ABT has made the coolest VW camper | GRR
Fancy a camper van fettled by racers? An unlikely scenario, though that’s exactly what you get in the new VW T6.1 that's been modified by ABT. This is the ABT XNH, which stands for Explore New Horizons. Save for a proper vintage airstream, it looks like the perfect Revival digs to us.
Indeed ABT, the brand most-known for making fast Audi RS cars faster, taking the TT racing and most recently, its Formula E exploits, has taken the scalpel to the humble camper.
Visually, it’s very ‘ABT’. There’s a cool livery featuring mountainous topography diagrams at the rear, while aggressive bumpers and side skirts give the sportier look. The bigger black wheels don’t sit too aggressively in the arches, mind, nor are they too big with tyres that are too skinny. Sportier-looking though it is, it’ll still be a comfy camper.
ABT commissioned an enhanced cabin too, with the design work done by camping company Vaning GmbH. There’s stylish wood and mood lighting while practically speaking, there’s scratch-resistant surfacing and flocked wall paneling. Inbuilt facilities include a spacious kitchen with a double induction hob, refrigerator and table. That’s complemented by a pull-out outdoor kitchen with a gas cooker. There’s a renewable power supply with photovoltaic modules feeding a lithium battery, too.
For a good night’s sleep there’s a pull-out double bed, while the XNH is effectively insulated with sheep’s wool and other recycled materials to ensure temperate conditions overnight. For privacy and extra insulation there are nice quilted blinds you can deploy. We’d keep the deployable roof down for the best chance of keeping a warm cosy dwelling.
The only question is of price. Even the standard California will set you back upwards of £60,000. The California Ocean, which the vehicle pictured seems to be based on, starts from a massive £72,980. What on Earth could these cost? We wouldn’t be surprised if the figure starts with an eight or even a nine…