Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • AI
  • more
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Photos: Classic VW camper gets tech treatment

1 of 5 NEXT PREV
  • VW microbus redesign

    VW microbus redesign

    Can a ride that found its greatest popularity among flower children and California surfers in the 1960s set down new roots in the digital age? That question seems to be on the minds of folks at Volkswagen, which has sketched out a newfangled concept for the VW camper. The overall look harks back to the 1960s, complete with the two-toned paint job and the V on the snub-nose front end, but modern touches are to be found both inside and out.

    Published: September 29, 2006 -- 13:00 GMT (06:00 PDT)

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Camper, expanded

    Camper, expanded

    Some of the updates to the older design include solar panels on the roof and furniture that appears to be straight out of an Ikea catalog. The modern look and feel comes from French-Canadian designer Alexandre Verdier. There's no word, however, on whether VW plans to ever put the new design into production.

    Published: September 29, 2006 -- 13:00 GMT (06:00 PDT)

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Camper interior

    Camper interior

    On the interior, the passenger seat can be transformed into steps that allow easier access to the popped-up roof. The dashboard incorporates a computer with wireless Internet access.

    Published: September 29, 2006 -- 13:00 GMT (06:00 PDT)

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • Camp stove

    Camp stove

    A swivel mount allows travelers to use the range to cook meals either inside or outside the camper.

    Published: September 29, 2006 -- 13:00 GMT (06:00 PDT)

    Caption by: Andy Smith

  • 1964 camper model

    1964 camper model

    The drawing board is one thing; road tests are another. For that reason, VW's Palo Alto, Calif.-based Electronics Research Laboratory has retrofitted a 1964 Deluxe Microbus dubbed the "Chameleon." The lab teamed with a company called Hybrid Technologies to replace the original engine with an all-electric-drive motor powered by lithium polymer batteries. The surfboards on the roof are lined with flexible solar panels as an additional energy source. Updates on the interior include an interactive digital instrument cluster, digitally enhanced sound, rear-seat entertainment options, and speech-activated controls.

    Published: September 29, 2006 -- 13:00 GMT (06:00 PDT)

    Caption by: Andy Smith

1 of 5 NEXT PREV
Andy Smith

By Andy Smith | September 29, 2006 -- 13:00 GMT (06:00 PDT) | Topic: Tech Industry

  • VW microbus redesign
  • Camper, expanded
  • Camper interior
  • Camp stove
  • 1964 camper model

Can a relic from the flower power era set down new roots in the digital age?

Read More Read Less

VW microbus redesign

Can a ride that found its greatest popularity among flower children and California surfers in the 1960s set down new roots in the digital age? That question seems to be on the minds of folks at Volkswagen, which has sketched out a newfangled concept for the VW camper. The overall look harks back to the 1960s, complete with the two-toned paint job and the V on the snub-nose front end, but modern touches are to be found both inside and out.

Published: September 29, 2006 -- 13:00 GMT (06:00 PDT)

Caption by: Andy Smith

1 of 5 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Tech Industry CXO Government Security
Andy Smith

By Andy Smith | September 29, 2006 -- 13:00 GMT (06:00 PDT) | Topic: Tech Industry

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Toshiba laptops through the ages

    Toshiba’s 35-year run in the laptop business is at an end, but what a journey it has been.

  • The naughty list: Tech CEOs getting coal for Christmas

    These technology leaders displayed the worst behavior or underperformed in 2019.

  • Tech turkeys: Apple and Google dominate the year's menu of failures

    In the spirit of Festivus here is our full list of the worst technology products and services of the year.

  • The Nightmare in Silicon Valley: 8 horror technologies that should scare you to death

    Every night is fright night with what can happen once these scary technologies take hold in ways that you may not have imagined.

  • 2019's tech, security, and authentication trends

    We take a look at the top tech, cybersecurity, and authentication trends as revealed today by the Duo Security's 2019 Trusted Access Report, which includes data from 24 million devices, ...

  • Carry on: Must-have minimalist travel gadgets in 2019

    Here's a selection of the best travel accessories that bring down the bulk and weight of your luggage.

  • The tech that changed us: 50 years of breakthroughs

    Technology can transform us, in good ways and bad. Do you recall the single most influential tech innovation from the year you graduated high school? We do. ...

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums