LEPAS AURA previews leopard-inspired design for Chery’s new car brand
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LEPAS, a new car brand from Chinese automotive group Chery, has unveiled the AURA concept, previewing the design direction of its next models. At its world premiere in Wuhu, China, highlights included headlights resembling a leopard’s eyes, an aerodynamically shaped body and digital surfaces that allow owners to personalise the car’s appearance. The manufacturer has not yet disclosed technical specifications.
A leopard as the designers’ inspiration
The LEPAS AURA represents the second stage in the evolution of the brand’s Leopard Aesthetics design language. Compared with the existing L8 SUV, the concept emphasises more muscular proportions, flowing surfaces and a more clearly defined visual identity.
At the premiere on 26 October, LEPAS chief designer Ivan Dulanovic explained that the AURA’s shape echoes the movement of a running leopard. A long wheelbase, short overhangs and a wide body give the car a low, sporty stance.
The body surfaces resemble polished porcelain. Air ducts channel airflow around the car and through body components, helping to improve aerodynamics and generate downforce, according to the designers.
However, the manufacturer did not disclose a drag coefficient or measured aerodynamic figures.
The front end becomes a digital canvas
The AURA’s most striking innovation lies in its lighting technology. Leopard-Eye headlights give the car a distinctive look, while the front end’s continuous black surface brings the grille and side air intakes together into a single design element.
A digital display surface at the front can show different graphics, light patterns and animations. An elliptical rear display offers similar personalisation options for the tail lights.
LEPAS wants to let owners change the car’s visual character without replacing body components. However, the use of such features in production vehicles depends on the applicable lighting regulations.
The designers also developed three exterior colours inspired by natural environments: the pinkish Dawn Pearl, turquoise Bacalar Blue and blue-violet Provence Twilight.
Stiff competition awaits in Europe
LEPAS is part of the Chery group’s growing family of car brands, which also includes Omoda and Jaecoo. For now, the AURA’s purpose is not to bring a specific vehicle to market, but to establish a clearly distinctive appearance for future LEPAS models.
In the European market, the new brand will have to compete with both established manufacturers and other Chinese companies offering increasingly well-equipped electrified cars.
The AURA may help LEPAS stand out from its competitors, but design alone will not be enough. For European buyers, price, powertrain efficiency, safety and the effectiveness of the service network will be decisive.
LEPAS has not disclosed the AURA’s dimensions, powertrain type, power output, battery capacity or range. Nor has it confirmed whether the concept will enter series production.
The AURA should therefore be seen primarily as a preview of future models’ design, rather than an imminent rival to any existing electric SUV.
