VinFast, Vietnam’s first automobile brand, has unveiled its own sedan and SUV. The concept models for these vehicles were designed by Pininfarina, the Mahindra-owned Italian coachbuilder and are yet to be given names, officially.
The brand-new VinFast sedan and SUV are designed with the same front fascia – a large hexagonal grille bearing the brand’s ‘V’ logo in chrome high-up at its centre. The car’s LED daytime running lamps combine with the chrome splint to the right of the logo and form an italicised F-motif. The SUV, specifically, has low-mounted LED fog lamps and a skid plate that show off its rugged and steadfast nature.
David Lyon, director of design, VinFast, says, “The strong, distinguishable design, enhanced by elegant lines and refined details, gives our cars several distinctive highlights.”
VinFast’s new models take a more traditional approach towards their design – as opposed to the dynamic look adopted by modern cars, with their coupé-esque rooflines and sleek glasshouses. At the rear, the wraparound combination lamps make their way halfway across the tail of the car and meet another one of Vinfast’s ‘V‘ logos in the centre.
Regarding VinFast’s sedan and SUV’s powertrain, there are no official details known, yet. However, we do know that both vehicles use a BMW-derived platform. The engine for both models will also most likely be sourced from the German brand. Reports say that the company will offer the BMW N20 unit-based 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine in 177hp and 230hp states of tune. This would be mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. Both models are expected to have all-wheel drive on offer.
Deliveries of the unnamed VinFast sedan and VinFast SUV will begin in Vietnam by September 2019. Both models will be produced locally in Cat Hai, Hai Phong, in northern Vietnam.
The new Vietnamese carmaker is also in the process of developing a wide range of other passenger vehicles, including city cars and electric cars.
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