A Glimpse at the 2011 Honda Odyssey

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.

A Matter of Style: Honda Accord Crosstour

Until the Element and later the Ridgeline showed up, most Honda models were boringly predictable designs. Honda has long stood on its well earned reputations for quality and value rather than being known as a maker of cars which are truly inspiring. Then again, polarizing might be a more accurate term to use, as both of these earlier models have their share of supporters and detractors.

Honda Accord Crosstour

A third model likely to raise eyebrows is the all new Honda Accord Crosstour. Technically, a submodel in the Accord family, the Accord Crosstour has a unique fascia, sweeping lines, and a completely different body style from the B pillar to the rear bumper.

Quite easily, Honda could have kept the Accord name off of the model much as Toyota did with the Camry based Venza, but the automaker apparently wants to capitalize off of the recognizable name of its best selling car, thus the submodel status.

Tall Wagon Styling

What you have in the Crosstour is a tall wagon better known as a crossover (CUV). The since retired Chrysler Pacifica and the current Mercedes R-Class are additional examples of vehicles in this category, embodying much more of a wagon look than the minivan styling found in most CUVs.

A 3.5-liter i-VTEC V-6 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission helps the Crosstour achieve 18 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, the latter number reached thanks to cylinder deactivation which allows the car to run on three, four, or six cylinders depending on demand.

Two Trim Levels

Available in two trim levels—EX and EX-L—Honda says that the Accord Crosstour offers numerous amenities as standard equipment including dual-zone automatic air conditioning with second row ventilation, 360-Watt AM/FM 6-disc audio system with seven speakers, fold-down 60-40 split rear seat back, 17-inch aluminum wheels with 225/65 R17 all-season tires, hidden removable utility box, and cruise control. In addition, all models come equipped with a moonroof, auto up/down driver and front passenger side windows, rear privacy glass, steering wheel-integrated audio controls, compass and outside temperature indicator, projector beam headlights with auto-off, fog lights, chrome door handles, body-colored power side mirrors with defrost.

The EX-L is further distinguished by a number of leather treatment touches to the seats, steering wheels and doors, as well as automatic headlights, larger tires, premium sound system, and a USB audio interface.

Ample Storage Offered

With the second seat folded down, storage space in the Accord Crosstour is generous. But even with the seats folded up, the five passenger CUV offers a pair of nice touches: an under-floor storage area located in the rear of the vehicle as well as reversible cargo floor panels which can house dirty objects such as sporting gear or beach towels.

Pricing for the base 2WD model starts at $29,670 while the top of the line 4WD is priced from $36,220. There are five model packages available with the Honda Accord Crosstour which is built in the US at Honda’s East Liberty, OH factory.

Yes, this Honda occupies the top end of the price spectrum which means that a fully equipped model with all of the bells and whistles included will cost you nearly $40,000, including taxes, tags, and other fees.

Source: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.