California Beach Cape2Cape +Special Edition+ (EU)

[phaeton]

Its being released next month at AMI Leipzig.

Will post PR when it becomes available

[jets]

Nice clear pictures Ben, trouble is I need a 40" monitor to view them.
I think having the elevating roof will make it more saleable compared with the earlier beach, but then again it depends on how much extra that costs.

[Mischa]

lol my 22" screen doesnt even cover half one of those pictures.

car looks good though, a cool camper

[The_Hawk]

I'm guessing someone has a Pro Photobucket account

Should should really downsize them for forum use Nice looking vehicle though.

[RhysQ]

Nice wheel centre cap lol, that's about all I can see. Resize photo's ASAP.

How can you even see them on your monitor Ben!

[rymi]

Looks like there's a 3 seat bench in the rear which should be more practical for families than the 2 seats in the Australian Kombi Beach.

[phaeton]

AMI Leipzig 2009: California Beach Cape2Cape

Special model was created as homage to 24,000 km Cape2Cape tour
Standard pop-up roof and climate control, optionally with all-wheel drive

Hannover/ Leipzig, March 2009. In commemoration of the successful 24,000 kilometer long Cape2Cape tour by extreme adventurer Joachim Franz, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is now offering – similar to the five yellow California Beach vans that made the trip – an attractive special model. The California Cape2Cape is for customers looking for a vehicle that fits in with their outdoor activities.

In the Cape2Cape, a special model based on the California Beach with a manual pop-up roof, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is taking up the global adventurer theme. Inspired by the successful nine-week driving tour of extreme adventurer Joachim Franz, who started at the North Cape in Norway and finished in Cape Town, South Africa, the look of the California Beach was intentionally made to be robust.

The Cape2Cape targets recreational sports enthusiasts and adven turous outdoor vacationers seeking a vehicle that matches their lifestyle activities and who want to overnight at their destinations too.

Available with or without all-wheel drive, the camper stands on 17-inch steel wheels with size 235/55 R 17 tires. Unpainted bumpers and side skirts emphasize the van’s optional duty on trails off the beaten path.

Higher ground clearance and off-road tires are available as special equipment for the 4Motion models, together with a differential lock and air filter for dusty regions.

The van sports a variety of standard convenience features. For example, a climate control system and sunshades provide for comfortable temperatures in the interior.
The movable three-person fully reclining bench seat makes it possible to travel with up to five persons. An electrical convenience package and central locking with RF remote control simplify everyday use, while a Hill Hold Control feature assists
drivers in their “play” with the clutch and main brake.

The base price of the Cape2Cape California Beach – in which all TDI engines from 62 kW to 128 kW are available – is 39,300 Euros gross price (for the 62 kW TDI). The price advantage of the special model compared to a similarly equipped standard production model is 1,598 Euros. Savings can extend to 2,782 Euros when all optional packages are ordered, such as the comfort and convenience packages.

The California Beach was designed to be a cost-effective multi-purpose van, an entry level model to a range of recreational vehicles. It is “purist” in the best sense of the word, and it limits itself to the essentials. With just a few hand movements, the van converts into a camper for two persons.

The load-bearing structure in the Beach is a rail system embedded in the floor; it ensures secure mounting of practical and removable furniture and appliance modules.
It is easy to convert the bench seat into a bed with just a few hand movements.
Storage drawers under the bench seat in the five-seat Beach offer ample space for the accessories used by campers. A cushioned cargo area cover serves as the necessary extension for a full-length bed.

Curtains attached by magnet provide for shade. Frame inserts that are clipped at the windshield and rear window prevent intrusive glances.
Classic roundtable seating – for a maximum of five persons – is created by turning the front seats around and moving the rear bench seat to any desired position in the rear compartment.

The table needed here is housed in the side panel of the sliding door, and it can be set up on its four legs either inside or outside of the vehicle. Additional outdoor seating is provided by two standard camping chairs, which are stowed under the bed extension in the cargo area.