The emerging automotive brand Lepas, which recently entered select European markets including Italy, has officially debuted its design manifesto: the Aura concept. Presented in Wuhu by Chery Group brand Chief Designer Iván Dulanović, the shooting brake concept serves as a preview for the brand’s future production models.
The Leopard Aesthetics Philosophy
At the core of the Aura is the "Leopard Aesthetics" design language, rooted in the brand’s "natural energy design" philosophy. Dulanović describes the design as an evolution of nature, aiming for a balance of elegance, confidence, and mystery. Rather than relying on overt decoration, the design focuses on balanced proportions and calm surfaces, intended to evoke the stillness and latent power of a leopard.
The vehicle’s physical form reflects this through a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a wide track, creating a grounded, muscular stance. Aerodynamic efficiency is integrated into these proportions, mimicking the stretched, forward-leaning posture of a leopard in motion. The front end features a unified, clean surface and a distinct daytime running light signature, which Dulanović notes is designed to be recognizable even in complete darkness.
Materiality and Color
The Aura’s aesthetic is further defined by its finish, which draws inspiration from the texture and luster of porcelain. This is complemented by a trio of colors—Dawn Pearl, Bacalar Blue, and Provence Twilight—each selected to reflect different facets of "warm," "fresh," and "mysterious" elegance. According to Dulanović, these choices underscore the brand's belief that elegance is fluid and shifts depending on the light.
The Aura serves as the next evolutionary step for Lepas, signaling a design direction that prioritizes understated strength and subtle, animalistic tension over traditional automotive ornamentation.
