunning and could easily become a unique and interesting Buick for the future.
It’s just a thought, not an actual Buick design
As much as some Roadmaster features could really bring style back to the automotive market, its not what Buick has in mind. That’s especially true when we discuss the potential of a wagon, which has become more of a slur in modern automotive vernacular than it should be. Buick is currently focused on moving their SUV lineup forward with EVs and doesn’t appear interested in making anything that would resemble a sedan or wagon.
Although we probably will never see Buick Roadmaster’s styling and qualities in the EV market, the rendering by Emmanuel is interesting. While looking at the image, we have to wonder how much space could be under that hood if an EV Roadmaster had a frunk where the gas engine would have once resided. Unfortunately, we’ll probably never know.
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