Drawing on signature design elements from two
iconic brands, the concept incorporates innovative features and
amenities in a sleek, lightweight profile aimed at meeting the
expectations of a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.
JACKSON
CENTER, Ohio, March 9,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Airstream, Inc., maker of
the iconic riveted aluminum travel trailers and best-in-class
touring coaches, today unveiled a concept travel trailer developed
in partnership with legendary design firm Studio F. A. Porsche. The
concept will be showcased at the South by Southwest®
(SXSW) Conference and Festivals in Austin, Texas beginning on March 10, 2023, with a panel discussion on
March 13.
Airstream, Inc. unveiled a concept travel
trailer developed in partnership with design firm Studio F. A.
Porsche.
The Airstream Studio F. A. Porsche Concept Travel Trailer is the
result of a "what if" collaboration between two expert teams with
decades of combined design experience. The Studio F. A. Porsche
team was charged with envisioning a next-generation Airstream
trailer that incorporated elements from the design playbooks of
both brands. The process engaged Studio F. A. Porsche designers in
Zell am See, Austria, and
Los Angeles in a steady
back-and-forth with Airstream designers and engineers at the
company's headquarters and manufacturing facility in Jackson Center, Ohio.
Brought to life through photorealistic renderings, a 1/3 scale
model, and computer-assisted aerodynamic testing, the project
resulted in a conceptual evolution to Airstream's iconic riveted
aluminum look that's unlike any previous design. Among the
concept's many innovative ideas, the design addresses changing
demographics in the RV market by utilizing a pop-up roof for
additional interior headroom and a lowering suspension that allows
city dwellers to store the trailer in a standard residential
garage.
"Innovation is the art of discovering the possible," said
Airstream President and CEO Bob
Wheeler. "Our collaboration with Studio F. A. Porsche
brought talented new eyes and minds to our never-ending process of
improving the Airstream experience. It's a fresh design approach
aimed at reaching a broader, more diverse base of potential
customers."
"Our design team has long wanted to partner with Airstream,"
said Roland Heiler, Managing
Director of Studio F. A. Porsche and Chief Design Officer of the
Porsche Lifestyle Group. "More than 20 years ago, when my family
lived in Southern California, we
owned a 1964 Airstream Overlander. That's when I met Bob Wheeler for the first time at a vintage
trailer show in Newport Beach. For
me Airstream has always been an iconic brand that has thrived by
evolving its products while remaining true to its design DNA – an
approach very similar to the philosophy of Studio F. A. Porsche.
So, it is not difficult to imagine that we were more than excited
when the idea to develop a new iteration of Airstream's travel
trailers finally became reality."
The concept will be showcased at Porsche's SXSW exhibit where
Airstream and Porsche Lifestyle Group executives will unveil a 1/3
scale model of the trailer and a Porsche
Macan tow vehicle. Porsche's 2023 SXSW theme is 'Porsche X,'
which emphasizes collaboration. The legendary automotive brand is
celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2023.
The concept design integrates numerous advances in aerodynamics,
including a new rear shape that is intended to improve air flow
while in motion, a flush underside with reduced drag-creating
projections, the first-ever lowering suspension in an Airstream
travel trailer design, and the first insulated pop-up roof in
Airstream's history. Essential systems are incorporated inside the
concept's chassis and interior, resulting in a sleek exterior that
is intended to reduce protrusions that create aerodynamic drag. The
ducted air conditioning, a prominent feature of many RV rooftops,
is located above the concept's floor. Several systems are tucked
inside the 10-inch-deep space below the floor, including the hot
water and heating components, spare wheel, holding tanks, and the
lithium battery.
As conceived, this small-footprint concept travel trailer is
intended to have improved aerodynamic characteristics from other
Airstream travel trailers currently in production. These improved
aerodynamic characteristics were validated by a third-party
aerodynamics research firm.1 The improved aerodynamic
performance is a result of the low ride height made possible by the
pop-up roof design, lowering suspension, fewer rooftop protrusions,
a smaller frontal area as compared to other Airstream travel
trailers currently in production, and lighter weight from composite
materials like carbon fiber. One intended result of these design
modifications is a better towing experience optimized for towing
with electric vehicles (EVs).
"Like earlier concept vehicles, the Airstream Studio F. A.
Porsche Concept Travel Trailer builds on Airstream's design DNA and
our commitment to aerodynamics to create a vision that is both
familiar and excitingly new," said Wheeler. "While our concept
projects don't always reach the marketplace, the resulting lessons
and innovations often influence present and future designs as they
make their way into our main product lines."
The concept is the first "garageable" Airstream design in the
company's 90-year history. Working in tandem, the pop-up roof
reduces overhead clearance while the adjustable suspension in the
chassis allows the trailer's body to be lowered, enabling storage
in some home garages. This capability makes ownership much easier
for a broader range of customers. The chassis' ride height can also
be adjusted to improve aerodynamic efficiency or enhance off-road
maneuverability.
The concept's innovative design extends to its interior, where
the team collaborated to maximize the use of space and dramatically
enhance the owner experience. The extensive use of windows and
skylights creates a spacious interior feel and connects owners with
the beauty of their surroundings.
Building on the current popularity of the rear hatch option in
select Airstream travel trailers, the concept trailer's redesigned
rear hatch features a new two-piece design, with a hinge-up hatch
and a drop-down tailgate. Awnings can be attached to the hatch to
create a shady place to relax and plan the next adventure. This
conceptual design extends the interior living space, connecting
travelers with their surroundings and allowing for easy loading of
adventure gear.
The concept travel trailer features a floor plan unlike other
Airstream units, including a rear seating area that transforms from
dining to working to relaxing space. The versatile seating area
quickly converts from dinette seating to a large 82" x 61" sleeping
area. Reclining seat options allow owners to enjoy the views
through the open hatch.
The wet bath, incorporated into the front roadside corner,
features a door that creates an enclosed, private area and swings
freely to hide the toilet when it's not in use. This clever design
opens up more space in the adjacent galley, where a hinge-up
counter extends in front of the main entry door to expand the
available counterspace. These ingenious design elements create a
sizable L-shaped workspace that rivals what's found in many larger
travel trailers.
RVing has recently boomed in popularity as people seek safe,
self-directed travel experiences. The Airstream Studio F.A. Porsche
Concept Travel Trailer is a flexible and easy-to-tow travel trailer
that facilitates such adventure. It's comfortable in a variety of
camping destinations – from a campground with full hookups to the
off-grid wilderness, where integrated rooftop solar panels and a
lithium battery system work together to store energy for later
use.
Notes:
1: Independent computer fluid dynamics (CFD) testing was
completed by an aerodynamics research firm using the concept
vehicle's 3D data. This was compared to the 3D data from an
Airstream 28RB travel trailer as well as an Airstream Basecamp 20X.
All CFD testing was completed using the same methodology at 65 MPH
with a 4.5° crosswind.
ABOUT AIRSTREAM
Airstream, manufacturer of the iconic
"silver bullet" Airstream® travel trailer, is the
longest-tenured recreational vehicle manufacturer in the world. The
company's mission, as set forth by founder Wally Byam, is to create well-designed,
high-quality products that allow people to follow their dreams and
explore the world in home-like comfort. A steadfast commitment to
Byam's creed, "Let's not make changes, let's only make
improvements," has made the aluminum Airstream travel trailer a
timeless classic. An unwavering focus on innovation keeps the
company at the forefront of technology and customer experience in
both the towable and motorized sectors. Airstream is based in
Jackson Center, Ohio, where a team
of skilled craftspeople hand builds each travel trailer and upfits
every touring coach, adding daily to the brand's reputation for
quality and innovation. Learn more about Airstream, our dealers,
and current travel trailer and touring coach models at
www.airstream.com. For the latest news on Airstream, like us on
Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Airstream, Inc. is an operating company of Elkhart, IN-based THOR Industries, Inc. (NYSE:
THO). THOR is the sole owner of operating companies which,
combined, represent the world's largest manufacturer of
recreational vehicles. For more information on THOR Industries and
its products, please visit www.thorindustries.com.
ABOUT STUDIO F. A. PORSCHE
Studio F. A. Porsche is one
of the leading design studios worldwide for product, mobility and
interior design. Founded by Ferdinand
Alexander Porsche in 1972, the Studio has stood for a
perfect symbiosis of form and function ever since. For over 50
years the Studio has stayed true to its values: functionality,
purism, perfection, relevance and passion. Today Studio F. A.
Porsche creates products for select clients worldwide and premium
design innovations for its own brand – Porsche Design. The Studio
is a subsidiary of the Porsche Lifestyle Group, with its
headquarters in Zell am See, Austria, and design offices in Berlin, Ludwigsburg, Los Angeles and Singapore. In 2021, Studio F. A. Porsche was
awarded the honorary title "Red Dot: Design Team of the Year". For
further information, please visit studiofaporsche.com.
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SOURCE Airstream, Inc.