Airstream travel trailers have a timeless design, but they’ve been reimagined with the help of Studio F. A. Porsche. The end result is the aptly named Airstream Studio F. A. Porsche concept, which is classically cool while also being futuristic.
Set to be unveiled as a 1/3 scale model at SXSW (South by Southwest), the project is Airstream’s latest collaboration and one that envisions what luxury travel trailers could look like in the future.
While designers were largely free to let their imaginations run wild, Airstream wanted a sleek, lightweight trailer that could fit into a garage and be towed by an electric vehicle. The latter is becoming increasingly important as Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler told us their customers are “twice as likely to own an EV” as the general public.
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Since towing with an electric vehicle isn’t ideal, the companies focused on creating a lightweight and aerodynamic trailer. This is right up Airstream’s alley and the concept features a classic aluminum body as well as carbon fiber and composite materials. The concept also eschews rivets for improved aerodynamics as well as less visual clutter.
That’s just scratching the surface as the trailer features a flowing greenhouse and an aerodynamically optimized body with a unique rear end. Numerous systems have also been carefully integrated into the body to minimize drag and that’s why you won’t find a rooftop air conditioner like on many other RVs. Speaking of the roof, the concept features a pop-top for additional headroom.
That isn’t the only party trick as the concept has been equipped with an adjustable suspension, which enables the ride height to be raised for improved off-road capability or lowered for better aerodynamics. The suspension also enables the trailer to be “garageable” and officials suggested the model should be able to clear 7 foot (2.1 meter) tall garage doors.
Airstream noted this is their first model designed to fit into a standard garage and said this would help to increase its appeal among city dwellers. It could also prove to be an attractive option for people living in areas where homeowner associations prevent trailers from being parked outside. As the company noted, this capability would make “ownership much easier for a broader range of customers.”
A Classy Cabin That Flows Into The Outdoors
While the concept is big on style, the trailer is roughly the same size as the 16 foot (4.9 meter) Bambi. That’s pretty small, but Airstream said it’s large enough to provide the features people really want.
The concept has a flexible cabin with spaces that have multiple uses. This even extends to the wet bath, which features a door that creates an “enclosed, private area” when nature calls or its time to take a shower. While that’s not surprising, the door can also swing to hide the toilet and effectively expand the bathroom into the adjacent galley.
Elsewhere, the area in front of the door can be transformed into counter space to give owners extra room while cooking. Another cool feature is the two-piece rear hatch, which has a drop-down tailgate that “extends the interior living space” outdoors. Some of the renderings also envision the tailgate with a flip up section that turns it into an outdoor seating area.
Moving back inside, the concept has an elegant dinette that can be transformed into a sleeping area that measures 82” by 61” (2.1 by 1.5 meters). We can also see a sink, cook top, and floating digital display.
While the project started as a “thought experiment,” Wheeler told us Airstream “couldn’t be happier with the result.” He went on to say the company is looking at the possibility of bringing the concept to production.
However, nothing is set in stone and we might have to settle for seeing some features in future models. That being said, officials seemed to have their hearts set on production.
