The future of the caravan
Airstream shows a concept study together with Porsche.
It can be ruled out with great certainty that Porsche will also build caravans in the future. Even if a chic Porsche trailer was presented on the hook of a Porsche Macan at the South-by-Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin/Texas. The traditional US manufacturer Airstream wanted to use the renowned F.A. Porsche Designstudio have developed a comfortable concept caravan that can also be towed by a mid-range electric vehicle and can even be parked in the garage at home when not in use.
The rationale is clear: “Our customer base is about twice as likely to own an electric car as the general population,” said Bob Wheeler, CEO of Airstream. You should set the course early enough.
At first glance, the result of the transatlantic partnership is easily recognizable as a descendant of the legendary “Silver Bullet”. In a modern form, however. As if made of one piece – even if Airstream purists will complain that visible rivets in the outer skin were omitted in favor of optimal aerodynamics.
Aerodynamics, lightweight construction and innovative functions were the most important factors in developing the “Airstream Studio F.A. Porsche Concept Travel Trailer” – that’s the somewhat cumbersome, official model designation – to make it fit for the e-mobility age.
A visible sign from the outside, in addition to the smooth aluminum skin, is the newly formed rear section, which has a truncated, flat design instead of a rounded rear section, which is said to be significantly more streamlined. The completely flush underside also optimizes the aerodynamics. The low ride height also contributes to a significant improvement in airflow. Compared to the rest of the Airstream model range, the caravan concept has a significantly smaller frontal area.
little resistance
The compact caravan has a particularly aerodynamic outer skin.
Lots of sleeping space
The seating area with table can be converted into a double bed,
In order not to have to make any compromises in terms of headroom in the interior, the Porsche design studio designed the first insulated pop-up roof in the history of the American cult brand. Composite materials such as carbon fiber are primarily responsible for weight reduction.
The innovative functions also include the first lowering-capable suspension in an Airstream caravan, which should make it possible to park the Porsche trailer in a garage when it is not being used – provided there is enough for the body plus drawbar, which is just under five meters long space is.
Small terrace included
The interior architecture of the compact trailer appears modern and unfussy with clear lines and smooth surfaces. The kitchen with sink and two induction hobs is installed across the front and can be expanded with a fold-up extension to form a lavish L-shaped work area. The bathroom and toilet room allows flexible use with compact dimensions via a swing door. And in the rear, a face-to-face seating area invites you to get together. It converts into a large double bed measuring 2.08 x 1.55 meters for the night’s rest.
And the highlight: a large, two-part tailgate can be opened up and down over almost the entire rear, which offers the occupants a small terrace.
everything there
The Airstream offers all the important elements such as the kitchen and wet room in a small space.
seating
Up to four people can be seated at the lowerable table.
The concept caravan meets a number of electrification requirements. However, the Porsche trailer does not have a driven axle that would provide significant support to the towing vehicle and thus significantly increase the range.
Even though Airstream presented an “e-Stream” with a battery-powered axle as a future model more than a year ago. This is also a development from Germany, which was realized for the Erwin Hymer Group with the supplier ZF.
Back view
The back of the Airstream Cocnept can be opened completely.
Since EHG now belongs to the US giant Thor Industries just like Airstream, the aluminum caravans benefit from the development project and will continue to drive it forward together with ZF. Because trailers with driven axles are allowed in the USA, but not yet in Germany. The combination of both Airstream models would probably be the best solution for the future of the caravan as things stand today.
“Our concept projects don’t always reach the market,” Bob Wheeler points out. “Individual innovations that result from them often find their way into our product lines.” However, the concept can be found again in future series caravans. In contrast to this, the e-stream should go on sale in the near future.
More: Compact beats luxury – These are the most important innovations at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf