CHICAGO — Perhaps in answer to the female bloggers who complain that a minivan is punishment for having a third child, Honda on Wednesday unveiled the Odyssey concept, which previews a sleeker and more stylish 2011 Odyssey minivan. The minivan concept, which was revealed at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, apparently draws some of its inspiration from Harry Potter, too.
The Odyssey concept is highlighted by a "lightning bolt" beltline that is said to "distinguish the vehicle's profile," according to the automaker. Fans of the Harry Potter books and movies undoubtedly will see a link to the boy wizard's lightning-shaped scar, which was acquired when the evil Lord Voldemort tried to kill him.
In this case, Odyssey's lightning bolt is not only a styling cue, it also enhances outward visibility for third-row passengers, according to Honda. No word yet on whether this styling cue will be incorporated into the production vehicle, which is due out in the fall.
Honda is aiming for a lower and wider minivan with the redesign. The Odyssey concept rides on the same wheelbase as the 2010 Odyssey, but it's wider and shorter. The concept is 78.5 inches wide, versus a width of 77.1 inches for the 2010 Odyssey. The concept is 68.3 inches in height. The 2010 Odyssey is 68.8 inches tall on the LX model and 70.0 inches tall on the EX, EX-L and Touring models.
Honda did not reveal powertrain specs for the 2011 Odyssey, although it said it was aiming for "higher fuel economy." It estimated that the 2011 Odyssey will get 19 mpg in city driving and 28 mpg on the highway on certain models versus an EPA-estimated mileage of 16 mpg in city driving and 23 mpg on the highway for the 2010 Odyssey LX and EX models. The uplevel 2010 Odyssey EX-L and Touring models return 17 mpg in city driving and 25 mpg on the highway.
Cabin changes for the new Odyssey remain a mystery, too, with the automaker merely saying "forthcoming improvements to the production Odyssey's interior are designed to further enhance the current model's accommodating space for people and cargo." Unknown is whether Honda will offer a special access seat for the second row, a new feature on the 2011 Toyota Sienna.
It is uncertain if Honda will be the first to offer a hybrid minivan with the redesign, something that has been the subject of speculation, or whether the Odyssey will get a new four-cylinder engine.
Toyota threw down the gauntlet at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show when it showed off its redesigned 2011 Sienna minivan. It underscored that the redesign made the Sienna look more like a sedan. Among the highlights are a new, sporty SE model with side skirting, standard 19-inch alloy wheels, smoked taillamps and a sport-tuned suspension, as well as the debut of a more fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine.
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