Filed under: Etc., Euro, BMW, Lifestyle
Camping is for squares... the Mehrzeller Caravan Concept debuts in Düsseldorf
Click above for high-res gallery of the Caravan Concept
Yes, we've got more new from the recreational and commercial vehicle show going on in Düsseldorf, Germany. After the Fiat Portofino and VW Topos Sails concepts comes something intriguing straight from the RV industry itself... with a little help from BMW. It's called the Caravan Concept and it's by a company in Europe called Merhzeller. Designed by Christian Freisling and Thersa Kalteis, the Caravon Concept is a traditional hitched travel trailer that's skinned inside and out with more polygons than a PS2 could process. The idea is that customers can custom design their trailer using an online "Konfigurator" so they get just enough geometric shapes to meet their needs. The only bit of warmth on the Caravan Concept is the wood floors, counters and table top on the inside, but other than that it's full blown Fortress of Solitude on wheels, and we like it. BMW is one of many sponsors behind the Merhzeller Caravon Concept, which also includes about three dozen European companies we've never heard of. Regardless, Squob reports that the trailer is building buzz in Düsseldorf, so there may be hope if you yearn to vacation in this 8-bit snowball. Gallery: Mehrzeller Caravan Concept
[Source: Squob]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
PauloBecker 5:09PM (8/29/2008)
Wow, it's like a regular caravan, but ugly.
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tankd0g 7:00PM (8/29/2008)
I figured it was inflatable or some other form of pop-up, but it looks like that even when you're towing it down the road. Must be inspired by the Ppntiac Aztek.
KeatMP 5:33PM (8/29/2008)
Looks as aerodynamic as a barn wall...
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Jj 6:00PM (8/29/2008)
You would be surprised what turns out to be aerodynamic…Look at “stealth†aircraft.
Big Rocket 6:54PM (8/29/2008)
@Jj: The F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Fighter from Lockheed was highly un-aerodynamic due to its faceted surfaces. The only reason it was capable of flight was due to the advanced computer-aided flight controls, a.k.a. electronic "nannies".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-117_Nighthawk
Jj 7:04PM (8/29/2008)
Perhaps but it is still an aircraft and therfore has to have some degree of aerodynamicness (?). Certainly more than a box.
ultima 9:04PM (8/29/2008)
@Jj
The point here is that the trailer doesn't look like it is aerodynamic. so your comment about stealth jets was a little irrelevant..
Jj 11:25AM (9/02/2008)
@Ultima
Are you serious? His point above was that he didn't think this trailer would be aerodymanic. No matter who is right it's a very relevent discussion to have when your talking about a trailer.
I know when I tow my boat I lose probably 30% of my fuel economy. I don't own an RV but I imagine the trailer being a huge box wouldn't help that situation any.
Tony2X 5:37PM (8/29/2008)
So that's what they offer to X6 buyers to take their mind off how ugly their car is?
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jayhawkai 5:40PM (8/29/2008)
Designed by Buckminster Fuller?
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rsfourever 5:41PM (8/29/2008)
i love the X6 that's towing it. quite a stroke of comedic genius.
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James 5:46PM (8/29/2008)
I can't wait until Clarkson burns this one down...
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Herkimer 5:47PM (8/29/2008)
WTF?
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nissanfreak87 5:51PM (8/29/2008)
I like it, but maybe that's because I'm in design school
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MachinaDC5 5:52PM (8/29/2008)
The Reventon of caravans?
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Yar 5:53PM (8/29/2008)
I literally laughed when I opened up the page and saw this.
Is anyone honestly surprised that a BMW X6 is towing this?
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Nismodev 5:56PM (8/29/2008)
is it CaravAn or CaravOn, or did they refer to it as both, which is why you're doing so too?
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Red 5:59PM (8/29/2008)
I agree with the comments here, but I must admit, I think this would make a pretty neat interior elsewhere. Perhaps an industrial setting or something. Don't love it exactly, but I like where the idea could go for creative types or just people with a knack for unusual things.
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MemphisNET 6:15PM (8/29/2008)
Umm.... yea
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Steven 6:33PM (8/29/2008)
Useless is as useless tows...
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