ORA, a sub-brand of GWM, has recently revealed teaser images for their next retro-inspired EV. This one is an all-electric Volkswagen Beetle that has been reimagined and is set to be revealed at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show.
The inspiration from the Beetle is very clear and it would be difficult to assume how Volkswagen will react. What is important to note is that these are just teaser images and the revealed EV could look a little different. ORA has also been very quiet about details, clearly keeping them for its official reveal.
GWM and ORA. The electric sub-brand.
ORA is the all-electric sub-brand of Great Wall Motors (GWM). The brand launched its first model, the ORA iQ, in 2018 and has since grown with many new models. Most of which are very retro-inspired much like this new teaser.
According to CarNewsChina.com, GWM has signed with BWM for the production of electric Mini’s in China. However, they will be a little different being based on the ORA platform instead of the platform that we will receive in South Africa.
The few details we know about this new EV.
GWM and ORA have not revealed any details about the upcoming EV apart from these teaser images. In fact, the brand hasn’t even given the vehicle a name yet. Instead, they are holding a vote on the name with the following options:
- Royal Cat
- Persian Cat
- Big Orange Cat
- Noble Cat
- Elf Cat
- Punk Cat
Given what we see in the images, there are a few that probably just don’t work. but what would you pick?
There are many parts to the vehicle that directly draw from the Beetle that this EV has been inspired by. The chrome-surrounded round headlights and oval headlights with protruding bumpers are all very Beetle. While the flared wheel arches and round rearview mirrors continue the look at the side of the car.
There is one big difference in that this car has four doors as opposed to the two-door Beetle. This lengthens out the body, making the side silhouette different but still keeping a very retro look.
Interior image reveals more retro-inspired design.
Many teasers don’t show off an interior image, but that is not the case for GWM and this ORA EV. Inside, the retro-look is continued with loads of chrome and silver details. Even the steering wheel brings back a ton of memories of older cars while the digital side does betray that a little. There is a large floating touchscreen for the infotainment system and a retro-inspired circular digital instrument display.
We imagine there will be no lack in modern tech and comfort features, but it will hopefully all stay true to the retro theme. Obviously, this car comes with a lot to talk about. From the copying of an iconic image to the new take modern-retro, but we want to hear what you think. Let us know in the comments below.
