Winnebago Industries unveiled the all-new 2006 Winnebago View and Itasca Navion Class C diesel motorhome that will be built on the Dodge Sprinter cutaway chassis with the Mercedes Benz 2.7L CDI 5- cylinder turbo diesel engine that produces 154 horsepower with 243 lb.-ft. of torque. The new motorhomes, available this spring, are expected to deliver between 17 to 19 miles per gallon.

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Bruce Hertzke, Chairman of the Board, CEO and President of Winnebago Industries introduced the new units to the press and invited guests just after the show opened. Hertzke said, “We are the only manufacturer building a Class C on this chassis. During development we encouraged our engineers to think out of the box and they came through with innovative design elements and features. The View and Navion maximize livability and eye catching appeal that is targeted toward first time RV buyers and people who might be downsizing from a larger diesel motorhome. We now have a full Class C product lineup with the front wheel drive Rialta, these new units, and our industry leading Winnie and Minnie Winnie motorhomes. The View and Navion will be the first full size cabover Class C diesel product offering in the industry.”

The View and Navion will be available in two floor plans (23H and 23J) with contemporary interior choices of Washed Maple or Honey Cherry with brushed nickel hardware. The units feature an aerodynamic front overhead and a one-piece fiberglass roof.

A last minute court decision that favored Fleetwood put the brakes on Coachmen’s planned introduction of their Coleman by Coachmen folding trailers. Quickly renamed Futura for the show, the company plans to continue its aggressive litigation that will enable them to use the Coleman name on this entirely new lineup of innovative folding trailers. Gar Warlick said, “The company is going forward with the product and we will not hold our dealers hostage while the litigation continues between the two companies. Our program is on schedule and we expect to start shipping the units to our dealers in December. The products represent a new high-line offering in our industry and has features that just won’t be found in any other competitive unit here.”

Epic

Encore

Elite

Luxura

The Futura lineup is manufactured using CNC computer-controlled cutting machines and all cut pieces of raw wood are sealed and finished all around, preventing swelling and keeping moisture out. The units will have a modular that is easily serviced and replaceable, if required, and a solid aluminum integrated awning rail. The aluminum lifters are totally enclosed and telescoping, keeping water out of the mechanism. The Sunbrella material is available in a new bronze color and the fabric is sealed to prevent moisture from entering the trailer. Many units offer slide-out cabinets and a mini trunk that is equipped with a drain and cup holders for soda and other beverages.

Wow, it sure looks like a diesel. Several manufacturers are pushing the upper limits of what the market may be willing to pay for a luxury gas model motorhome, with many coming down the assembly line on the Workhorse W-24 chassis, that is allowing manufacturers to build high-end gas units that offer all the amenities and number of slide-outs that can be found on diesel motorhomes.

One that really caught our attention when we turned the corner in the Georgie Boy display was the all-new Luxura gas motorhome. We were not the only people on the floor who mistakenly thought this was another new diesel offering in an already crowded market segment.

The Luxura is built exclusively on the Workhorse W24 raised rail chassis and offers 200 cubic foot of storage and a 7-foot ceiling. Retail pricing will be in the $140-150K range and the 3755 model that was on display was equipped with two bathrooms and many other luxury features.

Nobody will ever accuse the design team at Fleetwood of taking the year off … not after witnessing the introduction of several new products to an up tempo press briefing that played to an overflow crowd in the Fleetwood display area. One by one the cast orchestrated the unveiling of the four new products as Chris Braun, Executive Vice President of Fleetwood RV, elevated the excitement with a description and short movie as he discussed each unit.

Braun said, “It has been a great year for the industry and Fleetwood. We remained focused and will continue to reach greater heights in the future. Our engineers focused on innovation that will allow Fleetwood to compete for and expand our product offerings for the consumer of the future.”

The first unit unveiled was the Scorpion ASV (Activity Support Vehicle). Braun noted, “Fleetwood recognized the tremendous potential in the ASV category and then helped to drive its rapid growth with our highly innovative GearBox ASV brand. Our customers have told us that they are also looking for an ASV with the amenities and versatility that has made the GearBox so popular, but at a lower price point so that they can enjoy the RV lifestyle. The new Scorpion and Evolution ASV’s Luxura by Georgie Boy Fleetwood Scorpion ASV answer that call.

“These products are designed for what people do and will be noticed going down the highway. We’ve placed a high value on style and these products will appeal to a younger and broader RV audience.” 

Second to be revealed from under the covers was the Orbit and Pegasus lightweight trailers. The aerodynamic features include a standard molded front cap, integrated LP tank cover, rear spoiler and full-length body skirting, along with colorful graphics that complement the streamlined design. The company states that these products will address the customer’s needs for lightweight trailers that can be towed by a new generation of higher fuel economy SUV’s and pickup trucks.

When introducing the third new product to be unveiled, Braun said, “We are not the first company to do this, but we are the first company to do it right”, as they took the cover off the new full wall slide (23 feet) on a Pace Arrow motorhome. The 30” deep full wall slide system offers 84” floor to ceiling height. The slide system creates an unprecedented level of openness throughout the coach, including a spacious aisle way to the large bedroom suite.

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Braun added, “After a year of development and rigorous validation testing, Fleetwood’s patent pending full wall slide system is positioned to elevate consumer expectations for space and comfort in all RV industry segments.” The unit certainly is spacious, but the jury may still be out on the consumer’s desire to have a wide open coach from front to rear.

While everyone was impressed with the engineering and design, many dealers and members of the media were not getting excited about this concept. Part of the problem could be the poor reputation that preceded this introduction when other manufacturers introduced similar designs that just didn’t work, and many were plagued with constant leaking. This idea may be slow to take off, but it appears that Fleetwood has done their homework and if anybody can make it work, they may have come up with the right product that will finally gain customer and dealer acceptance to make this a viable new product introduction.

The unit certainly is spacious, but the jury may still be out on the consumer’s desire to have a wide-open coach from front to rear. While everyone was impressed with the engineering and design, many dealers and members of the media were not getting excited about this concept. Part of the problem could be the poor reputation that preceded this introduction when other manufacturers introduced similar designs that just didn’t work, and many were plagued with constant leaking. This idea may be slow to take off, but it appears that Fleetwood has done their homework and if anybody can make it work, they may have come up with the right product that will finally gain customer and dealer acceptance to make this a viable new product introduction.

The Wow factor really erupted when Braun and the Fleetwood team unveiled the revolutionary new design of the Jamboree GTX and Tioga SLX Class C models that were designed in partnership with BMW DesignworksUSA. Braun said, “These products are designed to appeal to a customer who appreciates contemporary design and styling, predominantly found in high-end marine vessels and corporate jets. With that in mind, we joined forces with BMW DesignworksUSA. The result is a sophisticated and affordable motorhome that enhances the RV experience.”

The unique interior is highlighted by elegant curved cabinetry components supplied by Technoform S.P.A. of Bologna, Italy. Standard interior features include contemporary decors, solid surface galley tops, indirect and halogen lighting, a residential- size stainless steel convection microwave, and an entertainment center featuring a 20” flat screen television and DVD/CD player.

The units are built on a raised platform to provide expansive basement storage and heated holding tanks. Optional features typically found only on Class A motorhomes include vibrant full-body paint graphics, a power awning, and a 15,000 BTU air conditioner with solar panel charger and heat pump.

Workhorse and GM Collaborate on new Class C Chassis