In-the-metal debut slated for Paris in October.
Vietnam’s ambitions to produce its own cars has hit a new milestone, with nascent company VinFast unveiling not one, but two debut models for the brand ahead of their official Paris motor show outing. Henceforth to be referred to as ‘SUV’ and ‘Saloon,’ the two models show that VinFast has premium pretensions on its mind, and will ply the high-profit route with its models before later introducing more affordable models.
Both cars feature very distinctive designs, with the big V emblem sitting proudly on the nose. In both cases the V is highlighted with lines that seem to extend into the slim, high-mounted LED daytime running lights, creating a very distinctive light signature. In case you’re squinting at the images, no, the main light units aren’t housed in those tiny elements. They’re actually below, hidden above the (faux) air intakes. If you’re wondering why there appears to be a sole chrome grille slat, we’ll tell you why: It’s ‘VinFast,’ right? So that chrome element completes the ‘VF’ signature on the front, or so they claim.
Under the skin, you’ll find BMW underpinnings and BMW drivetrains, with both the SUV and saloon sitting on rear-driven platforms. This is evident by the long bonnet and wheelbase, which VinFast says gives the cars a “symmetrical, sophisticated, and elegant beauty.” The SUV clearly knows what the ’S’ stands for, and looks more aggressive and sporty as a result.
The VinFast saloon will be underpinned by the platform of the F10 BMW 5-Series, while the SUV uses the architecture of the F15 BMW X5. Two 2.0-litre turbo-4s will be employed here in either 130kW or 170kW guises, with a ZF eight-speed auto sending power rearwards for the saloon, and to all-four corners in the SUV.
VinFast actually had the Vietnamese public vote on the designs of the new car, with over 62,000 people choosing between the proposed designs by Touring Superleggera, Zagato, Pininfarina and ItalDesign. The two cars you see here were penned by ItalDesign, but they were refined by Pininfarina using 3D computer-aided design to expedite the process.
The two VinFast debutants will make their public debut at the upcoming Paris motorshow, which opens on the 2nd of October. We’re very curious to see the culmination of Vietnamese conglomerate VinGroup’s AU$2-billion investment into the VinFast project, and whether or not the 335-hectare factory they’re building will see success, or scuppered dreams.
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