New mid-engine motorhome for Oz

The Australian A-class motorhome market is about to get a shake-up with the imminent arrival of two new state-of-the-art models from Queensland-based World Class RV.

Built in the US specifically for the Australian market, the new luxury line-up will include the range-topping, rear-engine Desert Diamond model as well as the Kimberley Rose mid-engine model.

Both A-class motorhomes will be powered by the latest Cummins 6.7-litre, six-cylinder diesel engines with Euro 6 emissions compliance, matched to Allison 3000 Series six speed auto transmissions.

According to World Class RV director Jack De Vries, the advantage of a mid-mounted engine is that it allows for "a huge amount of storage, because typically between the front and rear axle in the centre of the chassis it's wasted space".

"A mid-mounted motor is nothing new in the bus world, but it's certainly a bit unique in the Australian RV world," explained De Vries. "It has a full service centre on the side, and the rear of the vehicle has a stepdown chassis which creates a large storage locker that you can put motorbikes or a golf cart in."

"We haven’t completed the vehicle yet, but we believe it will be quieter because the engine is fully enclosed," he said.

De Vries set up his company, World Class RV, a couple of years ago after more than 30 years experience as a coachbuilder in Australia, including at one time supplying motorhome chassis for Winnebago Australia.

"We have built a 30,000 square feet facility in Indiana in the US, and we manufacture the product for the Australian market," he said. "We build it as a right-hand drive, it's not modified or converted. We build our own chassis using high-tensile steel chassis rails."

World Class RV currently sells in Australia a front-engine Itasca Sunova motorhome produced in conjunction with America's Winnebago Industries, but De Vries said that model will be discontinued when the new, Indiana-built models come on line later this year.

He said the new A-class motorhomes will be a "step up" from what has previously been available in Australia, with a level of quality and fittings similar to the upmarket Newmar motorhome range in the US.

Components will be sourced from European, American and Australian suppliers. "We use all the good gear, we're not cutting any costs anywhere," he explained.

Interior design will be similar to a "penthouse type environment where you've got your granites and marble and high gloss ceramic tiles. The cabinetry will be cherry walnut or maple, so all traditional timbers," he said.

They will be available in body lengths ranging from 32ft to 37ft, with a variety of layouts including up to three slide-out compartments.

"The powered patio awning and entertainment compartment, will have the entertainment system up at eye level, not in a locker on the side of the coach," he said.

Other features include four- or eight airbag suspension, full air brakes, satellite TV, 4500kg towing and full body paint with graphics.

The vehicles will be delivered fully built from the US to comply with Australian standards.

"I’ve completed full volume compliance in Australia on vehicles (in the past), which no other manufacturer in this industry has ever done," he said.

De Vries said that with the cost advantages of manufacturing in the US, buyers will benefit from considerable savings.

"The coaches will be priced from around $400,000 to $600,000, when typically that sort of coach in Australia was $600,000 to $800,000," he said.

The first production vehicle is expected in Australia before the end of the year, and De Vries said he has already received deposits from some keen buyers.

For further details see the World Class RV website.