Autoblog

'80s Vixen RV is the 'first driver's motor home' [UPDATE]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Truck, Videos, Specialty, Design/Style, Diesel

There is no class of vehicles that drives worse than RVs. Period. Who would of have thought strapping a house worth of furniture, appliances, carpeting and plumbing to a bus would have detrimental effects on a machine's drivability? It turns out there was one machine in the '80s that promised to rethink the modern RV. The Vixen was designed and built in Pontiac, Michigan to be everything the rigs of the day were not. Powered by a BMW turbodiesel engine and wearing an aerodynamic body, the Vixen was low enough to fit in most standard garages, had a top speed of 100 miles per hour and could net 30 miles per gallon.

It also happened to look like a suppository. While critics praised the Vixen for its clever packaging, which allowed a six-foot tall individual to stand up inside without ducking, the public didn't quite rush to take these things home. According to some reports, the Vixen Motor Company only managed to sell 300 original turbodiesel models, and though other variations showed up to attempt to lure in customers, a total of just 587 units were moved over three years, from 1986 to 1989. That makes it something of a novel curiosity today, as evidenced by the fact that the kitschy factory-produced video below has only just now gone viral. Check it out below.

UPDATE: A second official video has been added below.

Continue reading '80s Vixen RV is the 'first driver's motor home' [UPDATE]

'80s Vixen RV is the 'first driver's motor home' [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ActionCamper turns your four-door Jeep Wrangler into an off-road RV for two

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SUV, Jeep

The Jeep Wrangler is already one of the best off-road vehicles on the market, but Thaler Design will help turn your Wrangler Unlimited into the ultimate off-road RV with its ActionCamper kit. The Austrian company adds a fiberglass camper shell featuring a pop-up soft top with enough space for a two-person weekend adventure. Even better, the top is removable (with very heavy lifting required) and it only adds a net 440 pounds to the Wrangler's curb weight after components such as the factory top, rear doors, rear seat and roll bars are all removed.

With the styling of an old military ambulance, the ActionCamper is about everything you need for a short off-road excursion, including a plenty of storage space, a refrigerator, stove, toilet and sink. The camper comes with a four-gallon fresh-water tank as well as a black-water (sewage/drainage) tank that can hold 5.5 gallons. The extendable nozzle from the sink can also be used as a shower. There's also a fold-out king-size bed and, with the top popped, you get enough room in the kitchen/sitting area for a six-foot, three-inch person to stand up.

GizMag says the ActionCamper has a retail price of $53,500, not including the donor Jeep. That's serious money but it's still cheaper than the survivalists' special Earthroamer XV-JP.

ActionCamper turns your four-door Jeep Wrangler into an off-road RV for two originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The aquatic camper we've been waiting for

Zach Bowman — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe

Behold the Sealander; Germany's take on go-anywhere camper. This little vessel is small and light enough to be towed by any modestly-powered CUV and features a fully-configurable interior. Inside, there's space for a four-person table, a kitchenette and a sleeping area, and there's even space outside for a deck. Why would you want a deck on your tiny camper? Because you'll need somewhere to stand when you take to the open seas in your home away from home. As its name suggests, the Sealander is completely amphibious. All you have to do is strap on the pint-sized motor and avoid any small craft warnings.

If you've got an inkling to call der Schwimmcaravan your very own, you'll need to brush up on your German and import one from the EU. Head over to the Sealander site for more information, and check out a video of the aquatic RV in action.

Continue reading The aquatic camper we've been waiting for

The aquatic camper we've been waiting for originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen teams up with Berghaus on special edition California camper van

Noah Joseph — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Volkswagen, UK, Design/Style

Volkswagen has a rich heritage when it comes to camper vans. But while the German automaker may only offer the Chrysler-built Routan in North America, overseas, it tends to that heritage quite closely, and for its latest model, Wolfsburg has partnered with outdoor outfitter Berghaus for the special edition you see here.

Spun off the Transporter's California line (which somewhat ironically isn't offered in its namesake or any other state in the union), the Berghaus edition packs all the regular features of the standard model and upgrades with some unique touches. That means four seats, an electrically-operated pop-up roof, onboard kitchen and folding dinette. What distinguishes the Berghaus edition, however, is its long list of extra equipment, including a bike rack, folding awning, 18-inch alloys and special badging both inside and out.

It also comes with a special rucksack, a pair of sleeping bags, gloves, hats, mugs, water bottle, flask and more. All that kit is driven by a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel and six-speed manual transmission with ABS, traction control, engine braking and stability management. Only 80 examples will be offered in the UK (no word on further distribution in other markets), and you can scope out the full details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Volkswagen teams up with Berghaus on special edition California camper van

Volkswagen teams up with Berghaus on special edition California camper van originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ketterer Continental sure to net best spot at local RV park

Chris Shunk — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Ketterer Continental - Click above for image gallery

We're into camping as much as the next guy(s), and we're really up for a few days of "roughing it" when it comes to a luxury coach motor home. And when we're looking for the highest of the high end, few stand out more than the Ketterer Continental luxury motor home.

This monster motor home features a Mercedes-Benz truck chassis, a massive, luxurious cabin that includes a real kitchen, dining with seating for five, a master bedroom with a king bed plus a shower, toilet and sky light. Actually, the main bedroom features a bath tub, too, so you can soak after a hard day of... whatever it is that the wealthy do when they're "camping."

And if you're on an extended trip through the local RV parks, you probably don't want to troll around in your mobile mansion, so this custom motor home also features a garage large enough to swallow a Smart Fortwo. Fancy. Click on the gallery below to see an RV that's nicer than most people's homes.

Gallery: Ketterer Continental

[Source: Ketterer via Unfinishedman.com]

Ketterer Continental sure to net best spot at local RV park originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Airstream Avenue

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Etc., Chevrolet, Specialty, New Car Reviews, Luxury

A Deluxe Apartment On The Move

2011 Airstream Avenue - Click above for high-res image gallery

This is the time of year when you can't help but realize that you've been tucked away in an office while the desk calendar has been the only one getting a workout. It's time to look at a map and pack a bag. Coincidentally, my friend Tom had the same thing in mind. He's about to have his first baby, doing work on his first home, and he's getting a look in his eye that suggests it's time for a breather. For me, the open road is always calling and, when a friend is ready to join in, it means the stars have aligned for a road trip.

Those two little words create all kinds of questions, the first of which centers upon what type of vehicle to use. We're both 30, so we'd like a little luxury but... we're both 30, so we'd like a little adventure too. Thankfully, a brief call from Airstream put my name on the keys of a 2011 Avenue slumbering in a Los Angeles parking lot.

Continue reading Review: 2011 Airstream Avenue...

Gallery: 2011 Airstream Avenue: Review

Continue reading 2011 Airstream Avenue

2011 Airstream Avenue originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6x6 luxed up for Mongolian hunting expeditions

Noah Joseph — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, China, Mercedes-Benz, Specialty, Diesel, Luxury, Off-Road

Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6x6 Mongolian Expedition Vehicle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ordinarily looking like something you'd expect to see dragging Indiana Jones behind on a rope, the Mercedes-Benz Zetros is not exactly the pinnacle of luxury for which the Silver Star has become known to upscale buyers. But that doesn't mean it can't change.

Two businessmen in Mongolia have ordered a matching pair of the six-wheel-drive cargo truck and had them converted to luxury RVs for use on hunting expeditions. And we're not talking about poaching grouse with a shotgun, either: These guys hunt for wolves. In the Altai mountains. With an eagle. (Seriously, we couldn't make this stuff up - unless of course this is an early April Fool's joke from our friends in Stuttgart.)

For the expeditions, these Zetros customs have been fitted with everything you'd expect on a yacht: Full bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom (complete with shower, marble tiles and under-floor heating). They've got 46-inch flat-screen TV monitors, outdoor grilles, Bose sound systems, self-adjusting motorized satellite dishes, Wi-Fi, even place for an ATV.

A 7.2-liter inline-six diesel engine with 326 horsepower and 960 pound-feet of torque does the pushing/pulling duties, driving all six wheels for a chassis load capacity of 16 metric tons. Which strikes us as exactly what they'll need to schlepp all those electronics and marble tiling around the Mongolian desert. Follow the jump for all the details in the full press blast.

