Buick Wildcat 1985

[Frank Lee]

On a related note, I have a framed, very nice rendering of a Vector from back in the day hanging in the office. Wow has that been there a long time!

[kach22i]

I have my own Vector story if we really want to hi-jack this thread properly.

Exotic Cars Photos by kach22i | Photobucket


Of the mid 1980 GM concepts, I think the Wildcat was the purest, the most unadorned.

Maybe the shorter front and rear overhangs and lack of wings/spoilers just made for a lighter more nimble looking design.

[Frank Lee]

Looks like fun!

[Arragonis]

Originally Posted by kach22i

I have my own Vector story if we really want to hi-jack this thread properly.

Exotic Cars Photos by kach22i | Photobucket
...

It isn't hard to tell the odd one out is it

[some_other_dave]

I love how so many concept cars have huge greenhouses. Big enough to turn the interior into a sauna in anything but the middle of winter...

Needing an immense A/C system does not make for overly efficient driving.

-soD

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by some_other_dave

I love how so many concept cars have huge greenhouses. Big enough to turn the interior into a sauna in anything but the middle of winter...

Needing an immense A/C system does not make for overly efficient driving.

-soD

In the 1980s,the Mercury Sable was using NASA-inspired low-emissivity coatings on the windshield to lower solar gain.I think it's replacement cost was $2,300.Ouch!

[snakub]

So would this benefit from a boat tail like some of the other concepts mentioned on here? What about a rounder front end instead of that ground effect?

[kach22i]

The problem with concept cars I've looked into before is that they are mostly about what's happening up top (the visual), and not so much the function.

With mid-engined concepts from the 1960's-1970's the airflow underneath was neglected and got all messed up (via engine bay openings below), raising Cd numbers. I suggest seeking out images of the belly, perhaps a plastic model photo would reveal a lot and answer your question snakub.

As far as the nose being less pointy, we have assumed in aero-template exercises that the front half of the car no matter what the shape is (within reason) will get the desired attachment and pressurization of air for the flow of air around the body to form.

In my opinion, if the engine and transmission were not over the real axle, the underbelly could sweep upward eliminating the need for a boat-tail. However, we have what we have and yes a longer tail would help in this case.

Example: Oldsmobile Aerotech concept car
Oldsmobile Aerotech concept car photos


More Aerotech:
http://deansgarage.com/2011/1987-oldsmobile-aerotech/


Wildcat Concept:
http://www.supercars.net/cars/273.html

The Wildcat took performance to the next level with four-wheel drive and a rear-mounted engine prepared by noted racing specialist McLaren Engines. Based on Buick's 3.8-liter V-6 block, the experimental powerplant has 24 valves, dual overhead camshafts and programmable sequential-port fuel injection. The formidable V-6 is visible through an opening in the Wildcat's rear deck.

EDIT: On a second look, airflow over the exposed engine could be problematic. However, a simple cover would fix that.
http://www.supercars.net/cars/273.html

[aerohead]

Originally Posted by snakub

So would this benefit from a boat tail like some of the other concepts mentioned on here? What about a rounder front end instead of that ground effect?

I think Kach22i hit the nail on the head.That it was all about the 'look.'
I've not seen the belly of the Wildcat but suspect that it's a bottom breather as far as the cooling system goes(like Trans Am Firebird and Corvette),and that slot under the nose is for cooling airflow to the embedded inlet duct.So we might forgive the nose as is.
If it were designed for low-drag rather than 'bling' they might have reduced the rear track and given the body the 'raindrop' shape of the Impact/EV1,with plan taper of the body to match that of the greenhouse.This would start the boat-tailing at mid-door,leaving a significantly smaller wake.For its length,it would have fairly small booty.

[kach22i]

FYI: a nice site on the Aerotech development.

Green Hotel : Bangkok Thailand | www.greenbkk.com reservation@greenbkk.com: GreenBkk.com Auto | Ed Welburn Drives the Oldsmobile Aerotech