Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has once again found himself at the centre of social media attention, this time after receiving a miniature VinFast VF8, a scale model of the electric SUV, during a meeting with a representative of Vietnamese automaker VinFast.
A video from the meeting has gone viral, showing Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia Operations, presenting Vijay with a miniature replica of one of the company’s electric SUVs. Rather than simply accepting the souvenir, the Chief Minister was seen closely examining and holding the scale model, a moment that quickly caught the attention of social media users.
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Many online users described the interaction as “cute” and “childlike”, with the clip being widely shared across platforms.
Which car was gifted?
The miniature model gifted to Vijay is a scale version of the VinFast VF8, an electric SUV that the company sells in several international markets.
Based on its design, the model appears to represent the earlier version of the VF8, although some global markets have since received an updated model with styling changes.
What does the VinFast VF8 offer?
The latest-generation VinFast VF8 is equipped with a 60.13 kWh battery pack and a front-mounted electric motor that produces 228 hp and 330 Nm of torque.
According to the company’s NEDC figures, the SUV offers a claimed driving range of 500 km on a full charge. VinFast also says the battery can be charged from 10 per cent to 70 per cent in less than 30 minutes under supported charging conditions.
How is it different from the older model?
The earlier-generation VF8 came with a larger 87.7 kWh battery and was offered in both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) versions.
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Its FWD variant produced 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque, slightly lower than the latest version. However, it offered a longer claimed driving range of 562 km under the NEDC testing cycle.
While the viral video centred on Vijay’s reaction to the miniature vehicle, it also drew attention to VinFast’s electric SUV lineup as the company continues expanding its presence in international markets.
FAQs:
Who gifted the toy car to Vijay?
The scale model was presented by Pham Sanh Chau, CEO of VinFast Asia Operations.
Which car was gifted to Vijay?
It was a scale model of the VinFast VF8 electric SUV.
