The GWM Ora Punk Cat, inspired by the original Volkswagen Beetle, is almost ready for production with a set of official images being revealed, depicting the model that will soon head to dealerships. As a twist however, a new variant has been added to the range; the Ballet Cat which has been proposed as a softer offering.
As CarNewsChina reports, the GWM Ora Punk Cat remains the same in terms of overall design but there are distinctive changes with regards to specific details. The production model boasts a new set of bumpers, a front-mounted charging cap, new door mirrors and alloy wheels, a repositioned license plate holder and a new set of colour schemes.
As a complementary product, the Ballet Cat trim has been introduced as well. This model comes with a softer colour scheme and retro-style ‘wheel cover’ alloys. The mirrors are chromed instead of in body colour and the third-side window appears to be blacked-out or over-panelled. The rear retains the retro theme with a chromed bumper and a small wing in the middle of the hatch.
Even though the GWM Ora Punk Cat and Ballet Cat are so close to production, power outputs for the range have not yet been detailed.
How exactly did GWM get away with copying the design of the original Beetle? Chinese media outlets report that the manufacturer applied for the patent for the design at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and that the application was approved.
The patent is said to be valid for five years, and can be renewed for a maximum of 25 years. Thus, the 25-year maximum means any patents on the original Volkswagen Beetle have long lost validity, but the New Beetle debuted in 1997 so, theoretically, Volkswagen may object if it seems too many similarities between the Punk Cat and the New Beetle.