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6x6 Mongolian Expedition Vehicle

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6x6 luxed up for Mongolian hunting expeditions

Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6x6 luxed up for Mongolian hunting expeditions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: James May pits American RV vs. British camper van

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Humor

James May explores RVs, U.S. and UK style - Click above to watch video after the jump

On the subject of recreational vehicles, James May comes alive. Taking a video tour of a U.S. RV and a campervan, or what suffices for an RV in the UK, May brings a severe wit along as his helper. According to Captain Slow, the Boogie Nights-like interior of the U.S behemoth lets you know how you're supposed to treat its interior, while the oven in the British equivalent "is barely big enough for one of my pies." It's a toss-up as to who wins that round... Follow the jump for all of May's motorhome feelings.

[Source: BBC America]

Continue reading Video: James May pits American RV vs. British camper van

Video: James May pits American RV vs. British camper van originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: swissRoomBox turns any vehicle into a motor home

Jeff Glucker — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 16:17:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Etc., Videos, Design/Style

swissRoomBox - Click above to watch the video after the jump

The Swiss are masters of precision. The world's most elegant timepieces hail from Switzerland. The multi-purpose and compact tool known as the Swiss Army Knife is praised throughout the world for its utility and dependability. Swiss-made products carry their label as a badge of honor that commands respect.

Philippe Perakis, a former mountain bike racer, is carrying this ethos into an amazing product designed for the outdoor enthusiast. Perakis has created the swissRoomBox, and its simple name belies a complex and mechanically beautiful product. The swissRoomBox is essentially a motor home squeezed into a few boxes, which fit neatly into the back of any mid-size hatchback, wagon, crossover or SUV.

The name of the game here is "ease of use," and the swissRoomBox delivers. Initial setup requires connecting a supplied cable to the battery and mounting the unit to four anchor points in the back of the car. It can then be installed or removed within ten minutes. Once in, however, it transforms your car into a mini RV. The swissRoomBox can be used to cook food, take a shower, and provide power and drinking water. It can even be detached to create seating or sleeping space.

It's an amazing piece of engineering that provides an endless amount of useful features. The swissRoomBox goes on sale in October 2010 but pricing has yet to be announced. Bonus: The company has stated that they are able to ship to the United States - get ready, Honda Element owners. Want to see one put to use? We have video of the swissRoomBox in action on the other side of the jump.

[Source: swissRoomBox via The Adventure Life]

Continue reading Video: swissRoomBox turns any vehicle into a motor home

Video: swissRoomBox turns any vehicle into a motor home originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 16:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy 100th birthday to the RV

John Neff — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Etc.

100th Anniversary of the RV - Click above for historical high-res image gallery (69 images)

It seems appropriate while we celebrate the last vestiges of summer on this Labor Day weekend that we also acknowledge the 100th anniversary of the recreational vehicle, also known as the RV. The summer season and RVs go hand in hand, and people have motored across America in mobile homes since 1910. RV historians say that year was when just a few companies began building the precursors to what we now know as recreational vehicles, thus marking the birth of the RV industry. Those companies include Pierce-Arrow from New York (above, 1910 Touring Landau), the Los Angeles Trailer Works and Michigan's own Auto-Kamp Trailers of Saginaw.

The RV industry has survived wars, tough economic times and oil crises and still come out no worse for wear. Credit the American spirit of adventure, our love of travel or maybe just the unique freedom one experiences while traveling without a tether to your permanent residence.

If I'm waxing too poetic about what some consider to be just ill-constructed boxes of balsa wood on wheels, know that I am an RV owner myself (right, 2011 Forest River Sunseeker) and have known the joys of sitting around a campfire in the forest roasting s'mores one minute and playing Rock Band in an air-conditioned living room the next. It may sound like sacrilege to hard-core outdoorsmen who like sleeping on the ground, but it makes perfect sense to an RV enthusiast.

So, in honor of the RV's 100th birthday, we've assembled a gallery chronicling its history courtesy of the RV industry's centennial website. Enjoy the trip through time.

