International newspaper: ‘VinFast VF 8 can make a breakthrough’

Veteran American writer Paul A. Eisenstein, and editor-in-chief of the newspaper specialized in automobiles The Detroit Bureau had a trip to Vietnam, participated in a test drive of VinFast VF 8, in its factory in Hai Phong. After the experience, he highly appreciated the design of the VF 8, hoping that this model could make a breakthrough when sold in the US. The Detroit Bureau.

“VF 8 has an elegant appearance, delicately shaped like a coupe”, the article begins with a paragraph. The car was designed by the famous Italian studio Pininfarina. The front of the car impresses with the V-logo surrounded by daytime LED positioning lights and turn signals. Like most new all-electric models, the VF 8 has ditched the traditional grille, since there’s no need for air to circulate under the hood.

But the special feature of the VF 8 is that the roof does not create the feeling of “rough corrugated iron” like other battery-powered models. The electric SUV is equipped with a smaller grille under the bumper, which helps to cool both the battery pack and the engine. The twin air intakes are also designed to reduce turbulence around the front wheels.

VinFast VF 8 has the same size as the BMW X3, Volkswagen ID.4 and Kia EV6. The outstanding advantage of electric cars, including the VF 8, is that it offers a more spacious interior space compared to gasoline car competitors in the same segment.

Auto expert of The Detroit Bureau Also assessed, although it is only a test-drive version, but the VF 8 has many indications for a “luxury car at an affordable price”. The interior of the car ditches the traditional instrument cluster behind the steering wheel, replacing it with a 15.6-inch horizontal touchscreen. Supporting the driver’s vision, the VF 8 has a HUD screen, which displays information on the windshield.

VF 8 is equipped with 2 electric motors by VinFast, connected to the battery system located below the floor of the car, with 2 versions Eco and Plus. In the Eco version, the car has heated leatherette seats. Meanwhile, the premium version Plus adds real leather and a seat cooling system.

The cabin design of the VF 8 is also impressive when minimizing physical buttons but still ensuring full functionality. For example, users only need to touch the car icon on the screen, then adjust the outside mirror easily by using the button on the steering wheel.

As soon as you step on the gas, the driver will feel the power from 2 electric motors, with a capacity of 260 kW, maximum torque of 500 Nm (Eco version) or 300 kW, 640 Nm of torque (Plus version). . The VF 8’s dual engine continues to “explode” when the car reaches high speeds.

VinFast has 2 battery options for customers who own VF 8, 460 km and 510 km per full charge. Its fast charging technology will help increase battery capacity from 10% to 70% in 31 minutes, or less. The regenerative braking system operates every time the driver steps on the brake pedal, automatically recovering energy to recharge the battery.

“The “one-pedal” mode is not expected to be present on the first VF 8s shipped. This feature is like shifting gears in an internal combustion engine car, “the American journalist described. “In most cases, the driver can control the speed just by adjusting the accelerator pedal without having to switch foot back and forth between the accelerator and the brake. However, a VinFast representative said, users can soon experience the experience. experience this feature via remote software update technology”.

Remote update will be the way VinFast adds new features and services to users of its electric car models. These services will include: online shopping, gaming, web browsing, smart home control. The car is also equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Qi wireless charging.

The list of smart features of the VF 8 will be extended, with Amazon Alexa virtual assistant – controlling the car’s functions. “For example, the driver just needs to say “Hey, VinFast” and command the car to close, open the sunroof, change the radio channel, find the destination… Even the car will increase the cabin temperature by itself if the passenger used to indicate that they are cold,” the American journalist explained.

Advanced driving assistance features will also be equipped by VinFast on both VF 8 Eco and Plus versions, including forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, blind spot detection and cruise control. proactive program. In addition, customers can optionally add features to assist in traffic jams, level 2 automatic driving assistance on highways, etc.

VinFast has plans to add hands-free features, but has not revealed a specific time.

Expert Paul Eisenstein assessed that, even though it is only a test version, the VF 8 will be a car worth buying when the full-featured commercial version is released later this year. The price of the VF 8 from $40,700 (excluding delivery) in the US is quite competitive when compared to the Volkswagen ID.4 (from $44,910) and the Kia EV6 AWD version (from $50,900).

“It’s still early to talk about the reception of US customers but the “rookie” VF 8 seems to be able to do a lot. Adding services to help reduce inconvenience and risk for customers, VF 8 has could make a real breakthrough”, the Editor-in-Chief The Detroit Bureau comments at the end of the article.

Quang Anh (according to The Detroit Bureau)