Airstream is easily one of the most recognizable travel trailers on the road today. When you see the signature rivets and “Silver Bullet” exterior, you immediately know it’s an Airstream.
In March of 2023, Airstream unveiled a concept travel trailer that was designed in a partnership with the design firm Studio F. A. Porsche.
This new concept travel trailer is the result of what happens when two icons in their respective industries get together to design something new and innovative. And this new design is being touted as the next generation in camping.
While some aspects of the older versions of the Airstream were brought into the new design, some features, like the rivets, didn’t make the cut.
Since this is a concept idea, there hasn’t been a full-sized model built. Only a 1/3 scale model to highlight their vision at the 2023 SXSW show in Austin, TX.
With that said, let’s take a closer look at the Airstream Studio F. A. Porsche concept travel trailer and see what all the buzz is about.
Let’s jump in…
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Airstream’s Company Mission
When Wally Byam founded Airstream in 1931, he had a simple company mission, to build well-designed, high-quality products people can use to follow their dreams and explore the world. Living by this motto has allowed Airstream to build an iconic brand that has been around for decades.
“Let’s not make changes, let’s only make improvements.”
Wally Byam, Founder of Airstream
About Studio F. A. Porsche
Studio F. A. Porsche was founded by Ferdinand Alexander Porsche in the early 70’s and has become known worldwide as a leader in the interior and product design space.
The company’s values of functionality, perfection, and passion are what drives Studio F. A. Porsche to create products for clients around the globe, including its own brand, Porsche Design.
The Airstream Studio F. A. Porsche Concept Travel Trailer
Because this concept travel trailer hasn’t officially been named, it is being referred to as the Airstream F. A. Porsche Concept Travel Trailer. It is quite a long name, but it represents both brands.
At first glance, you can tell that this concept looks a bit different than a conventional Airstream. It still has the polished exterior, but there are no rivets. In addition, the rear of this travel trailer appears to be lopped off. In the interest of better aerodynamics, the designers say that the squared off back is more effective at shedding air than the traditional Airstream style.
That’s not all. Airstream and Studio F. A. Porsche made a few more innovative changes that we are going to discuss below.
The Design
The Airstream Studio F. A. Porsche is designed to be compact with special attention to towability and aerodynamics. At 16.4 feet long, it can comfortably sleep two people, and has all the amenities you would need, more on that below.
Shape
In addition to being extremely aerodynamic, the Airstream F. A. Porsche concept features an adjustable suspension. This allows the camper to be raised or lowered to accommodate lower clearances, making it possible to store in a standard home garage.
Like we mentioned above, the rear of this concept has been squared off in an effort to minimize drag. Plus, the underside of the travel trailer is flush, giving the entire design a smooth, seamless look.
Living Space
Since this travel trailer is only a concept vehicle, there is only one floorplan. But the design team went through great lengths to maximize every square inch of livable space.
For storage, Airstream and Studio F. A. Porsche included plenty of cabinets, storage space under the benches, and an overhead perimeter storage area.
At the end of the day, the dinette easily converts into a sleeping area hat measures 82” X 61”, which is slightly larger than an RV Queen-sized bed.
Pop-Up Roof
The pop-up roof of this concept allows for plenty of head room once it is activated. In addition, it is fully insulated for climate control.
The best part is the awning that can be fully extended when the top is up.
Hidden Utilities
The Airstream Studio F. A. Porsche concept was designed with a 10” deep floor. This space is used to hide all of the utilities that typically take up a ton of space in a modern travel trailer. Hidden inside the 10” subfloor is the HVAC system, water heater, spare tire, holding tanks, and the lithium battery.
Windows And Skylights
The design team wanted to create a space that would give the user the feeling of being outdoors, even while inside the camper. To accomplish this, there are windows on every wall and a huge skylight above. Similar to the rear hatch of a fifth wheel camper, the rear of the prototype can be opened and giving you the feeling of being outside.
The Floorplan
As mentioned above, as of right now there is only one floorplan for this Airstream concept. However, it has been designed to be extremely adaptable for any situation.
For example, the rear of the camper can be transformed from a sleeping space to a dining area, or work area. Once the rear hatch is opened, the reclining seats become accessible for an evening of comfort and relaxation.
Also included in this concept floorplan is a wet bath and a small kitchenette. The wet bath is fully enclosed, and the kitchenette is equipped with a small refrigerator, a two-burner stove, and a small sink.
In Conclusion
If you’re a fan of these two industry powerhouses, you might be getting excited about this design. Keep in mind, however, that this travel trailer is only a concept, or “what if” kind of scenario. It gives Porsche and Airstream a chance to combine what they know into developing a more innovative trailer.
As of right now, there are no plans on the table to mass produce this travel trailer. But some aspects of the design might just make it into future Airstream models.
Bob Wheeler, Airstream CEO stated, “While our concept projects don’t always reach the marketplace, the resulting lessons and innovation often influence present and future designs as they make their way into our main product lines.”
What do you think of the Airstream Studio F. A. Porsche concept travel trailer? Drop us a comment below and let us know.
2 thoughts on “Airstream Ditches The Rivets In Design Collaboration With Porsche”
I would be extremely excited about a trailer like this! A manufacturer has finally realized the huge attraction the ability to store this unit in a home garage would be. With its compact style it is perfect for a retired couple. Please put this one in production and let me know!
We had fifth wheel but at our age want something like this. We are 80 and 75 yo. Let me know when it is for sale or something close.