Airstream Partners with Porsche on Trailer for EVs

Airstream, the maker of the iconic riveted aluminum travel trailers, has partnered with legendary design firm Studio F.A. Porsche to develop a concept travel trailer. And we LOVE IT.  Meet the Airstream Porsche Travel Trailer (concept).

It seems Porsche is getting all outdoorsy, first their roof-tent, and now this.  The Airstream Porsche Travel Trailer, however, was designed with EV’s in mind. The improved aerodynamic characteristics were validated by a third-party aerodynamics research firm, and the concept is intended to have a better towing experience optimized for towing with electric vehicles (EVs). The design addresses changing demographics in the RV market and aims to reach a broader, more diverse base of potential customers.

The Airstream Porsche Travel Trailer combines design elements from both brands and incorporates innovative features to meet the expectations of a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts, who presumably only have electric vehicles. The design process involved designers and engineers from both companies working together to create a conceptual evolution of Airstream’s iconic riveted aluminum look. The result is a sleek and lightweight travel trailer that utilizes a pop-up roof for additional interior headroom and a lowering suspension that allows city dwellers to store the trailer in a standard residential garage.

The concept trailer was brought to life through photorealistic renderings, a 1/3 scale model, and computer-assisted aerodynamic testing. It integrates numerous advances in aerodynamics, including a new rear shape that is intended to improve air flow while in motion, a flush underside with reduced drag-creating projections, and the first-ever lowering suspension in an Airstream travel trailer design. The first insulated pop-up roof in Airstream’s history is also included in the design. The essential systems are incorporated inside the concept’s chassis and interior, resulting in a sleek exterior that is intended to reduce protrusions that create aerodynamic drag.

The Airstream Porsche Travel Trailer is the first “garageable” Airstream design in the company’s 90-year history. Working in tandem, the pop-up roof reduces overhead clearance while the adjustable suspension in the chassis allows the trailer’s body to be lowered, enabling storage in some home garages. The chassis’ ride height can also be adjusted to improve aerodynamic efficiency or enhance off-road maneuverability.

The interior of the concept trailer maximizes the use of space and dramatically enhances the owner experience. The extensive use of windows and skylights creates a spacious interior feel and connects owners with the beauty of their surroundings. The concept’s redesigned rear hatch features a rear-loading ramp that provides easy access to the interior and doubles as a platform for outdoor activities.

The concept will be showcased at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference and Festivals in Austin, Texas, beginning on March 10, 2023. The Airstream Porsche Travel Trailer is a fresh design approach aimed at improving the Airstream experience while remaining true to the brand’s design DNA. While not all concept projects reach the marketplace, the resulting lessons and innovations often influence present and future designs as they make their way into the company’s main product lines.

When this does (and we really hope it does) reach the marketplace – sign us up.