The fuel savings resulting from towing this ultra light caravan compared to a standard van will take a little while to provide payback on the up-front cost.
A project of Global Caravan Technologies, the 10.3 metre CR-1 boasts an all-carbon fiber construction; dramatically decreasing its weight. Even inside the van, it’s detailed in leather and carbon fiber styling.
With beds for six, it has rear entertainment/lounge area that doubles as workstation and also a walk-through master bathroom.
The RV was built without screws or fasteners and weighs about half that (2,700 kgs) of a traditional caravan of the same size. Global Caravan Technologies says an improvement in fuel consumption while towing in the range of 100 – 150% is attainable. The makers also claim the van is “an order of magnitude stronger of any RV that has existed before it.”
A fully decked out CR-1 includes an integrated generator, a 700 watt solar panel system system with 300AH AGM deep cycle batteries. You can also have a washer and dryer installed, plus satellite TV and wi-fi router. There’s even an option that will allow you to control the CR-1’s various features via a smart phone.
Even with all that kit, there is a promise of plenty of space to move.
“We approached the development of the CR-Series with an absolute premium on interior space,” said GCT’s CEO and Chief Product Architect Charles Hoefer late last year. “We have really pushed the envelope in taking a new design to market, which features a modern exterior, yet brilliantly spacious interior.”
The CR-1 was developed by a team consisting of Nascar and IndyCar champions, former NASA engineers, IT boffins, automotive engineers and aerospace designers. Global Caravan Technologies has established a research and development facility beside the Dallara IndyCar Factory in Speedway, Indiana.
If you like the look of the CR-1 and don’t quite have a million dollars to splash out on the fully optioned version; don’t worry, there’s an entry level model that will cost around USD$170,000 according to Drive – (before shipping and relevant taxes).
