Wednesday 24th November 2010

VW Design Boss: New Camper On The Cards

Rumours of a new VW Camper give us an excuse to post a video of a 1700bhp version...

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New Camper could look like this 2001 concept...

A re-imagining of the classic VW Camper/Microbus could be on the cards, if reports from the LA motor show are to be believed.

The VW Camper is one of those iconic designs that companies are often threatening to resurrect and this time it's the turn of VW chief designer, Klaus Bischoff. He told Auto Express that "I would not be doing my job, at Volkswagen, properly if I was not thinking of bringing back the Camper."

The big question, apparently, is what form it would take. "It could be a traditional MPV, with a conventional interior," said Bishop. "Or we could be much bolder, designing a more flexible, versatile machine - perhaps one that is closer in spirit to the original model."

...but we'd prefer it to be like this

If it ends up looking anything like the stunning concept from the 2001 Detroit show, We'll be pretty impressed.

However, we'll be even more impressed if it comes out like this 1700bhp dragster called 'Mental Breakdown'.

And yes, if you're wondering, this whole story is largely an excuse to post this pic and video of the creation of Warwickshire's Wayne Allman. Although we doubt very much that a new Microbus would get an 8.4-litre supercharged V8...

 

 

 

[louiebaby]

The problem lies in that whilst the original was a fantastic use of space, there is no way that a modern version would be allowed to use the driver and passenger's legs as crumple zones.

In order to get it looking anything like how it should, they'll have to be very creative. Here's hoping.

[300bhp/ton]

Now I have to say, this looks rather cool IMO certainly would get the thumbs up from me.

[Bill]

Yes, they should design a good looking MPV. But, no, it shouldn't be a pastiche of things gone by.

The new Beetle's a bit lot st and the MINI is a mini in name only (but at least it isn't actually a bad car). TBH I can't see this being any different.

[M666 EVO]

Bill said:

Yes, they should design a good looking MPV. But, no, it shouldn't be a pastiche of things gone by.

The new Beetle's a bit lot st and the MINI is a mini in name only (but at least it isn't actually a bad car). TBH I can't see this being any different.

Disagree, some of the best designs were in days gone by. I think its good to revitalise some classic designs... Well, most of them, you couldn't redesign an E type!

Beetle is crap but the Mini is quite good and you saying stuff like the Fiat 500 is naff too? If done properly, VW could make this a really nice proposition...

Edited by M666 EVO on Wednesday 24th November 11:06

[Escort Si-130]

Major thumbs down, its fugly. Looks like something from Renaults shaking your ass era.

300bhp/ton said:

Now I have to say, this looks rather cool IMO certainly would get the thumbs up from me.

[rory182]

The gear driven 2.5 5cyl TDI engine which has just been dropped from the range could have made for a fun version. Will these cost £40k like a California I wonder...

[GPT]

I was hoping for so much more from that video.

[soad]

Escort Si-130 said:

Major thumbs down, its fugly. Looks like something from Renaults shaking your ass era.

I'm with you. Doesn't look right

[craigbunyan]

Each to his own I guess, but I have liked this since it was first released - in fact, looking at it now it is much fresher than you'd expect from a 10 year old concept.

If VW studio ever did do anything with it, (and tbh they probably have if they are mentioning it to the press?) the killer for me would be the price point. Would love to replace our T4 Caravelle with something like this, but don't fancy paying £40k upwards for it.

[volvoforlife]

I always wondered why they never brought this model back.

They reworked the Beetle and the Scirocco, but the iconic nazi van dissapeared.

If it looks like that concept then it'll be a massive hit like the Mini.

[Bill]

M666 EVO said:

Beetle is crap but the Mini is quite good and you saying stuff like the Fiat 500 is naff too? If done properly, VW could make this a really nice proposition...

It looks like you agree tbh.

[W00DY]

If it looks like that then it'll be a winner.

I don't like it, though.

[stenniso]

louiebaby said:

The problem lies in that whilst the original was a fantastic use of space, there is no way that a modern version would be allowed to use the driver and passenger's legs as crumple zones.

In order to get it looking anything like how it should, they'll have to be very creative. Here's hoping.

My thoughts exactly. Always thought one of these classic vans would be fun to own, but then saw an episode of Traffic Cops (or whatever it's called) on BBC. They went to an accident where a Ka had swerved across the centre of the road and hit a VW camper. The camper driver lost his legs.

I know nasty things can happen to you in any car, new or old, but you do look horribly exposed in these campers.

[TheOrangePeril]

Bill said:

Yes, they should design a good looking MPV. But, no, it shouldn't be a pastiche of things gone by.

The new Beetle's a bit lot st and the MINI is a mini in name only (but at least it isn't actually a bad car). TBH I can't see this being any different.

Completely disagree. Fiat 500, BMW Mini and Alfa 8C are all the best looking cars in their respective classes. There is something to be said for classic influence. 911 being another great example.

[Matt UK]

Escort Si-130 said:

Major thumbs down, its fugly. Looks like something from Renaults shaking your ass era.

Yup, I agree.

I do think there would be a rich market for a new VW camper, just not the one pictured.

[swisschris]

GPT said:

I was hoping for so much more from that video.

same here...

[M666 EVO]

Bill said:

M666 EVO said:

Beetle is crap but the Mini is quite good and you saying stuff like the Fiat 500 is naff too? If done properly, VW could make this a really nice proposition...

It looks like you agree tbh.

Beetle, rubbish.

Using old classic designs (IMO), good.

Simples.

[300bhp/ton]

Matt UK said:

Escort Si-130 said:

Major thumbs down, its fugly. Looks like something from Renaults shaking your ass era.

Yup, I agree.

I do think there would be a rich market for a new VW camper, just not the one pictured.

curious, but how would you have it look? To me it looks like the old one just clearly modern.

[Ex Boy Racer]

it's the marketing people that like to resurect old designs because it's safe and easy.
But one thought - if we'd always thought like this there would be no 'classic' designs to rip off; everything would be a pastiche of a de dion bouton or something like.
You can't move forward if you're always looking behind...

[thehardman07]

GPT said:

I was hoping for so much more from that video.

Yep. Anyone having trouble sleeping tonight should watch that video, you'll be out cold in 2 minutes and 44 seconds flat.

Edited by thehardman07 on Wednesday 24th November 13:21