Concept

18 | CONCEPTS

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has a legacy of unusual concept vehicles

As the next generation of Volkswagen Commercial through to adventurous Amaroks and sea-faring Caddys. Vehicles such as the I.D. BUZZ are revealed, it highlights that many new models like this originally Highlighted at many motor shows over the years, each concept began life as a concept vehicle or prototype to eventually has put its own unique stamp on the design talents within evolve into a ready-to-market production version. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. And while not all of these

To honour the German brand’s heritage of iconic vans and provided a futuristic look to what’s next for the humble van unusual concepts, here are some of the best design studies since and helped shape the future of the brand. the turn of the century - from the very earliest Microbus revival

2006: Volkswagen Craft er Atacama

Prepared by the Design Centre in Wolfsburg, the Atacama was a short-wheelbase Craft er ready for life off -road with an innovative four-wheel-drive system. Named aft er the South American desert, the vehicle had off -road body panels, larger wheel arches and a rear ladder. An upper sleeping level could be fi tt ed for life in the great outdoors. Th e Atacama name was used on a special edition Amarok in 2015. creative ideas made it into dealerships, each design study has

2001: Volkswagen Microbus Concept

Th e Microbus/Bulli concept debuted at the IAA in 2001 and showed a vision for the next generation Transporter. It featured a seven-inch screen in the dashboard with another in the roof allowing drivers to see behind them. Power was from a new 3.2-litre V6 engine. Th e concept spawned a design series which included the 2011 Bulli and 2016 BUDD-e, showing the brand’s desire for a model that harks back to the iconic original but encapsulates modern design and powertrains. Th e all-electric I.D. BUZZ will now look to bring the classic

Bulli design into the 21 st century.

2008: Volkswagen Caddy ToposSail

Created for the Caravan Salon in 2008, the ToposSail was designed as the ultimate lifestyle Caddy. Taking inspiration from 1950s sports boats, the Caddy ToposSail featured a rooft op sundeck accessible from a hidden ladder and wooden rear loading platform. On the sundeck, secret compartments stored cushions and awnings, while the wooden design could be adjusted to create a sun lounger layout. Tinted windows and aluminium inlays added to the exclusive feel for the yachting van.

2012: Volkswagen Amarok Canyon

Th e Amarok Canyon was the most extreme version of the Pick-up ever when it debuted at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. Confi gured for the extreme sport of “freestyle kayaking” it feature a raised ride height, all-terrain tyres and roofmounted headlights. Electrically-deployable tread plates helped kayakers climb on board while the cargo bay was designed to accommodate two carbon fi bre kayaks with fi tt ings and watertight containers for paddles, helmets, raft ing shoes and fl otation devices. Th e Canyon name was used on a special edition run of Amaroks in 2014 featuring some of the additional body features seen on the concept.

2013: Volkswagen e-Co-Motion

Th e Volkswagen Transporter got an electric makeover at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show with the e-Co-Motion concept. Th e model was compact and manoeuvrable despite its large cargo capacity and 800kg payload. Th e zero-emission drivetrain was fi tt ed into a partitioned section of the van helping maintain cargo space and allow for bespoke customer conversions, such as passenger shutt les, low platform or refrigerator builds. Th e I.D. BUZZ will be fi tt ed with an evolution of this electric drive system.

2012: Volkswagen eT!

Launched at the 2012 IAA, the eT! showcased the potential future for electric light commercial vehicles, designed in collaboration with the German Post Offi ce. As well as off ering compact dimensions and zero-emissions driving, the eT! was designed with semi-autonomous functions. Using “Follow Me” and “Come to Me” modes the concept could self-drive alongside the courier, while a “drive stick” in the passenger-side – the side that faces the pavement - could be used to control the vehicle. Combined with a standing seat and electricallypowered sliding door, it enabled quick and safe access to both the cabin and parcels, making walking around the van and

on to the road a thing of the past.

2015: Volkswagen Multivan PanAmericana

Th e PanAmericana, announced at the 2015 IAA, combined the comforts of the Multivan with the off -road capability of a SUV. Th e special edition was designed for motorcycle racers who wanted to transport their superbike to their favourite tracks and courses. Electrically assisted loading and unloading was added to the rear while aluminium diamond plating replaced carpeted fl oors and an underbody guard was added to improve off -road capability. Th e standard PanAmericana made it into production a year later.

20 | MOBILE LEISURE

Land Rover Defender Autohome Roof Tent

To extend the att raction of the all-new and long awaited Land Rover Defender 110, Land Rover has teamed up with specialist Autohome to develop a bespoke roof tent. Th is rugged, easy-to-operate design allows customers to enjoy short overnight camping trips or lengthy overland expeditions in complete comfort.

As tough and capable as the vehicle it was created for, the Defender roof tent features an intuitive design and premium quality materials that have been proven in the harshest climates. A lightweight fi breglass shell protects the tent when not in use and allows it to be erected singlehandedly in seconds. Simply unclip the fastening at the rear and lift the shell slightly for the Joe Sinclair, Land Rover Director of Branded Goods and integral gas struts to take over and fully open the carbon grey Licencing, commented on the development: “Th e New Land fabric sides. Rover Defender is the ideal vehicle to reach remote destinations Designed for those with adventurous hearts and curious minds, Defender drivers to continue their adventure above and beyond the tent sleeps two adults on a full-size luxury cott on matt ress their journey; it’s perfect for the modern-day explorer.” and comes with pillows, an interior LED light and a stowage net. Th e tent can be easily accessed from either side of the vehicle Giuseppe Fercodini, CEO of Autohome, added: “Land Rover has and comes with an extendable aluminium access ladder which worked hand-in-hand with our technicians to design a unique can be stored in the stowage bag inside the tent when not in use. roof tent for the Land Rover Defender. Th is tent is much more On the move, the tent is stowed fl at for maximum stability and than a campsite accessory: its strength, comfort, versatility aerodynamic effi ciency. When erected, it measures 2.3m long, and reliability makes it ideal for extreme camping and off -road 1.3m wide and 1.5m high. holidays.”

Sleeping under the stars VW Caddy Mini-Camper

With the great outdoors more in focus than ever, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, a leader in mobile leisure has presented the fi rst images and information for the successor to the Caddy Beach. Th e new minicamper is based on the completely revamped fi ft h generation Caddy van and Life passenger carrier. Among its new features is an entirely new bed concept that has been redeveloped to off er greater versatility.

A touch of romance is also included, with the 1.4-square-metre panorama glass roof off ering a night under the stars. Th ose who prefer to sleep in the dark or wish to avoid being woken by the sun in the morning can of course also darken all of the windows, including the glass roof. Ensuring comfort while sleeping on the almost two-metre-long bed are disc spring elements, as used in the beds of the California or Grand California as well. comfortably both on and off road. Th is roof tent will enable model. From the outset, the aim has been to retain the Caddy’s everyday utility functionality and to design the fi tt ings such as storage bags and bed area to be removable. Th is is also true of the latest generation. Th e small brother of the California is an absolute all-rounder for young families and sport and hobby users, or the group known as “best agers”. In short, it is intended for all who seek maximum fl exibility from their car, so that they can embark on the occasional spontaneous micro-adventure.

Cleverly stowed in the rear are the popular lightweight camping chairs and table from the California models. Th e two practical storage bags can be taken inside the home for easy loading. Th ey also serve as privacy screens inside the vehicle when fastened in the rear window sections.

Also new in the Caddy and familiar from the Craft er and the T series are Trailer Assist, which makes reverse manoeuvring with a trailer signifi cantly easier, as well as Side-Assist and Rear Traffi c Alert technologies.