Well this is undoubtedly one of the coolest travel trailer prototypes we've seen in awhile: Honda's recently unveiled Base Station Prototype. It's basically a towable travel trailer lightweight enough (under 1,500 pounds) that it can be towed by compact SUVs like Honda 's own CR-V, as well as electric vehicles like the Honda Prologue and upcoming Honda 0-Series SUV.
Honda's engineers and designers at the company's U.S. research and development (R&D) centers in Los Angeles and Ohio worked on the prototype. The automaker says it was conceived to "democratize outdoor adventures". Designed with modularity and integrated smart technology, Honda says the Base Station Prototype brings segment first innovations.
"Base Station is a perfect example of what can happen when you let a team of researchers, designers and engineers pursue bold new ideas to create new value for our customers," said Jane Nakagawa, vice president of the American Honda R&D Business Unit. "Just like the Motocompacto, Base Station is the product of fresh and innovative thinking. We designed it to make camping more accessible and enjoyable for families across America."
Photo: Honda.
The prototype - designed to maximize space for people, while minimizing the footprint of mechanical components - will fit in a standard residential garage or parking space.
An open and spacious interior gets plenty of natural light thanks to five large side windows which can be removed and replaced with various accessories like an air conditioner and external shower. Accessories also include an external kitchen with running water and an induction cooktop. It you raise the top, it creates seven feet of stand-up space. It's also equipped with a top-hinged rear tailgate.
As far as space goes, Base Station can sleep a family of four comfortably with a large futon-style couch that folds out to provide a queen-sized sleeping area and an optional kids' bunk bed. Smart tech includes ambient light rings around the windows. They're programmable for brightness and color and also provide light for a campsite at night.
Zero emissions power off the grid is enabled through a standard lithium battery, inverter, and integrated solar panels. External power sources, whether campsite hookup or Honda generator, can be quickly connected for extended stays.
According to Car and Driver, Honda is targeting a price somewhere between $20,000 and $40,000. If you want to stay informed on the latest, click here.
Photos: Honda.
