by David Weston
Global Caravan Technologies has revealed pictures of its debut range, the all-carbon fibre CR-1 caravan, which was unveiled in Indiana last week (6 March).
According to the American company, it’s the world’s first carbon-fibre caravan, which it says combines a high-strength structure with “innovative luxury designs”.
The 35-foot long twin-axle RV has been designed using technologies from motorsport, IT and aerospace industries and contains a host of impressive gadgets.
Custom exterior lighting, leather interior, a large rear lounge area and a walk-through master bath all come as standard with the CR-1.
Two slide-out sections and 6’10” headroom make for plenty of interior space on site, while the 700W solar panel system means you can tour the countryside without having to worry about your leisure battery running out.
You even get a washer/dryer and a wi-fi router, features that are rarely seen in UK caravans.
The impressive optional extras include a smart control platform compatible with iOS or Android, which controls and monitors all of the electrical units, adjustable tinted glass, and satellite TV.
Normally this level of luxury comes with a significant weight penalty, by GCT claims that the carbon fibre construction means that the CR-1 will be “feather light”, weighing half as much as typical American RV.
Exact weights are yet to be confirmed, but since the video below quotes the typical weight of a 35-foot RV as 10,000lbs (4.5 tonnes) they’ll have to more than halve the weight to make it practical choice for the UK market.
“The CR-1 Carbon is GCT’s proud achievement today,” said CEO and Chief Product Architect Charles Hoefer.
“This product demonstrates our capabilities, and we are not slowing down as we are making plans to launch a super-luxury fifth wheel, along with plans to begin motorhome development in 2015,” he added.
Prices and availability on this side of the pond are yet to be revealed, but this radical design will surely give British caravan designers plenty to think about.
To see a video of the CR-1’s official unveiling, click on the player below:
CR-1 Carbon RV Unveiling Mar10 from GCT RV on Vimeo.
