Ora’s “Mini Panamera” Lightning Cat EV Will Reportedly Be Based On And Built Alongside BMW’s MINI In China

When the Ora Lightning Cat EV was revealed last year many people commented on how much it looked like a smaller, and probably prettier, Porsche Panamera. But under the skin the Chinese EV has more in common with a very different German (or more accurately German-owned) carmaker.

The Lightning Cat will share a platform with two new electric-powered Mini models and all three cars will be built at the same Zhangjiagang plant in China, according to a report from well connected Germany-based journalist Greg Kable. The Spotlight Automotive factory is a joint project between Great Wall Motor and BMW and has the capacity to produce 160,000 units each year.

Great Wall’s Ora sub-brand first showed the Lightning Cat at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show. In terms of design, the five-door sedan is more closely aligned with the company’s smaller Cat hatchback than the overtly retro Punk Cat, which has caused controversy for its similarity to VW’s classic Beetle.

Related: 2023 MINI Hatch Caught Completely Undisguised In China Over A Year Ahead Of Schedule

BMW sources tell me the ORA Lightning Cat, codenamed EC24, is set to share its platform and be produced on the same line as two new electric-powered @MINI models at the Spotlight Automotive factory run by Great Wall Motor and the @BMWGroup in Zhangjiagang, China. @GWMGlobal pic.twitter.com/kNXK1fifLX

— Greg Kable (@GregKable) January 18, 2022

Blending Porsche 911 styling cues around the nose with a silhouette that’s reminiscent of a Panamera sedan, the Lightning Cat features an active rear wing, just like the Porsche, while the triple-gauge cluster and rising center console bring to mind the German company’s 918 Spyder. A wide touchscreen floating proud of the dashboard dominates the cabin, which features four individual seats, again aping those in the Panamera.

Ora hasn’t revealed detailed mechanical specs for the Lightning Cat, but while it might not be 918 Spyder quick, it should certainly be fast enough to embarrass most Porsche SUVs and low-level sports cars from the lights. A pair of electric motors driving all four wheels will give the production car a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 3.5 seconds, the company claims.

New MINI @MINI@BMW @BMWGroup @GWMGlobal pic.twitter.com/GFq55Rw2ai

— Greg Kable (@GregKable) December 10, 2021

When we asked BMW about the report it said it had no official news about the Spotlight Automotive project beyond what was announced a couple of years ago when it confirmed Great Wall and Mini would team up to build future electric cars.

While Mini’s Oxford plant in the UK will continue to build ICE-powered Minis after the next generation car is released, EV derivatives using an entirely different platform will be be built in China.

Note: Ora Lightning Cat EV Concept pictured