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GWM sub-brand Ora set to unveil Volkswagen Beetle-inspired electric car

The retro-styled Chinese four-door will debut later this month in Shanghai.


GWM (Great Wall Motors) sub-brand Ora is set to unveil a Volkswagen Beetle-inspired electric car at the Shanghai motor show later this month.

The yet-to-be-named model appears to be slightly longer and wider than the car from which it is derived, while also boasting four doors and larger wheel arches.

Assuming it rides on the same underpinnings as other vehicles in the Ora line-up – namely the iQ, R1, R2, and Haomao – it will likely be driven by a 35kW electric motor drawing voltage from a 33kWh battery pack.

Inside the cabin, the steering wheel looks almost identical to that from the original Beetle. However, a modern digital interface and infotainment system appear to be integrated into the dashboard, alongside turbine-style air conditioning vents.

The Chinese brand is reportedly holding a public survey to designate a name for the retro model. According to (the infamously-imperfect) Google Translate, the available options are ‘Elf Cat’, ‘Punk Cat’, ‘Noble Cat’, ‘Persian Cat’, ‘Royal Cat’, and ‘Large Orange Cat’.

Unfortunately, it appears 'Copy Cat' cannot be selected (and nor can 'Beetle McBeetleFace').

This is not the first time a classic car has been reimagined by a Chinese manufacturer – last year CarAdvice reported Songsan Motors had begun mass producing a hybrid replica of the 1958 Chevrolet Corvette C1.

Meanwhile, in 2016 Zotye released a Porsche Macan clone known as the SR8, and, less than a year later, Jaguar Land Rover sued Jiangling Motors over its Evoque-inspired X7.

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William Davis

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

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