VW’s commercial division will unveil a new
Crafter-class camper van in Düsseldorf at the end of August, inspired by the
2017 California XXL concept vehicle. The Crafter-based camper van will make its
debut at the 2018 Caravan Salon, August 24th to September 2nd. Just like the California XXL, the
production version also features a “clear, fresh design”, linking it to the
iconic T6 California camper van, meaning it will also come with single or
two-tone paintwork.
The California nameplate was launched in 1988 and
was based on the 3rd-generation of the ‘Bulli’. Currently, VW Commercial
Vehicles is building the California based on the 6th-gen model, having already
produced 100,000th units in the span of 30 years. This is the most successful
camper van ever, according to the German automaker. Thus, the all-new model to be
unveiled next month has some pretty lofty standards to measure up to.
Volkswaagen says that inside, it comes with bright colors and practical
solutions.
For example, the bathroom (which includes a shower
and a toilet), the kitchen units and sleeping area have been “systematically
thought through” for life on the move. If the new model truly takes
after the XXL concept, then it might also have 180-degree rotating front and rear
seats (bench), and a bed that measures approximately 2 meters long.
Designers also worked on a relatively large kitchen
with a two-burner stove, a sink and a refrigerator, not to mention lots of
storage spaces and an extendable work surface – although it remains to be seen
if all these features will make it into the production version.
