(Thu 28 Aug 08)

Volkswagen's designers must have had a lot of fun creating their latest concept vehicle. It's called the Caddy Topos Sail, it's based on Volkswagen's smallest van, and in the words of the VW press office it "takes its nautical theme to the extreme".

Does it ever. The top of the Caddy has been turned into a wooden boat deck surrounded by aluminium rails, and it's multifunctional in the sense that its panels can be adjusted to allow for various activities such as sunbathing.

Climbing up to the roof is a simple matter thanks to the provision of four wooden and aluminium steps in the tailgate. Yet more wood was used for inserts in the rear bumper and along the sides of the van.

The Caddy Topos Sail will go on display at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, which starts this Saturday (August 30). Volkswagen will be using the same event to celebrate 20 years of the California camper, of which more than 80,000 have been sold (based on three generations of Volkswagen Transporter) since 1988.

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