We have taken a look some of the best designed concept campervans to see just how our camping experience may change in the future. However, with less than two years until 2015 it is unlikely that our vehicles will fly as predicted in the movie Back to the Future Part II!
The GMC Pad
General Motors designed this unique motorhome as part of the California Design Challenge at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. This one person motorhome is described as a ‘mobile urban loft’. A full time living unit come vehicle which negates the need for a house or apartment and alleviates the very high Southern California rental rates. The Pad has been designed to be part apartment, part vehicle combined with a telecommunications centre.
The vehicle is powered by a diesel-electric hybrid and has a fully computerised resource management system to optimise fuel and resources.
One problem they haven’t allowed for is just where you would park this up for the night!
Colim Concept
Colours of Life in Motion or Colim as it’s known has been designed to bridge the problems faced by campervan and caravan users alike. Colim has two parts a front detachable driving unit and a large rear living area. This negates problems with caravan towing and the compact vehicle when detached provides the freedom to explore without the restrictions of manoeuvring a large motorhome.
Colim has been designed to make good use of every inch of space available. The lofted bed area over the cab doesn’t impinge on the rest of the space of the living area. The tables and chairs are fold down and there are a number of clever storage solutions to make good use of the available space.
We really like this concept, especially the detachable driving pod that allows you to go exploring to find that picturesque destination off of the beaten track.
Ecco Camper Concept
The Ecco has been designed to provide an enjoyable living space that doesn’t impact on the driving experience. The teardrop shape of the Ecco provides excellent aerodynamics that can also accommodate up to five passengers.
The living space is created when the roof of the Ecco is extended upwards creating a unique shell like structure. The features of the Ecco include a toilet, foldable beds and the transparent panels create an observatory for star gazing at night.
We like that the driving experience is important in this concept which sometimes can be hard to enjoy in a fully laden campervan or caravan.
VW Future Campervan Concept
The VW looks like an ordinary campervan until you reach your destination and get ready to camp. The air suspension allows the vehicle to descend closer to the ground for ease of use and access. The roof extends upwards providing a bedroom area and also provides the platform for the double awning that envelops the vehicle.
Side panels provide a screen to keep out the weather and shield the living area. The rear seats fold down to provide further accommodation and the drivers seats swivel to provide further seating for the family.
This camper has a fully functional kitchen and with the extendable living area provides more than double than when not extended out for use. This allows the vehicle to be easily driven around towns and narrow roads.
The VW demonstrates that with a relatively small vehicle, a large living area can be achieved with some good design and a well thought out layout.
Ford Airstream
This cross between retro and futuristic is collaboration between Ford and the iconic trailer manufacturer Airstream. The exterior of the vehicle really does mirror the classic look of the Airstream trailer and even has rivets in the detail to enhance it’s retro styling.
Moving towards the interior and the opening of the clamshell door provides a great means of access for passengers and cargo alike. Attention is immediately drawn to the 360 degree screen that plays warming images of fires and lava lamps but is also an entertainment centre that can play movies and be used for gaming. The front buckets seats swivel round 180 degrees which allows the driver and passenger to engage with the people sitting on the bench seats in the rear.
The Airstream is powered by lithium ion batteries that are charged using a plug-in hybrid hydrogen fuel cell. The batteries can also be charged via mains electricity.
This concept although not an inhabitable campervan like the rest does show how your everyday vehicle can be used for a lot more than a journey to work and a visit to the shopping mall.
Some of the concepts shown here may not ever reach the manufacturing stage, but they do show the possibilities for campervans in the future. These campers address some of the drawbacks faced by campervan and caravan owners and bring about some unique design features that may be of inspiration for you to create your own futuristic design.
