Rest & Relaxation, Russian Style: Legendary Carmaker Creates New Camper Van

The new vehicle, aptly called the 'Camper' by observers, is built on the chassis of a four-door variant of the GAZelle platform. According to the automaker, the new vehicle, capable of transporting up to seven passengers and equipped with a retractable side wall, will provide "travelers with a large amount of living space, previously considered unattainable by vehicles of this class."

The 'house on wheels' is equipped with air conditioning and gas heating. Its kitchen area features a gas stove, refrigerator, and microwave, with the bathroom includes the standard composting toilet, wash basin and shower commonly available on large camper vehicles. The vehicle's living area features a full bed and all the necessary furniture.

The camper is powered by the Cummins ISF 2.8 liter diesel engine.

The GAZelle platform is a popular Russian family of passenger and commercial vans, microbuses, pickups and box trucks. The original GAZelle design, created to replace the vehicles of the Riga Autobus Factory following the collapse of the Soviet Union, is widely credited with saving the company, and the Russian light vehicle industry in general.

Along with its camper, GAZ Group also presented the 'Hunter', based on the Sobol 4x4 van and designed with the outdoorsman in mind. The vehicle is equipped with all-wheel drive, reduction gear, and a locking differential rear axle by Eaton, aimed at enhancing the vehicle's off-roading capabilities. The vehicle also has a roof rack, ladder, roof lamps, running boards for easy access, as well as external steel bumpers. The Hunter's interior features a rotating passenger seat, folding table, a number of storage areas, and an auxiliary air heater, presumably for fishermen and hunters out on a cold Russian winter's day.

The Moscow Off-Road Show, an international exhibition of crossovers, off-road and all-terrain vehicles is being held August 26-30 in the Russian capital.