Auriga Explorer Unveils the Voyager: A New Era in Expedition Vehicles
In a significant development for adventure enthusiasts and off-road aficionados, Auriga Explorer, a German company established in 2023, has introduced the Voyager-a groundbreaking vehicle that merges the rugged capabilities of a midsize truck with the comforts of a mobile home. Built on the chassis of the Ford Ranger and its Volkswagen Amarok counterpart, the Voyager is engineered to conquer diverse terrains, from arid deserts to dense forests and towering mountains.
A Unique Design for Adventurers
The Voyager stands out in the compact pickup market, which has traditionally been overshadowed by larger models like the Ford F-150. While compact trucks may not offer the same hauling capacity, they excel in agility and practicality, making them ideal for navigating narrow roads and tight spaces. Auriga Explorer recognized this gap and designed the Voyager to maximize the Ranger’s single-cab chassis, with plans to adapt it for the new Ranger and the Amarok.
When closed, the Voyager measures 5.85 meters in length, 2.10 meters in width, and 2.25 meters in height, allowing it to fit into a standard shipping container for global adventures. However, with the push of a button, the vehicle transforms. Slide-outs on both sides and the rear expand the living area to an impressive 8 square meters, while a pneumatic pop-up roof increases the internal height to 2.05 meters, providing ample space for most adults to stand comfortably.
Interior Features: A Tiny House on Wheels
Stepping inside the Voyager is akin to entering a meticulously designed tiny house. The vehicle features a cleverly arranged sleeping alcove above the cab, equipped with a double bed and a 20 cm mattress supported by Froli suspension for added comfort. This design allows one person to sleep while others utilize the living space below. Additionally, a second double bed can be converted from the seating area, which accommodates six people around a pull-out table.
The kitchen area is equipped with a diesel-powered two-burner stove and oven, perfect for preparing quick meals or even homemade pizza. Storage solutions are abundant, with side slide-outs providing closets for clothing and gear, while the rear slide-out serves as a garage for camping or sports equipment. Natural light floods the interior through a skylight, and solar panels ensure a sustainable power source, complemented by underfloor heating for comfort in any climate.
Innovative Connectivity and Space Efficiency
One of the Voyager’s most innovative features is its seamless connection to the truck’s cab. Unlike traditional campers that require navigating through awkward hatches, the Voyager allows for easy movement between the driving and living spaces. The entrance doubles as a bathroom, complete with a shower that recycles water and a space-saving dry toilet that slides out when needed. This masterclass in space-saving design is housed in a lightweight glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP) shell, weighing less than 3.5 tons. This material is not only durable and weather-resistant but also low-maintenance and UV-protected, ensuring comfort in extreme conditions.
Off-Road Capabilities: Built for Adventure
The Voyager is engineered for off-road excellence, featuring dual spare tires at the back that give it a six-wheeler appearance. Its high ground clearance and specialized tires enable it to navigate rugged terrains with ease. The vehicle’s wide fender extensions and reinforced GRP body are designed to withstand the bumps and scrapes associated with overlanding. Despite its robust construction, the Voyager retains the agility of a standard pickup truck, making it suitable for narrow mountain roads and small-town streets.
Production and Future Prospects
Production of the Voyager is set to commence in Germany in 2025, following extensive conceptualization, design, and testing phases. While pricing details have yet to be disclosed, the vehicle’s container-friendly dimensions make it suitable for global shipping, allowing adventurers to explore remote locations such as the Australian Outback or the Arctic regions of Alaska.
Optional upgrades for the Voyager include a compressor fridge, a fresh water tank, and an outdoor shower, transforming it into a fully equipped dwelling on wheels for extended excursions. This versatility positions the Voyager as a game-changer in the realm of expedition vehicles, appealing to a growing demographic of outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and comfort.
Conclusion
The Auriga Explorer Voyager represents a significant leap forward in the design and functionality of expedition vehicles. By combining the ruggedness of a midsize truck with the comforts of a mobile home, Auriga has created a versatile solution for adventurers looking to explore the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort. As production gears up for 2025, the Voyager is poised to redefine the standards of off-road travel, making it an exciting prospect for those eager to embark on their next adventure.
