Volkswagen Transporter (Germany, 1990-2003)

Volkswagen presents the fourth generation of the Hanover exhibition trade fair in the summer of 1990. The first brochure simply talked about "new Generation" but in the background a revolution was taking place. Volkswagen is breaking away from tradition: Engine and drive are both at the front. The transverse mounted engine and flange-mounted gearbox lie under a short bonnet. Underneath the bonnet there are petrol and diesel engines each with four and five cylinders and engine output between 45 kW (61 PS) and 81 kW (110 PS). The chassis had a trailing arm axle with coil springs at the rear and a double transverse link at the front with a torsion bar. To these are added a four-wheel drive, the"syncro", which this time round is listed in the specifications catalogue from the beginning.

In addition, a modular system for body variants is produced of a kind which only this drive system makes possible. Two wheelbases for van, Kombi and Caravelle, flat and high roof, dropside cab, double-cab, different payload variants, and finally even a bogie with a cab.

Multivan

The Multivan which only slightly changed its design. The cool box now lives under the single seat behind the driver's seat. Otherwise, the table and lighting for the living area remain unchanged, as does the three-passenger folding bench in the rear. The front engine has shortened the length of the interior, but the luggage compartment now stretches beneath the upholstery of the folding bench.

California

The California camper van also benefits from this design. A luggage compartment in the rear is now available for the very first time. Layout is however based on the first generation California. Volkswagen combated the shortened length of the interior with a removable bench, stored on rails along the sides. Passengers enjoy meals at a table which can also be removed. The compressor cool box can even freeze if desired. A new, control panel near the interior mirror has all operating and control elements for all technologies, from heating and cool box to the water installation and the vehicle electrical system with its robust gel batteries. The low body and a very flat lying pop-up roof allow the new California to creep under height limitations of 2 metres. It now fits in most garages, car parks and car washes and is therefore more practical than ever before.

Customers requiring more space choose the California with a high pop-up roof which creates extra space by protruding forward over the windscreen. Two years in, the motor home programme grew to include California Coach (short wheelbase) and the long variants, the California Tour and California Club with different layouts. In the mean time the Multivan is represented by the Mulitvan Allstar, a luxuriously-equipped variant based on the style of the earlier special models, Blue Star and White Star.

In 1994 a third half-high roof joins the California programme. At the same time the California Exclusive is introduced. Based on the Transporter, it is presented as a particularly comfortable motor home with a living area divided into three. There is a seating group at the front, a kitchen unit in the middle, and finally in the rear, a separate bathroom with a sink, toilet and wardrobe. The California Exclusive has a separate plastic rear to give the bathroom enough space.

In spring 1996 the California finally benefited from a thorough revision of all Transporter models. The new generation can be recognised by the softly-shaped surface of all the passenger car variants, a class to which motor homes also belong. Reversible bumpers now withstand strong shoves, the sliding doors close more easily and less noisily than ever before. The body is much more rigid than before, there is a newly-designed dashboard, all-round disc brakes, airbags and anti-lock brakes.

The design of the California is also advanced: revised furnishing with high-quality and home-like real-wood fittings, first in beech, then in maple, new textures on the furnishings, a longer roof bed, a larger luggage compartment brought about by changing position of the fresh water tank to under the wardrobe, complete all-encompassing equipment with central locking and electrical operation of window regulators and exterior mirrors. One essential element is ISOFIX child safety seat attachment points. The comprehensive list of options is available for all the numerous special editions of the California which change every year and have names like Highway, Biker, Beach, Joker, Blue, Advantage, Generation, Event or Freestyle.

LT

The second generation Volkswagen LT is reborn. In the spring of 1996, many constructors and developers eagerly welcome the new base vehicle. The Karmann Missouri alcove motor home with its appealing design is particularly well known. Italian brands such as Due Erre are also excited to use this base. Even RMB, the top-range manufacturer, uses the LT. In addition, the developer profits from the advantages of the spacious LT which is available in three wheelbases and numerous engine variants. The Dipa, Dopfer, Fischer, HRZ, Reimo, Robel, Schwabenmobil, Woclke and others, all mainly fit individual constructions, often tailor-made to the customer's wishes.

Many developers are coming up with similarly refined vehicles. Carthago leads with an entire fleet of motor homes with short and long wheel base. Reimo presents a large model programme just as fast. Dehler provides even professional models with a longer rear and thus achieves extra space. Karmann presents Gipsy and Cheetah for both wheelbases as alcoves and parts-integrated vehicles. Gradually, other developers creep on the scene such as Campmobil, Schabenmobil, Sirius and Woelcke. Carthago joins the alcove market, as does the new brand, Robel. The chic parts-integrated Wingmann comes from Italy. Bimobil, Nordstar and Tischer construct both fixed and detachable alcoves. At the end of the 1990s Volkswagen dealers Friedrich Pleitner even launch an integrated camper van based on the Transporter T4. Winnebago constructs a Camping bus based on the long-wheelbase variants. The elegant parts-integrated model called Rialta follows suit.

The new Transporter not only stimulates the imagination of constructors and developers, but also the imagination of Volkswagen. One example being the Hookipa study based on the ideas of a French designer. The half-high roof of this recreational vehicle with a short wheelbase has space for two surf boards, on the inside there is seating and a full-scale motor-home setup, even a microwave oven. The Karmann Distance Wide is kitted out entirely differently. Developed by Volkswagen and LT, the alcove offers users huge value for money and quickly becomes a bestseller.

One key new feature is the new engine generation, marked by three letters: TDI. The five cylinder direct injection with turbocharger and air cooling with 2.5 litre capacity is more powerful (75 kW/102 PS) and more economic. Gradually over the years it is boosted, first by the addition of a particularly good value TDI with 65 kW (88 PS), then by the TDI with 111 kW (150 PS). Other drive variants such as TDI Automatic and TDI syncro are added to the range: no other manufacturer offers such a broad selection. From 1996, drivers who prefer a smooth-running engine can opt for the VR6 with six cylinders, 2.8 litre capacity and output of 103 kW (140 PS).