In a groundbreaking collaboration, Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer VinFast and renowned Italian design house Pininfarina have unveiled the VF 8, a striking new eSUV that redefines design identity in the EV market. This marks the first time that Pininfarina has completed a vehicle design entirely through remote digital collaboration, leveraging advanced Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality technologies to overcome the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Designing a New Identity in the EV Era
For decades, automotive brands have relied on distinctive front-end designs, particularly the grille, to create recognizable identities in competitive markets. However, the rise of electric vehicles, which do not require traditional grilles, has challenged manufacturers to innovate in creating brand identities from scratch. VinFast, determined to distinguish itself from other Asian brands in European markets, tasked Pininfarina with creating a design that reflects the company’s values and Vietnamese origins.
A Visionary Approach Amid Global Challenges
The design process for the VF 8 began before the 2018 Paris Motor Show, with Pininfarina originally brought in to help develop VinFast’s design language. However, the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic forced the teams to adapt quickly. Working across multiple time zones, Pininfarina and VinFast embraced digital tools to continue their work remotely. This shift to a fully digital process allowed them to maintain momentum, ultimately leading to the VF 8’s distinct, globally-inspired design.
VinFast’s chairman, Pham Nhat Vuong, emphasized a “worldwide vision” for the brand, seeking a design that would resonate on a global scale. The result is the VF 8’s signature front end, dominated by a V-logo inspired by Vietnam’s picturesque landscapes, including its rice fields, waves, and mountain ranges. The logo is illuminated with vibrant LEDs, a nod to the brand’s commitment to combining beauty with cutting-edge technology.
Merging Tradition with Innovation
The VF 8’s design is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The front lights wrap fluidly around the vehicle, unburdened by the constraints of internal combustion engine (ICE) design. The vehicle’s asymmetrical, muscular shoulder line tapers into an elongated tail, creating a sense of comfort and confidence while maintaining an SUV profile. Inside the cabin, Pininfarina’s influence is evident in the carefully crafted dashboard, which features a 15.6-inch high-definition central screen positioned to reflect the V-logo, enhancing the vehicle’s identity.
Pininfarina led the interior design efforts, focusing on creating an environment that balances soul, character, and modern infotainment technology. VinFast collaborated closely with Pininfarina to select high-quality, sustainable materials, ensuring that the VF 8 meets the company’s environmental goals while delivering a premium experience to customers.
A Commitment to Global EV Adoption
The VF 8’s design journey symbolizes VinFast’s broader mission to inspire change and accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles worldwide. By combining traditional design elements with the latest digital technologies, VinFast and Pininfarina have created a vehicle that is both familiar and innovative, setting a new standard for EV design in the global market.
As VinFast continues to expand its EV lineup, the VF 8 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to blending tradition with modernity, overcoming global challenges, and delivering vehicles that resonate with consumers across the world.
