Filed under: Concept Cars, Minivans/MPVs, Euro, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows, Lifestyle
Lounge on deck of VW Caddy Topos Sail Concept
Click above for high-res gallery of the Topos Sail concept
Turns out the recreational and commercial vehicle show in Dusseldorf, Germany has attracted more concepts than the just the Fiat Portofino. Volkswagen showed up with the Caddy Topos Sail concept, another nautical-themed vehicle that brings the boat life to land locked lovers of the water. Based on the Caddy MPV, the Topos Sail concept's biggest attraction is its roof, which is covered in wood decking and surrounded on all sides by aluminum roof rails. The roof deck is designed for lounging in the sun just like on the deck of a yacht, and the panels flip up to act as back rests. The concept also features a nifty ladder built into the rear lift gate with wooden steps, as well as wood trim elsewhere on the vehicle's exterior. We're certain it doesn't float, but you could park the Topos Sail down by the docks, climb up on the roof and order a daiquiri to get the full effect.Gallery: Volkswagen Caddy Topos Sail Concept
[Source: VW]
PRESS RELEASE
THE CADDY TOPOS SAIL DESIGN CONCEPT – A CADDY WITH A BOAT DECK!
Among the display of leisure vehicles and campers on the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stand at Europe's largest recreational vehicle show that starts in Düsseldorf, Germany this weekend will be an interesting Caddy Topos Sail design concept which takes its nautical theme to the extreme of having a wooden boat deck on its roof.
The Caddy Topos Sail design concept, based on the smallest model in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle van range, uses design cues from classic yachts and has its multi-functional roof covered with wooden decking surrounded by aluminium roof rails.
The wooden sun deck on the roof is accessed via four matching wooden and aluminium steps in the Caddy's tailgate, and to complete the design theme there are wooden inserts along the side of the vehicle and in the rear bumper.
Other highlights of the Volkswagen stand demonstrate its strong heritage in leisure vehicles with a celebration of 20 years of the California camper.
Volkswagen campers became popular almost as soon as the Transporter van was introduced in the 1950s, and the California model was introduced in 1988 when the third generation of the Volkswagen Transporter was in production.
With California conversions of the subsequent fourth generation of Transporter van and today's latest fifth generation model, more than 80,000 have been sold, which must make it one of the most successful campers ever.
Today's California was introduced in 2006 and is unique as it is now made by Volkswagen, who must be the only vehicle manufacturer to produce its own camper. It is built to the same high quality standards as the rest of the range, and sold with a full three year warranty.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Soccer Mom 2:35PM (8/27/2008)
I wonder what would happen if those panels flipped up when you are at full speed on an autobahn.
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J Who 2:58PM (8/27/2008)
There would be a dramatic increase in wind resistance and a subsequent loss in fuel economy.
:) jk
MachinaDC5 2:48PM (8/27/2008)
Today's newest ''wtf are they doing to cars now?'' moment.
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terraFocus 2:57PM (8/27/2008)
Sorry, but that has such the NASCAR potential or soccer practice, depending. If that came to the US I would have to give it serious attention.
MachinaDC5 5:24PM (8/27/2008)
No offense to the NASCAR guys, but terraFocus, I don't think that having a wooden roof really stopped any of them from getting on top of their cars before.
Paul P. 2:58PM (8/27/2008)
I'm sure they'll have to put "Warning: Not to be used while vehicle is in motion." everywhere on that thing.
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Galley 9:00AM (8/28/2008)
Stiles will be driving this in "Teen Wolf III".
PauloBecker 3:03PM (8/27/2008)
Much much better than the Fiat Portofino. I can see myself driving one of these to the beach.
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Shotgunner 3:18PM (8/27/2008)
that is seriously cool, in a tailgating, wayne's world plane-watching kinda way. every suv, van and wagon should come with one.
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MONTE 3:39PM (8/27/2008)
How about a hot chick in a bikini next time?
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izzy 4:53PM (8/27/2008)
The MILF aint bad. I'd tap that.
Michael 4:28PM (8/27/2008)
THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS!
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alsey7 6:26PM (8/27/2008)
this is going to be Hamster's next Boat car. in series 12.
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JEziquiel 7:04PM (8/27/2008)
Cute but hella corny. Might be fun for hanging out in the parking lot before a big concert of festival.
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roy117 3:08AM (8/29/2008)
Nothing like having sex on the wooden roof of your van, oh yeah!
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