Honda Odyssey Concept at 2010 Chicago Auto Show
- Looks like: A streamlined minivan
- Defining characteristics: “Lightning bolt” belt line
- Ridiculous features: None
- Chance of being mass-produced: The 2011 Odyssey debuts this fall
Honda has a knack for revealing prototypes of future vehicles before the real thing goes on sale shortly thereafter. That’s especially true with the Honda Odyssey concept at the Chicago Auto Show. Not only does Honda actually acknowledge this is the new look for the 2011 model year Odyssey, the company says the new Odyssey will go on sale this fall.
The look isn’t anything earth-shattering, but this is a minivan. The fact that it doesn’t look like a Chevy Camaro won’t stop parents from taking a look. Most interesting is the disjointed belt line that Honda calls a “lightning bolt” and the rear taillights that look a lot like what Audi has been slapping on its cars lately.
It’s slightly wider and longer than the current model, and Honda says the aerodynamic design and other tweaks will raise fuel economy to 19/28 mpg city/highway. While that’s an internal estimate, we don’t find many automakers even mentioning mileage numbers unless they’re pretty sure they’ll achieve them. The most efficient trim of the current Odyssey gets 17/25 mpg; the base Odyssey gets 16/23 mpg. The new 2011 Toyota Sienna gets 18/24 mpg with its V-6 engine, but there is a four-cylinder that returns 19/26 mpg.
As far as other wild concept car features go, the Odyssey doesn’t have them. The interior isn’t even complete — it’s a mock-up, and we expect typical Honda materials to be implemented in the final version. Also missing are any promises of fanciful technology or odd seating arrangements. That Honda, even its concept cars are practical.
More photos below.
