Congratulations to Nobby & his wonderful T4 California for winning the 2015 Campervantastic “Best In Show” competition at Volksworld – and also thanks to everyone else that made it to our Owners Meet at the show. Click here for info about our 2016 meet and to enter your Cali in to the Show’n’Shine display line-up at VOLKSWORLD 2016
We have received a lot of messages for info about the forthcoming T6, so in the absence of any official release from VW we thought we’d share with you what we have gleaned so far – from the latest rumours and from the folks in the know.
In short the new T6 will be about “evolution, not revolution” and so many things will remain the same for this tried and tested chassis. The base vehicle and chassis is expected to be the same as current Transporter T5, but the T6 will come with a large number of modifications the most striking of which will be a facelift.
The body will benefit from entirely new front with improved wind resistance, new lights and bumpers and side windows to the rear.
The interior is expected to benefit from a completely new dashboard, upgraded and more comfortable seats and of course the very latest options for on-board infotainment.
The biggest change will come in the new Euro 6 compliant engine which all manufacturers have to introduce in to their diesel derivatives by September 2015, offering improvements to fuel efficiency and environmental emissions.
However there is suggestion that manufactures may be given a grace period to January 2016 to comply with Euro 6 legislation. For us Cali buyers we can expect increased power up to 230ps and improved fuel efficiency by some 15%.
But the biggest change will be addition of Blue, an additive that has to be topped up at the fuel station, when required. This will consist of an on-board 15 litre tank that once filled up will be good for approximately 8,000 miles before needing topping up again. So what happens if you run out of blue, well the engine management system will reduce the power and you’ll be put in limp mode until you get to a fuel station and get topped up.
Many stations are now advertising Blue in the forecourts so don’t panic everyone’s in the same boat. The addition of Blue is nothing new and was first brought out in the earlier VW Crafter engines and HGV/haulage companies also use it. The purpose of this additive is to improve air quality by reducing the harmful diesel emissions.
See here on VWCV’s website for details: https://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk/about-us/brand-news/2009/200905-latest-blue-crafter-vans-demonstrate-green-credentials
As for the price, we still have no details but you can bet it’s going to cost more and as such residual values on older models will remain buoyant as demand increases during the changeover. So what might we expect next? Well there should be an initial launch in the Spring 2015; dealers have been told to prepare for a June event which could mean an unveiling.
However it is anticipated that the first VW California campers will not be available until September 2015 and if that’s the case then for the UK it’s more likely to be early 2016.
The excitement is palpable as dealers and buyers ready themselves to secure orders of the current model before the changeover. So if your want a Cali for Summer then best get your order in now as an announcement has already gone out to secure orders by the 27th February 2015 to ensure supply in time for the season.
It will make for an interesting six months in the height of the buying season as dealers get to grips with supply and demand! Current production times for a California have recently increased to 19 weeks. To search for your nearest VW California specialist dealer check out the dealer map here and don’t forget to read our new online buyers guide.
So that’s about all we’ve heard other than a completely new Volkswagen Transporter T7 isn’t anticipated until 2020. So our advice is grab a Cali now while you can as the T6 is still some way off the forecourts.
This amazing video was submitted by one of our Facebook followers – how brilliant is this?
It all started at the VolksWorld show at Sandown Park in 2013 when a number of Cali owners managed to arrange to meet up. Last year we went one better and secured our very own stand!
For 2015 we’ve done the same – so if you’re a VW California Owner and would like the opportunity to exhibit your fab campervan at the show, then we want to hear from you!
It can’t get better than this …
In partnership with Campervantastic we have places for up to 20 owners to join theVWCalifornia.com display area either for one or both days.
In return you’ll not only get to hang out with some of the coolest Volkswagens in existence, you’ll also receive a complimentary goody bag, free entry to the show and discounted camping (should you require it).
The Volksworld Show is at Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher, Surrey from the 28th to 29th March. You can find out more by visiting their website at www.volksworldshow.com
If you‘re proud of your California and would like to get involved, please send an email to heather@campervantastic.com with a couple of photos of your van and a few words telling us why your cali should be featured.
We look forwards to seeing you all there.
Many Thanks
Paul
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Please note that, in the interests of public safety, entry will be subject to certain conditions. We will inform you of these once you have expressed your interest.
It is also important to note that, while you do not have to stay with your vehicle, you will need to have your California available approximately between 9am and 6pm on the days of the show as there will be no way of moving your van once it is in the showground.
A BIG thank you to Volkswagen and everyone that came on the recent VW California factory tour to Hanover.
I am sure you would all agree that the trip was nothing short of outstanding!
Volkswagen were not only very generous with their time, they also provided us with a delicious lunch that included the famous VW Currywurst, and if that wasn’t enough they then surprised us by opening up their Old Timer division and private heritage collection of over 130 vehicles from classics to concepts.
Following are a few photographs of inside the transporter and VW California factories.
The great news for those that could not make it is that we’ve already been invited back, we will let you know as soon as we can when the next visit will be.
In the meantime we hope that everyone got home safely and thanks to you all for making this inaugural visit so very, very special.
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