Following on from the success of the C4 Cactus Rip Curl, Citroën plans to show a SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept at Frankfurt Motor Show on September 14, leveraging the brand equity and lifestyle marketing expertise of the original surfwear giant to develop a 4x4 touring camper van for surfing and other outdoor pursuits.
The Citroën SpaceTourer base vehicle has been converted into a compact 4WD camper-van with a camper-van conversion by Pössl, and a 4x4 conversion by Automobiles Dangel.
The Concept now includes a shower, a kitchenette with gas stove, fridge, sink and dining area, a weather station and a safe that attaches under the vehicle to keep keys, phones and wallets secure while you're out on the water, the slopes or in search of adventure.
In daytime mode, the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept can comfortably transport seven people, while in nighttime mode, the van can sleep four in two double beds at the same time as offering a much higher ceiling height with the roof raised.
The engine in the Concept is a 148 hp (110 kW) BlueHDi 150 S&S, a turbocharged and intercooled 2 liter diesel offering a healthy 272 lb.ft (370 Nm) of torque at 2,000 rpm for relaxed touring.
The cockpit area in the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept is standard fare on the SpaceTourer production model, complete with color Head-up Display, Activity Safe Brake, Citroën Connect Nav, and Mirror Screen systems.
The SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept seems intent on moving into the space occupied by the traditional surf wagons, with even the two-tone paint reminiscent of the original Kombi wagon.
The cross-promotion between Citroën and Rip Curl will also see the SpaceTourer Rip Curl Concept travel across Europe between October 2017 and January 2018, attending 20 events at European surf spots in the UK, France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, then on to the mountains of France, Switzerland and Austria for skiing and snowboarding events.
The van was tested by Lewis Turner and daughter Ellie in Southern Ireland recently, coinciding with the filming of the promotional film for the concept vehicle. The Turners are from Cornwall and have been traveling surfers for decades. But with daughter Ellie now competing on the professional circuit, there's a lot more traveling involved. Ellie was UK Champion in 2016 and is 2nd in the European professional junior rankings.
"We both found the whole experience really fun. The main part of the whole project that really impressed us both was how practical the van was due to its size and intelligent design. It really could be used as an everyday vehicle or gave the feeling you could really search for new unexplored waves or places to camp. The lighting and build quality also made it feel a really comfortable place to spend time."
Source: Citroën
