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World's first all carbon-fiber RV is black, green and super slick [w/video]

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Carbon fiber is becoming more and more prevalent on production vehicles – look no further than the BMW i3 – but a new company headquartered in Speedway, IN, is taking the ultra-light material to the next level. Soon you will be able to order a 35-foot-long, tow-behind RV made from a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis and body. The company behind it is called Global Caravan Technologies, and it recently revealed the production-ready prototype of its CR-1 trailer.

GCT was founded in the summer of 2013, and design of the CR-1 began in September. The company worked with IndyCar Series racecar builder Dallara to develop the technology capable of building such massive pieces of carbon fiber for the monocoque. It's still keeping the exact production process a secret. Company CEO Charles Hoefer tells Autoblog, "There are lots of patents involved and underway." The production model will be shown in the fall, and sales will begin in the first quarter of 2015.

"We are forging a niche that hasn't existed before," said Hoefer about GCT. He predicts the production CR-1 will have a base weight of about 6,000 pounds, which the company claims is about half as much as a traditional RV of this size. For drivers, it means estimated fuel economy that's 100 percent to 150 percent better than competitors. The body and monocoque are completely bonded with no screws or fasteners, which also makes the CR-1 one of the stiffest trailers available.

As you can expect with its cutting edge tech, the CR-1 won't be cheap. Hoefer predicts that the production version will start around $170,000 with a top-shelf, fully customized model coming in at around $770,000 – a massive sum, but not unheard of in the RV industry. In return, buyers will be offered luxury features like a full-height closets, a walk-through master bath, 700-watt solar system, integrated generator, adjustable-tint privacy glass, run-flat tires, and system controls via iOS, Android or PC.

The CR-1 prototype was built at GCT headquarters, next door to Dallara, but the company is still deciding on a location for the factory. It has plans to expand in the future with more available lengths. Scroll down to watch a video of the launch and to read more about the revolutionary caravan that we're guessing even the boys at Top Gear won't want to destroy.

CR-1 Carbon RV Unveiling Mar10 from GCT RV on Vimeo.

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FIRST LOOK AT INTERIOR OF GCT'S SUPER-LUXURY CARBON FIBER RV

(Speedway, Indiana) – Global Caravan Technologies, Inc. (GCT), a luxury RV and specialty vehicle innovator, has released first photos inside its revolutionary CR-1 Carbon travel trailer.

The CR-1 Carbon interior features a custom leather wrapped ceiling, with private jet-type leather soft touch walls, and residential furnishings that are at the top end of luxury in the global RV industry. "We sought the most stringent requirements for designs and materials to compliment the incredible carbon fiber structure," said CEO and Chief Product Architect Charles Hoefer.

Designed with a range of uses in mind, GCT's first floorplan can comfortably seat eight in the rear entertainment lounge. Modular solid surface tables with mobile marine pedestals allow for multiple dining, entertainment, and workstation configurations, or outdoor entertaining. GCT's custom leather 88" sofa and 82" by 59" L-shape create a relaxing atmosphere with a beautiful end table and styled overhead cabinets. Extending the CR-1 Carbon's custom lounges transforms the rear into a theater for an unmatched tailgating or entertaining experience.

The CR-1 Carbon's interiors walls are made of carbon fiber, and certain carbon fiber design elements are exposed throughout the unit. In the kitchen, the split configuration allows for expansive countertop space and an optional wine rack. Designer Kohler sinks and faucets are used throughout, as are premium tile selections. All cabinetry in the CR-1 Carbon utilizes premium residential hardware with soft-closing doors and drawers.

"In the bath suite, we wanted to take designs even further, and GCT's CR-1 Carbon feels more like a luxury New York apartment than an RV," remarked Hoefer. A full walk-through master bath suite divides the kitchen from the master bedroom. Private latrine enclosed by a residential door features a porcelain stool and large linen cabinet. The 36" custom shower beautifully blends solid surface, designer tile, and carbon fiber. A stackable washer and dryer are also available, or can be substituted for added closet and storage space.

The double-slide 35'3" floorplan, which is SUV-towable, integrates smart technology via a 'device neutral' power management system. Hoefer explains, "With phone or laptop and any operating system, you can access and control nearly every feature on the CR-1 Carbon."

A master bedroom suite includes two dressers and three wardrobes, along with optional glass ceiling. The bedroom is appointed with designer residential carpeting and is surrounded by handcrafted leather upholstering, with multiple reading lights and a carbon fiber bed frame.

GCT's partners include Dallara, the world's largest race car builder, and GCT has recruited a veteran team of IndyCar and aerospace technicians to build its state-of- the-art products.

The CR-1 Carbon was first revealed on March 6, 2014 during a private gala at the Dallara IndyCar Factory in Speedway next to GCT's R&D headquarters.

"GCT brings transformation to an industry we Hoosiers are already proud of," Indiana Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann said during the preview gala. "We're very pleased to support this innovative company as it continues to grow."

GCT plans to market its products globally, making them available to markets in North America, Europe, Australia, and China. The CR-1 is GCT's first towable model, which is targeted for availability in multiple trim levels and luxury price points. The CR-1 Carbon is one of the more premium editions planned for the GCT lineup. Company plans include a range of travel trailers and fifth wheels, including custom models, and ultimately a range of revolutionary motorhomes.

For the latest information, visit www.gctrv.com.

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