Gallery: 100th Anniversary of the RV

[Source: NY Times, RVcentennial.org]

Happy 100th birthday to the RV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Amarok camper conversion ready for adventure

Zach Bowman — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Truck, Europe, Volkswagen

Volkwagen Amarok with Bimobil camper - Click above for image gallery

If you had your heart set on a Volkswagen Amarok before the company made it clear that the truck wasn't heading to North America, prepare to have your wounds lightly salted. A company by the name of Bimobil has gone through the effort of creating a camper conversion for the handsome pickup. Instead of the drop-in style units that we're used to seeing here in the states, the Bimobil piece actually replaces the Amarok's bed altogether. From what we can tell, owners can easily detach the camper once they get to a suitable location in the event they have to go to town for important supplies. You know, like beer. Or a snake-bite kit.

Our Google Translator isn't much help in discerning exactly how much Bimobil is asking for the swank digs, nor what other special features the camper boasts. Even so, we're thinking that there are few better ways to vacation than from the back of a pickup. Besides, how awesome does this thing look? If you happen to speak German, you can head over to Bimobil's website and dream a little dream of mobile living. Otherwise, content yourself by having a look at our gallery below.

Gallery: Bimobil Amarok

[Source: Bimobil via German Car Blog]

Volkswagen Amarok camper conversion ready for adventure originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Work, Ford, Specialty, Off-Road

2009 Dunkel Industries RV - Click above for high-res image gallery

As they sat looking over the horizon, they realized they had achieved their dream. The guys from Dunkel Industries had driven themselves to a remote spot where they could just relax and enjoy nature at its tranquil best. What made the journey extra special was that they had gotten there in their very own Dunkel Industries Luxury 4x4. Now, "Luxury 4X4" might have some of you thinking Land Rover or Porsche Cayenne. If that's what you're picturing, then all we can say is "Think bigger." Much bigger. Like, so-big-we-can't-get-it-into-the-frame bigger. The Dunkel version of a Luxury 4X4 starts with a Ford F-650 commercial chassis and winds up as the ultimate off-road recreational vehicle.

As their website puts it, Dunkel industries was built on the childhood dream of never having to stop because the trail was 'more than the RV could handle.' So they created a vehicle with "unlimited versatility" that utilizes a Fabco military-grade 4x4 system, capable of driving the luxurious "custom wood, leather and Fiberglass interior" to places no RV dares to go. And in case you want to bring some smaller toys along with you into the wilderness, the bed is big enough to haul a car. That bed also articulates to serve as a ramp to load dirtbikes or ATVs onto the roof. No trailer necessary and no 55-mph limitations for this beast.

There's a full list of the vehicle's features after the jump, but some of the highlights include a firewood box, a shower, and the camp seating built into the running boards and storage bins all around the truck's perimeter. The ATVs on the roof are a definite crowd-pleaser as well. We're not sure how much this project cost the Dunkel Bros. or if they are going to make them available to the public, but we do know that this would make the perfect Autoblog mobile HQ for any automotive event from Pebble Beach to the Baja 1000. Check out the Dunkel Industries website for additional photos and information, follow the jump for the build sheet and check out our own gallery below.

Gallery: Dunkel Industries Luxury 4X4

Continue reading Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV

Dunkel Industries creates ultimate off-road RV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World's Richest Man invests in RVs

Noah Joseph — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Earnings/Financials

Everyone's broke. Gas prices keep rising and falling. America's three largest manufacturers of recreational vehicles are losing money like their pockets are full of holes. Perfect time to invest.

Well, it is if you're Warren Buffett, the richest man in the world, who has made an art out of "buy low, sell high." Through his holding company Berkshire Hathaway, the ~~Texas-based~~ legendary Omaha investor has invested some $40 million in Middlebury, Indiana's Coachmen Industries, makers of the Viking line of motor homes. The move is diametrically opposed to that of fellow American investor Kirk Kerkorian, who is rapidly divesting from America's automakers. Prospects in the RV market hardly look any better than Detroit's - projections place sales next year at their lowest in 18 years - but sooner or later, they'll recuperate. You can bank on that...Warren Buffett certainly is.

