Vinfast, Vietnam’s only domestic brand, has been in the market for a couple of years now and is working hard at establishing its credentials as a premium carmaker. Besides the two models it has already started producing, it has also come up with a limited edition SUV model exclusively for the Vietnamese market.
Designed by Pininfarina (which was also involved in its first two models), the SUV is known as the President and claimed to be one of the most powerful SUVs in the world at the moment. Vinfast will build 500 units for sale; the first 1000 will be sold for 3.8 billion VND (equivalent to about RM682,000) and for the remaining 400, the price will be 4.6 billion VND (about RM823,000).
To join the ‘most powerful SUV’ club, the President’s V8 engine has a maximum output of 420 ps/624 Nm and, with an 8-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4-wheel drive, the claimed 0 to 100 km/h acceleration time is 6.8 seconds and a top speed capability of nearly 300 km/h.
As would be expected of such an exclusive model. Pininfarina has given it a majestic and elegant design. The grille is designed in a diamond shape to accentuate the high position, while a large air cavity enhances the strong appearance. The highlight at the rear is a pair of large dual exhaust tailpipes.
Besides a choice of 18 exterior colours, the premium finishing includes sophisticated details covered in gold colour, copper bronze, gun metal, or metallic silver on the logo, roof rack, door braces, car steps, wheels, and bumpers.
The inside gives priority to the comfort of the rear occupants (although the driver’s comfort is not ignored). Massage functions are available in the seats, along with heating and ventilation features for the first and second rows. In particular, the second row of seats is very spacious with legroom of up to 20 cm more compared to the Lux SA2.0 model.
The seats are covered with premium Nappa leather from exclusive leather suppliers, along with premium veneer wood made in Italy exclusively for the President. The wood cladding on each car will have a completely different pattern, thus creating a unique ‘ID’ and adding to the exclusiveness. The entertainment system consists of a 7-inch multi-function display cluster with a centre screen of 12.3 inches and 13 high-end speakers positioned around the cabin.
Commenting on the President, Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Standing Deputy General Director of VinFast, said: “President is a product line that represents the high class and quality of VinFast, it is also our affirmation to the world of Vietnamese automobile production capacity. We want to dedicate this wonderful product and VinFast’s top-notch customer care services to Vietnamese people who have a pioneering and strong spirit. That is also the reason why VinFast only produces a limited number of 500 cars to ensure this masterpiece is worthy of its owner”.
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