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Pininfarina’s VinFast Will be exhibited at the 2021 “The Future Of Mobility” Los Angeles Auto Show

Introduction of its two newest aspirational EV models, VF e35 and VF e36, designed by Pininfarina

VinFast, the emerging global smart EV firm from Vietnam, reveals “The Future of Mobility” concept for its global premiere at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show®, along with an introduction of its two newest aspirational EV models, VF e35 and VF e36, designed by Pininfarina.

Following its global premiere, VinFast unveiled its “Future of Mobility” concept at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show..

“The Future of Mobility” stems from VinFast’s vision of “driving the movement of the global smart EV revolution.” VinFast is fully committed to making a more sustainable future for transportation, allowing people to enjoy intelligent, safe, exciting, and environmentally friendly mobility. VinFast also puts trust in ‘technologies for life’ that serve and bring excitement to customers’ daily lives.

“The Future of Mobility” concept is reflected in every detail of VinFast’s booth. Measuring more than 8,500 square feet, the booth employs streamlined, modern, and futuristic designs while engaging the crowd with energetic white and blue accents. VinFast’s brand colors evoke imagery of a powerful ‘blue electric spark’ endlessly driving the evolution of mobility.

The centerpiece of VinFast’s “Future of Mobility” at this year’s LA Auto Show is its two electric SUV models, VF e35 and VF e36. VinFast’s design team and the world-renowned design studio, Pininfarina, utilize a modern design language that combines graceful curves and strong, bold trims while harmonizing with sharp, crisp lines in an impressive, eye-catching style. These alluring combinations create the “Dynamic Balance” design, giving power and forward motion to the design. In addition, the interiors are created with an eye for convenience, luxury, and seamless driving experiences.

In its efforts to build “The Future of Mobility,” VinFast also aims to introduce smart technologies that can inspire consumers to switch to EVs. At the 2021 LA Auto Show, audiences will get a glimpse of some of these technologies, including Smart Security, VinFast’s Traffic and Driver Monitoring System developed by VinAI, and Routix, our AI-powered advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and autonomous driving verification services developed by Vantix. This smart technology can actively detect errors in the shortest time with incredible accuracy.

According to Mr. Michael Lohscheller, the Global CEO of VinFast, “VinFast believes in ‘The Future of Mobility,’ a future where smart vehicles are highly personalized ‘technologies for life’ that combine eco-friendliness with maximum safety and outstanding driver experiences.” He went on to explain that “The LA Auto Show is one of the world’s most influential automotive shows. It is also known as a trailblazer in its support for electric vehicle consumer adoption and education. Thus, VinFast views the show as a perfect stage to demonstrate its commitment to promoting the global trend of green transportation and encouraging electrification.”

In achieving this ambitious goal, VinFast stands as the EV brand offering more EV opportunities with more models spanning multiple market segments while delivering accessible prices, excellent aftersales services, and dedicated customer care with a 10-year warranty that encourages consumers to switch to EVs.

According to Ms. Lisa Kaz, the President and CEO of the LA Auto Show, “Electrification is the biggest transformation the auto show industry has experienced in the past 100 years. The LA Auto Show is excited to welcome EV automakers to our show, including VinFast, where our visitors will be able to discover Vietnam’s first-ever automaker and its all-new EVs. VinFast presents an inspiring vision of the future of mobility centered around electrification and we are excited to keep a close eye on their journey, including welcoming them back to the 2022 LA Auto Show.”

The VinFast EV Global Premiere press conference takes place on November 17, 2021, at 3:30 pm (PST). It will be livestreamed globally via VinFast’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

The exhibition opens for visitors from November 19-28, 2021. Find out more details at: https://vinfastauto.com/globalpremiere.

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Photo courtesy of Auto Storica

The Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer (BB), produced from 1973 to 1984, stands as one of Ferrari’s most radical shifts in design and engineering, thanks to the collaborative work with Pininfarina. The BB was Ferrari’s first mid-engine road car, marking a significant departure from Enzo Ferrari’s long-standing preference for front-engine designs. Its introduction signified a new chapter for Ferrari, aligning more closely with the trends set by other supercar manufacturers at the time.

Origins and Design Inspiration

Designed under the direction of Leonardo Fioravanti, the Ferrari 365 GT4 BB (the first iteration of the BB series) debuted at the 1971 Turin Auto Show, and production began in 1973. One fascinating anecdote about the car is that its “BB” initials reportedly stood for Brigitte Bardot, the famous French actress, which was a codename used during development and remained with the model​.

The BB’s design was sleek and revolutionary. It featured a wedge-shaped, low-profile body, which became a staple of 1970s supercar aesthetics. One of its unique design elements was the bicolored bodywork, with a black lower section that visually slimmed the car while emphasizing its elongated shape. Its pop-up headlights and minimalist, flowing lines were indicative of Pininfarina’s ability to combine functionality with elegance, helping the car stand out from its competitors​.

Mid-Engine Innovation

Before the BB series, Ferrari had always adhered to front-engine layouts for its road cars, famously stating, “Never put the cart before the horse.” However, the mid-engine layout, which Ferrari had already used in its Dino models, became necessary as rivals like Lamborghini began popularizing the mid-engine format in supercars.

The 512 BB (introduced in 1976) featured a 5.0-liter flat-12 engine, mounted in the middle of the car, right behind the driver, delivering 360 horsepower. While this engine was commonly referred to as a “Boxer,” it was technically a 180-degree V12, not a true Boxer engine. In a true Boxer engine, opposing pistons move in opposite directions, but in the 512 BB, they moved simultaneously in the same direction​ This flat configuration allowed for a lower center of gravity, which significantly improved the car’s handling.

Performance and Engineering Marvels

The 512 BB was more than just a stylish car—it was a high-performance machine capable of a top speed of 302 km/h (187 mph) and accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds. The car’s engineering wasn’t just limited to its engine. It featured independent suspension on all four wheels and a sophisticated five-speed manual transmission mounted below the engine, showcasing Ferrari’s commitment to performance.

Over the years, the BB saw several iterations. The BB 512i, introduced in the early 1980s, swapped the carburetors for Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection, which lowered emissions and improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing too much power. Although the power dropped slightly to 340 hp, it remained one of the fastest road cars of its era​.

Legacy and Influence

The BB series laid the groundwork for Ferrari’s later mid-engine supercars, such as the Ferrari Testarossa, which succeeded the BB 512i in 1984. It also marked a significant shift for Ferrari, transitioning from the era of front-engine grand tourers to mid-engine supercars.

Today, the Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer remains a prized collector’s item. Its combination of cutting-edge design by Pininfarina, revolutionary mid-engine layout, and Ferrari’s racing heritage makes it one of the most iconic cars in the brand’s history. With only 387 units produced of the original 365 GT4 BB, and slightly more of the later 512 BB and BB 512i models, its rarity further solidifies its place in the pantheon of classic supercars.

The Ferrari BB, both for its groundbreaking design and engineering, represents one of Ferrari’s most influential models. Its innovations in the mid-engine supercar market, coupled with Pininfarina’s masterful styling, continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors to this day.

Which Ferrari model is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!