French-Canadian designer Alexandre Verdier is aiming to revive the spirit of the original Volkswagen Microbus camper vans.

As with the original Westfalia and the hippy culture, the new Westfalia Verdier Solar Power is part of a new culture with its own rituals. It is based on green energy and the pleasure to be self-sufficient. This new culture also believes that technology should allow people to understand nature and its power.

Features:

– A system of intelligent solar panels called “Sun Tracker”. This system makes it possible to provide electricity to the on-board accessories while the vehicle is in a stationary position. An on-board computer and a GPS (Global Positioning System) calculate the optimal position for the Sun Tracker.

– A pneumatic suspension, which lowers the vehicle and sets its structure on the tires for improved comfort and a better stabilization in a stationary position.

– The sliding half-door on the passenger side has an integrated folding staircase, which makes the second stage area accessible from outside the vehicle.

– The passenger seat is transformed mechanically into stairs, so that the second stage area can be easily reached from inside.

– A swivel cooking range makes it possible to cook outside as well as inside.

– In the second stage area, a dividing wall with a sliding door and multiple windows is made of a thick and expandable fabric.

– And of course, a multi-media computer with a wireless Internet connection is also useful where the communication technology is available.

20071231 | Design, Sustainability, Wishlist | 1 comment