Chicago 2010: Honda Odyssey Concept gives clear glimpse of next-gen minivan

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Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Concept Cars, Minivan/Van, Honda

2011 Honda Odyssey Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda just unveiled a concept version of its next-generation Oddity Odyssey minivan at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, and it was one of those rare instances where the media was actually seeing it for the first time, as God intended unveilings to be. Although billed as a concept, the 2011 Honda Odyssey Concept looks almost production ready... other than its door handles, lights and a few other details.

While the current third-generation van is the best selling minivan in America two years running, Honda decided not to play it safe with the redesign. The all-new fourth-generation Odyssey is a big departure for Honda. It's lower and wider, taking an almost Mercedes R-Class stance. Although they claim it's only one inch lower and 1.4 inches wider, it looked like a lot more than that. The 2011 Odyssey also features a "lightning bolt" lower greenhouse border that reminded us of the Nissan Quest a bit. Honda says it helps with rearward visibility.

The production version of this 2011 Honda Odyssey should be in dealerships this fall, and will likely look a lot like this concept. While no specifics were mentioned, it is said to have a V6 that will deliver slightly better fuel economy. The interior was completely blocked off so we aren't sure what they have in store for us inside, but Honda reps promised something big. One thing Honda did share was the fact that this Odyssey is all-American. From inspiration to target market, styling to assembly, this is truly a product of the U.S. of A. There's a press release after the jump and live and press galleries below.

Gallery: 2011 Honda Odyssey Concept at Chicago Auto Show

Gallery: Honda Odyssey Concept

Live photos copyright ©2010 Frank Fiipponio/Wenlogs, Inc.

Continue reading Chicago 2010: Honda Odyssey Concept gives clear glimpse of next-gen minivan

Chicago 2010: Honda Odyssey Concept gives clear glimpse of next-gen minivan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Intrepidation]

Well besides the fact that the headlight and grill are basically ripoffs of Toyota front ends of late (but this is cleaner and less melted looking), and the fact that that lowered window is like that Chinese Buick MPV concept from last year, this is the first Honda in a while that actually looks pretty good. Much less overweight looking than the current one.

I do hope the production car retains these head and tail light shapes which don't bulge out like tumors.

[Robert Hall]

The front reminds me of the Ford Flex.

[CSpec]

The back end is very very Audi-ish, but overall it is a good design.

[ocnblu]

Nicely slimmer than the current version. Clean and sharp. Headlights remind me of the 2011 Edge. Front does say "Venza" in a low voice, but still overall a nice look.

[Drew Dowdell]

It's a Honda Insight MPV XL

[vonVeezelsnider]

Looks like a Buick.

[regfootball]

It's a Honda Insight MPV XL

lol

not stunning, but not a 2010 Pilot, and not a 2010 Crosstour.

really it's uninspired, totally a ground rule double (being kind) but its inoffensive.

what is interesting is that it really kind of has a late 80's or early 90's vibe to it, and lacks a lot of the sculpting and stuff that seems so prevalent these days. (like Bangle cars, new mazda5's etc.)

[daves87rs]

It's a Honda Insight MPV XL

+1

But for some reason, I like it that way.

[PONTIAC06]

Looks simple and sleek. I think it's probably one of the most attractive minivans I've seen in a long time...not that there is a very high bar here...

[pow]

I'm a huge Odyssey fan, and this is no disappointment, especially after the awkwardly styled 3rd generation ('05-'10) US model. I'm getting an MDX vibe from it, which isn't a bad thing for a minivan.

It should be interesting to see what innovations this new model brings along. The Ody was the first van to have a third row that folded into a cargo well... that design is now seen on every other US market minivan (and some Ford crossovers, too).

Edited February 11, 2010 by pow

[siegen]

Very glad to see Honda took a more "JDM" approach with the design rather than the typical bloated American look. If you want to know what I mean, just have a look at the current Japanese Odyssey:

I think it will look much better once all the cheap concept stuff is replaced with production parts. Funny that one of the concept fog lights failed.