Load up the kids, it’s time for a Fun Trucks Friday family vacation in the funkiest one-off you’ll see this week.
Now, in our day, the number of camping conveyances the FTF staff had to endure ranged from a VW bus (with roll back soft top), a converted bread truck wallpapered with gold paisley kitchen shelf liner, a Vista Cruiser with tailgate tent attachment, a 4WD two-ton pickup camper and even a very conventional Winnebago.
But nothing like the Nimbus concept E-car by Brazilian Designer Eduardo Galvani. (It’s a stretch, but it’s the best World Cup connection with could come up with.)
Personally, for traveling with the kiddos, we much prefer the Kira van. (Click for more)It’s an all-terrain minibus powered by 180hp engine/lithium battery combination that works parallel with a micro-generator to keep the batteries charged.
Built to strong and light from carbon-fiber, titanium and aluminum, it’s also partly covered with solar cells and has a regenerative brake mechanism to recover some that kinetic energy.
There are four selectable driving modes designed to improve range and energy consumption: Energy Saver, Standard Trip, Faster Cruise and 4WD.
The central display is a removable touchscreen that controls the sound system, interior lights, a/c, navigation, clock and media browser and Web services. Gauges include an inclinometer, altimeter, weather, general vehicle info (tire pressure, fluid levels, maintenance schedule, etc.).
Nimbus has a five passenger cockpit with side protection bars and six airbags. More importantly, there’s a mini-fridge to keep Daddy’s little helpers cool for the end of the road.
Panoramic windows provide a great view of the gawking bystanders – of course, it also gives them a view of your misbehaving brats inside the fishbowl.
How much longer, Mommy!
