Wildcat was the name of a series of stunning concept cars from the 1950s, a big coupe from the 1960s, and even an Eighties supercar concept. Now, the name is returning for a new EV concept car that previews the brand's all-electric future.

Buick is now a crossover brand, so it won't be built, but it could provide inspiration.

"While it does not align with Buick's SUV program, it is probably the best way for us to demonstrate the new design language," said Bob Boniface, Buick's design director in a video conference.

The Wildcat is intended to serve as an inspiration for models designed for the U.S. and Buick's largest market in China.

Buick's future electric cars will naturally be built on GM's new Ultium electric car platform, which underpins everything from the Cadillac Lyriq to the GMC Hummer EV.

As with Buick's Camaro-based Avista concept of 2016, the Wildcat has a traditional cab-rearward proportion of a rear-wheel-drive 2+2 coupe.

Obviously, since Buick has only used front-wheel drive internal combustion engines since the Avista debuted, those proportions haven't been re-created. Now that Buick is going all-electric, they can. The Wildcat has some wild doors in classic concept car tradition.

It has a cool detail that will almost certainly never be seen on a production car: the roof panel and doors raise up for easy access and egress. While the headlights are reminiscent of current Buick models, the taillights running along the sides of the rear hatch windows recall the Volvo P1800E.

The blacked-out A-Pillars also give the cockpit a canopy-like feel, although I can't help but think of the Lotus Evora, with the wraparound glass.

Wildcat is not the only name Buick is bringing back. Buick's future EVs will be branded with the Electra nameplate, which adorned its full-size luxury vehicle for decades. Buick will launch the first electric vehicle in the United States in 2024.