Honda Odyssey Concept unveiled

The Honda Odyssey Concept was unveiled today in Chicago, featuring a clean, sleek design that indicates how the next generation minivan will look like.
If compared to the current ongoing version the Honda Odyssey Concept is more aerodynamic, has a lower roof-line and is also wider by 1.4 inches while at the interior the manufacturer has further optimized space for passengers and luggage.
The 2011 Honda Odyssey will be expected to return an estimated 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway but at this point we don’t know what kind of engine will be powering the production version.
Development for both the Honda Odyssey Concept
and the future production version is being conducted at the Honda R&D Americas in Torrance,
California, and Raymond, Ohio.
Honda press release :
The Honda Odyssey Concept, on display at
the Chicago Auto Show, introduces a sleek and distinctive exterior
styling direction for the next generation of the industry’s
best-selling minivan, set to debut this fall, American Honda Motor Co.,
Inc., announced today.
The Odyssey Concept dramatically departs from conventional minivan
styling with its low and wide stance, highlighted by a "lightning-bolt"
beltline that further distinguishes the vehicle’s profile. Compared to
the current Odyssey, the Concept’s slightly lower roofline (-1.0 inch)
and wider stance (+1.4 inch) contribute to a sleeker, stronger and more
dynamic presence with improved aerodynamics that help increase fuel
economy. Forthcoming improvements to the production Odyssey’s interior
are designed to further enhance the current model’s accommodating space
for people and cargo.
"The Odyssey established its reputation by providing families with
what they most want in a minivan – great functionality, an emphasis on
safety and good fuel economy," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice
president of American Honda product planning. "Odyssey then further
delighted customers with its surprisingly engaging, fun-to-drive and
dynamic nature. The next-generation Odyssey promises to take these
strengths to a higher level while adding more style and personality."
The steeply raked front and rear roof pillars, unique side-glass
profile, chamfered roof line, and tapered rear cabin shape combine to
create a dynamic and distinctive appearance from any perspective. The
lightning-bolt beltline dives toward the rear of the vehicle
emphasizing the new Odyssey’s sporty appearance while enhancing outward
visibility for third-row passengers. Aggressive body-to-wheel
proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most
minivan designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle’s securely
planted and stylish persona. The concept vehicle’s projector beam
headlights, LED taillights and form-fit fog lights further heighten the
sophisticated quality of the design.
Enhanced aerodynamics and advanced powertrain technologies will
contribute to the next-generation Odyssey’s increased fuel efficiency.
The all-new 2011 Odyssey is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel
economy rating¹ of 19 city/28 highway miles-per gallon on select models (preliminary estimate determined by Honda).
Currently in its third generation, the Odyssey’s unique array of
features, including its superior driving dynamics, 3rd-Row Magic Seat®
and efficient i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with three-mode Variable
Cylinder Management™ (available) all combine to offer a sophisticated
environment with room for up to eight people (seven on Odyssey LX). The
Odyssey has been America’s best-selling minivan since 2008²
and is produced exclusively in Alabama by Honda Manufacturing of
Alabama (using domestic and globally sourced parts). Both the concept
and production vehicles, along with all development activity for the
2011 Odyssey, are being designed at Honda R&D Americas in Torrance,
California, and Raymond, Ohio.
The Odyssey has won numerous awards and critical acclaim. Recent accolades include the Edmunds.com 2010 "Top Recommended" minivan award, U.S. News and World Report 2010 "Best Minivan for the Money" award, Automotive Lease Guide 2010 "Best Minivan for the Money," the Kelley Blue Book
award as one of the ten "Best New Family Vehicles of 2009" and "2009
Best Resale Value Award" in the van category, which recognizes vehicles
that are expected to have segment-leading resale value after five years
of ownership.
Odyssey Concept Basic Dimensions

¹Preliminary EPA mileage estimates determined by Honda.
Final EPA mileage estimates not available at the time of printing. Use
for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending
on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
²Based on Odyssey calendar-year sales of 135,493 for 2008 and 100,133 for 2009.