The Car You Barely Knew Existed Just Got A Big Overhaul, With Less Of Everything

The second-generation VinFast VF 8 has been unveiled in Vietnam as a smaller, cheaper electric SUV with a lower-capacity battery than the first generation. The new model is 1.9 inches shorter overall, with a 4.3-inch shorter wheelbase, reducing space for the battery. It uses a 60 kWh pack rated at 311 miles (500 kilometers) on the NEDC cycle, which is expected to translate to about 226 miles on the EPA cycle. Compared with the outgoing model’s 256-mile EPA range from an 87.7 kWh pack, the new version prioritizes improvements in driving dynamics. VinFast claims a new Software-Defined Vehicle architecture, a revised chassis, and frequency-selective dampers front and rear. It is powered by a single front-mounted electric motor producing 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque.

"Compared to the previous model, which is still on sale in the United States, the second-gen VF 8 ditches the Pininfarina-designed body for something that still shouts VinFast, but in a smaller package. That's because the new crossover is 1.9 inches shorter than before, while the wheelbase alone measures 4.3 inches less, leading to less room for the battery. As a result, the new VinFast VF 8 is powered by a 60-kilowatt-hour pack that's good for a claimed 311 miles (500 kilometers) on the NEDC cycle, which should translate to around 226 miles on the more stringent EPA cycle."

"But most of the outgoing model's problems have to do with the way it drives, and here's where VinFast claims it did a lot of work to improve the ride and handling. The new car sits on a fresh Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture and uses a revised chassis with frequency-selective dampers front and rear. Power is provided by a single, front-mounted electric motor that makes 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque."

"For reference, the current VF 8 has an EPA-rated range of 256 miles, courtesy of an 87.7 kWh pack. But most of the outgoing model's problems have to do with the way it drives, and here's where VinFast claims it did a lot of work to improve the ride and handling. The new car sits on a fresh Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) architecture and uses a revised chassis with frequency-selective dampers front and rear."

Read at insideevs.com