The era of teasers has come to an end. Revealed at the 2023 Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf is Volkswagen’s new California camper van. While it’s still a concept, VW is showing off some significant changes from the current model. Although some details aren’t fully explained, this is essentially the next-gen California camper for the European market in 2024.
The big news is the addition of a second sliding door on the left side of the van. In previous versions, the kitchen was on the fixed side, and it’s still there in the T7 California Concept. However, the VW engineers moved it back a bit to create a pathway behind the front seats. An interesting side effect is that now you can access the induction stove, sink, fridge, and drawers from both inside and outside. There’s also a gas cooker and a plug outside for 230-volt power.
With this new sliding door, VW presents the new California as a three-zone concept. The first zone is on the right side, where you can get in and out for regular activities as you would in any van. On weekends, this area turns into an open tent with an awning that extends out to provide shade at the entrance. The third zone is on the opposite side of the van, accessible through the new sliding door, and it’s shaded with a two-post awning for cooking and dining.
In between these zones, in the second zone, there’s the kitchen nestled between front seats that can turn around 180 degrees, and a bench at the back that can be turned into a bed. The seats are easy to take out for more space, and of course, there’s the aluminum pop-top roof. It has LED lights and USB sockets for power, and you control it with a tablet at the back of the van. This tablet handles everything the van can do and also provides entertainment. It’s on a swivel arm so you can see it from different angles, whether you’re working or relaxing. Or, if you prefer, you can control everything with a smartphone app.
The other important feature is the California Concept’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. This is the first time a California camper will have this option, though VW hasn’t given all the details about it. The regular Multivan T7 eHybrid combines a 1.4-liter engine with an electric motor for a total of 215 horsepower. It can go 30 miles on a full battery charge. This is pretty useful for a camper, but we don’t know if VW will make any changes to it for the production version of the California.
What we do know is that all the different Multivan drive systems will be available when the California starts production in 2024. So, you’ll likely have the choice of regular gasoline or diesel engines, along with the hybrid. As for exactly when it will be made or how much it will cost, that information will probably come later on.
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