Buick Electra Orbit: A Retro-Futuristic Concept Inspired by the 1950s

The Buick Electra Orbit: A Retro-Futuristic Dream Car

Picture this: a car that looks like it just rolled out of a 1950s sci-fi movie, but packed with today’s most advanced electric tech. That’s the Buick Electra Orbit—a jaw-dropping concept from GM’s Shanghai design studio. It’s a love letter to the golden age of American car design, reimagined for the electric era.

1950s Cool Meets Tomorrow’s Tech

Back in the ’50s, GM’s Motorama concept cars were all about wild, space-age styling—chrome, fins, and dreams of the future. The Electra Orbit brings back that magic, blending retro charm with sleek EV aerodynamics. GM China calls it a mix of "1950s romance and futuristic tech," and it’s easy to see why.

At nearly 19 feet long, this thing is a showstopper. The fastback shape, glowing Buick badge, and massive 24-inch wheels (styled like classic ’50s dishes) make it look like a concept car from an alternate universe.

Hidden Tricks & Sci-Fi Gadgets

But this isn’t just a pretty face—it’s got some wild engineering too. In a cool Instagram clip, GM showed off hidden panels on the hood that pop open to cool the brakes. There’s also a rear wing that lifts and splits at speed, plus adjustable side skirts for better airflow.

Then there are the scissor doors, which swing open to reveal a cabin straight out of a spaceship. The dashboard is one giant screen that switches between self-driving and manual modes, and floating above it? A holographic AI assistant that looks like a tiny planet with orbiting moons. Even the center console has a crystal ball controller—because why not?

Inside, it’s all luxury: brocade fabric, crystal accents, and glowing blue trim running from the dash to the back seats. Despite its size, it’s a 2+2 seater, so it’s more about style than hauling the whole family.

Just a Fantasy (For Now)

Sadly, you won’t see this on the road—it’s purely a design experiment. But it shows where Buick’s head is at, especially in China, where the brand is still a big deal. Stuart Norris, GM China’s design VP, says it’s a "bold exploration" of Buick’s past and future.

It joins other wild GM concepts, like the U.K. and California Corvette studies, proving that car designers are still dreaming up crazy, beautiful ideas. For now, the Electra Orbit is just a gorgeous "what if?"—a reminder that the future of cars can be as fun as the past.