[Source: Edmunds Auto Observer | Image: Alex Wong/Getty]

World's Richest Man invests in RVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Newell P2000i: the Porsche of RVs

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:08:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Porsche

Oklahoma-based Newell Coach Corp's latest motorhome, the P2000i, sells for over a million dollars. It's built on a special-made chassis and is powered by a 600-hp turbodiesel. Once parked, four sections expand outwards to maximize interior space. It's said to be one of the most luxurious motorhomes on the market, a favorite of car dealers, businessmen and race car drivers.

So what does this have to do with Porsche, you wonder? Newell contracted Porsche Engineering, the German sportscar maker's consultancy arm, to help modernize the P2000i. With a custom suspension? Nope, that was done by ZF (commonly know for their transmissions). Did Porsche have some hand in the engine, then? Wrong again, that's made by Caterpillar (as far as they get from making sportscars, Porsche hasn't started producing diesels just yet). Maybe a Tiptronic transmission? No, the tranny comes from Allison. Porsche's contribution was the redesigned front end, with Xenon headlamps and "European" styling. (Yeah, that's it.)

Newell has a dealer network to sell its motorhomes, but you can purchase one directly from the factory if you prefer (and have a million bucks to blow on an RV). Newell builds about 40 a year, and each one takes about 10 months to build.

[Source: Automotive News - sub.req.]

Newell P2000i: the Porsche of RVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Nov 2006 12:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Paris Motor Show: Knaus V-liner

Stuart Waterman — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 14:18:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Paris Motor Show

Vive la différence! This Euro-style RV is a cool alternative to its (much) larger North American counterparts.

German travel trailer and recreational vehicle builder Knaus is exhibiting their V-Liner compact RV in Paris, and for his first time seeing the V-Liner up close and personal, John was very impressed. (You may recall that we featured its C-Liner sistership in our "Top 10 ways to motor your home" feature.) Despite the rather baroque front-end styling, the V-Liner is packed with cool features.

Most of the Paris Motor Show press material was in French, so details are scarce, but we do have a translation of the Knaus website's V-Liner description after the jump, with more pics!

Continue reading Paris Motor Show: Knaus V-liner

Paris Motor Show: Knaus V-liner originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 14:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Car carrying motor coach debuts in Germany

John Neff — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

Have you ever noticed how many Saturns are towed behind motorhomes on our nation's highways? The reason is because most Saturns are part of a small group of vehicles that don't require the installation of a lube pump to circulate the transmission fluid in order to be towed with all four wheels on the ground. The problem is that most people who are wealthy enough to own an upscale RV wouldn't be caught dead in a Saturn under normal circumstances.

German RV manufactuer Volkner Mobile has developed a solution to this problem that's currently being shown off at the International Caravan Fair in Dusseldorf, Germany. The motorcoach on display features a mobile garage situated between the front and rear axles that can stow lower cars like the BMW Z4, MINI Cooper convertible and Mercedes-Benz SLK. The system introduces your vacation cruiser laterally into the RV's belly on a slideout platform and can accomodate vehicles up to five meters in length. No more hauling Saturns or renting Mustang convertibles when you get there.

[Source: Daily Times via Winding Road]

Car carrying motor coach debuts in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Aug 2006 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top 10 ways to motor your home

John Neff — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 12:04:00 EST

Filed under: Etc.

The sweltering heat of summer has descended and in some parts of the country it's knocking out power grids left and right. Before the lights go out in your house, perhaps you should prepare a Plan B that involves taking the homestead on the road. To that end we've assembled a list of our Top 10 ways to motor your home comprised of motorhomes, vans, trailers and even a $4.5 million tour bus from 1940. Enjoy...

2006 Featherlite Luxury Coaches Vantare Platinum Plus

Billed as the most expensive luxury coach ever built, the Vantare boasts a price tag of $2.5 million. Marble floors, Italian leather trim, Swarovski crystal lighting, onyx shower walls... the Vantare's emissions are comprised of pure opulence in a gaseous state.

(Follow the jump to see what else made the list and suggest your own candidates in the comments)

Continue reading Top 10 ways to motor your home

Top 10 ways to motor your home originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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