VinFast, the Vietnamese automotive manufacturer, has patented the facelift of VF6 and VF9 in India. The former one is already on sale in the Indian market, but the latter is not. The patent filing suggests that these two models will soon go on sale. The VF6 that is already on sale in the Indian market will be introduced as a facelift, but the VF9 may make its debut as a new nameplate without any facelift tag, though its design is quite different from the model on sale in the international market.
What’s new in the facelift?
The VinFast VF6 facelift comes with the refreshed front fascia with the vertically stacked headlights in the triangular housing and large lower grille with a clean design. Changes in the lighting elements can also be seen, the housing of turn indicators and reverse lighting are now revised. Now, it features slightly modified rear bumper and quarter panels, and sits new 18-inch aerodynamics alloy wheels.
On the other hand, the VinFast VF9 gets a stretched and limousine-like side profile to enhance second- and third-row space for better practicality. Its front-end and rear design are also overhauled with a new front grill featuring large slats, vertical front air intakes, a split headlight setup including a full-width LED daylight running light and lowered main headlamp, vertical design elements at rear similar to the front end, and connecting taillamps.
The patent images have only revealed what changes it will get on its exterior; details regarding the interior upgrades and changes are still pending for both models, VF6 and VF9. The updated upholstery and dashboard trim are certain for both of these upcoming cars. Their cabin may get some feature upgrades to enhance comfort and convenience not only for the driver and co-passenger but also for the rear-seating passengers.
Will there be any dimensional changes for VF6 or VF9?
The patent image of the VinFast VF6 doesn’t reflect any dimensional changes, meaning the length, width, height, and wheelbase are set to be 4,241 mm, 1,834 mm, and 1,580 mm, respectively, with the wheelbase of 2,730 mm and ground clearance of 190 mm, but the VinFast VF9 patent image clearly shows that the dimension is quite longer than the model already on sale globally.
The existing VF9 measures 5,120 mm, 2,000 mm, and 1,721 mm in terms of length, width, and height, respectively, with the wheelbase of 3,150 mm and ground clearance of 204 mm. The one that was recently patented in India as a facelift for the international model is expected to measure around 5.3 metres with a wheelbase above 3.2 metres with enhanced road presence.
Any update on the powertrain?
VinFast hasn’t revealed any details about its powertrain. As they are coming as a facelift, not a next-generation, we are anticipating it to continue with the same motor setup and battery pack with which they are currently on sale. The VF6 powertrain may remain the same as the outgoing model, getting an electric motor at the rear axle that delivers either 130 kW or 150 kW power. It takes 25 minutes for 10 to 70 per cent charging.
With the 59.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, it gives the range of 463 km and 468 km for the Eco and Plus variants, respectively; three driving modes, Eco, Normal, and Sport, are also likely to be retained; and the VF9 available for the international market gets two electric motors, whose combined power output is 300 kW. The 123 kWh LFP gives a 531 km WLTP range, which takes 35 minutes for 10 to 70 per cent charging with a DC charger.