A Glimpse at the 2011 Honda Odyssey
Catalin Matei, Senior Designer, Honda R&D Americas, Inc., describes the design of the 2011 Honda Odyssey Concept at the Chicago Auto Show.
When is a concept not really a concept? That depends on how you define the term.
If you mean concept, as in a motor vehicle that might some day go into production, then you’re talking about the traditional sense of the definition. But in Honda’s case the Honda Odyssey Concept–on display at the Chicago Auto Show–is something very close to the actual model that will go on sale this fall. Honda is using the concept label because they’re gauging everyone’s reaction to the next generation Odyssey and will make minor changes before the minivan goes into production.
In the Feb. 10, 2010 issue of “USA Today, ” Chris Woodyard noted that the concept Odyssey is “…shorter than your standard family box, and has a sleek lightning bolt line along the side that makes the back windows slightly lower than the middle windows.”
Dynamic Styling
The Odyssey Concept is significantly removed from the traditional minivan styling with its low and wide posture, highlighted by what Honda calls a “lightning-bolt” beltline to further set apart the minivan’s profile. Compared to the current Odyssey, the Concept’s somewhat lower roofline (-1. inch) and wider stance ( 1.4 inch) gives rise to a sleeker, forceful and more dynamic presence with enhanced aerodynamics that help increase fuel mileage. Future enhancements to the actual production Odyssey’s cabin are meant to further expand the already accommodating room for occupants and cargo found in the current model.
“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.”
Sporty Presence
The steeply raked front and rear roof pillars, exclusive side-glass profile, bevled roof line, and tapered rear cabin appearance blend to generate a powerful and eye-catching look and feel from any angle. The lightning-bolt beltline dives toward the back of the van emphasizing the newest Odyssey’s stylish look and feel while boosting outward visibility for third-row occupants. Impressive body-to-wheel dimensions lessenthe perception of vertical height typical to most minivan models. Fender flares further highlight the vehicle’s strongly rooted and elegant identity. The concept vehicle’s projector beam head lamps, LED taillights and form-fit fog lights further increase the advanced quality of the design and style.
Improved aerodynamics and sophisticated powertrain engineering will certainly benefit the next-generation Odyssey’s improved fuel economy. The next generation Odyssey is likely to attain an EPA-estimated gas mileage rating of 19 city/28 highway mpg on select models as estimated by Honda.
American Designed
The Honda Odyssey is produced exclusively in Alabama by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (using both domestic and globally sourced parts). Honda’s American design teams located in California and Ohio are spearheading development of the fourth generation Odyssey, now the best-selling minivan nameplate in the United States.
Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
That is pretty nice looking for a mini-van. Getting away from the traditional mini-van styling and moving to something more futuristic is nice. I wonder how it will work in terms of visibility with the lower windows.
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Novak, yes the styling is certainly eye-catching. I guess visibility will be determined by seat placement. Perhaps Honda has adjusted seat height accordingly.
Isn’t that always the way it is with concept vehicles? We comment on the looks, because that’s what is there to see. Much more interesting are operational improvements – will there be fewer repairs, better fuel-efficiency, better use of interior space, etc.? One rarely has a good grasp of such issues until a concept becomes aproduction vehicles, so all I can say is…I like the futuristic styling, too.
Amsoil, yes hard to say what the Odyssey will truly offer. But, my thinking is that the style we are being shown now will remain the same. After all, the car goes on sales this fall, so it is barely a concept–more like the real thing.
There’s a very high probability it will be the same reliable Odyssey we know or even surpass the current model especially with fuel efficiency. I will not think twice to trade in my 2008 Odyssey for 2011. Already had handful of trade in offers in the mail from Honda. This is a lot better than the 2011 Toyota Sienna.
Tades, the Honda has one advantage over the Toyota certain to make a difference: the Odyssey doesn’t runaway when you press on the accelerator!
Matt, I agree. That’s why Toyota’s Motto on their new ad goes like this : MOVING FORWARD…..