Ora, a Great Wall subsidiary specializing in retro-themed EVs, has launched the production of its Lightning Cat sedan. The Chinese Ministry of Industry has revealed images confirming the production start.
The Lightning Cat Concept debuted at the last year’s Auto Shanghai show with an exterior obviously inspired by the Porsche Panamera. According to AutoHome, the EV will originally ship with a single motor under the hood.
Judging by what can be seen on the pictures, the production car looks nearly identical to the prototype (see video). This includes the overall body outlines, the sculpted sides, the round headlights and the unusual front bumper inserts. The wheels have been simplified, though, and normal side mirrors were installed where video cameras used to be. The rear bumper and taillights changed only slightly.
Despite its sloped back, the Ora Lightning Cat is technically a sedan: its trunk lid is designed to rise along with a small part of the rear window.
The show car had a quasi-floating center console with standalone digital dashboard and multimedia. There were three recessed dash gauges.
The car is 4,871 mm (190 inches) long with 2,870 inches (112 inches) of wheelbase. According to AutoHome, it will first be available with a single electric motor rated at 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW), but dual-motor options should come later.
Mass production is expected to start in the second quarter of 2022. When it hits the showrooms, the Lightning Cat should cost around 200,000 Yuan.