Volkswagen killed off the Beetle back in 2019, but with Renault reimagining the classic 5 supermini as an electric car, now could be the perfect time for the Beetle to make a comeback as a retro-look, but thoroughly modern, EV.
And that’s exactly what has happened. The only problem is, Volkswagen has nothing to do with this new electric Beetle unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show. It’s another Chinese clone, in this case, made by Great Wall’s ORA sub-brand.
Unlike every genuine Beetle, the ORA Punk Cat (yes, really) has four doors, but the design is clearly inspired by the classic Volkswagen that was created by Ferdinand Porsche before the outbreak of WWII. The sloping, tapered bonnet, four separate wings and 1960s-style overriders are instantly recognisable, although the rear styling looks more generic.
Open the door and the Black Cat rewards you with a spectacularly baroque mix of red lighting and gold brightwork. As on an early Beetle, a single circular clock housing the speedometer lies ahead of a large, slim streering wheel that even features an old fashioned horn rim.
But it’s not all museum-grade stuff. That speedometer is a digital gauge, and it's paired with a large, landscape infotainment touchscreen device mounted above the retro heater controls.
We’re not sure what’s under the skin, or when the Punk Cat might make it to production. But we do know that Volkswagen is, predictably, taking a keen interest in the car.
We asked Volkswagen for a comment and were told: “We check this matter with regard to any violations of utility model or design rights of Volkswagen AG and reserve the right to take any necessary legal steps.”
The Punk Cat certainly isn’t the first Chinese rip-off of a western design. In the past we’ve seen all kinds of cars cloned, from a Range Rover Evoque to a BMW X5.
Keyword: Four-door electric Beetle rip-off on show at Shanghai