Honda: Odyssey News
10-30-2003, 09:02 AM
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Honda: Odyssey News
Honda's sleek Japanese-market Odyssey drops jaws
By JAMES B. TREECE | Automotive News
TOKYO -- The new Japan-market Odyssey minivan created more buzz at this year's Tokyo Motor Show than any of the concepts on display.
The vehicle drew such widespread applause that Thomas Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., was hinting that he might have to find a spot for it in the U.S. lineup.
There are no plans for it to be exported to North America and, despite the name, it has no connection to Honda's U.S.-market Odyssey.
Show goers were amazed by the model's markedly low stance.
The roof has been dropped 3 inches from the already low-slung previous-generation model, but interior space was kept the same by lowering the floor, too.
The result looks so sleek that first-time viewers could not believe that it was not longer than the previous Odyssey. It isn't.
Unlike the outgoing model, the new Odyssey offers only a 160-hp, 2.4-liter inline-four. Rather than offer an optional V-6 as it did with the previous-generation Odyssey, Honda instead will introduce a bigger minivan next year that will be powered by a standard V-6.
As a competitive vehicle, "It scares the heck out of me," one rival carmaker executive said.
Nissan Motor Co. Executive Vice President Patrick Pelata said the Odyssey had "the best interior design Honda has ever done."
The low height will be a huge selling point in Japan, with its low-ceilinged parking garages. But Pelata was one of the few who did not immediately endorse the redesign.
"I'm very skeptical of bringing down the eye of the driver in a family car," he said. "There's a true customer benefit to having a higher eye point. You can see better, and your kids can see better. We'll see how customers react."
By JAMES B. TREECE | Automotive News
TOKYO -- The new Japan-market Odyssey minivan created more buzz at this year's Tokyo Motor Show than any of the concepts on display.
The vehicle drew such widespread applause that Thomas Elliott, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., was hinting that he might have to find a spot for it in the U.S. lineup.
There are no plans for it to be exported to North America and, despite the name, it has no connection to Honda's U.S.-market Odyssey.
Show goers were amazed by the model's markedly low stance.
The roof has been dropped 3 inches from the already low-slung previous-generation model, but interior space was kept the same by lowering the floor, too.
The result looks so sleek that first-time viewers could not believe that it was not longer than the previous Odyssey. It isn't.
Unlike the outgoing model, the new Odyssey offers only a 160-hp, 2.4-liter inline-four. Rather than offer an optional V-6 as it did with the previous-generation Odyssey, Honda instead will introduce a bigger minivan next year that will be powered by a standard V-6.
As a competitive vehicle, "It scares the heck out of me," one rival carmaker executive said.
Nissan Motor Co. Executive Vice President Patrick Pelata said the Odyssey had "the best interior design Honda has ever done."
The low height will be a huge selling point in Japan, with its low-ceilinged parking garages. But Pelata was one of the few who did not immediately endorse the redesign.
"I'm very skeptical of bringing down the eye of the driver in a family car," he said. "There's a true customer benefit to having a higher eye point. You can see better, and your kids can see better. We'll see how customers react."
04-12-2004, 09:36 AM
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Honda Odyssey News **Interior Spy Pics (page 2)**
Honda's Odyssey to get cylinder shut-off technology - - By YUZO YAMAGUCHI | Automotive News - - Source: Autoweek
TOKYO - Honda Motor Co.'s new Odyssey will be powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that runs on all six cylinders when accelerating and three cylinders when cruising.
The fuel-saving technology will be a first for a minivan. Chrysler's new 300C sedan is offered with cylinder deactivation.
The redesigned Odyssey is due this fall. Company sources say the minivan also will use what Honda calls "active noise" technology to lower vibration when the engine is operating with three cylinders.
The Honda sources won't say how much its variable cylinder management technology will improve fuel economy. The current minivan is EPA-rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg in highway driving. The sources also won't say whether the engine will be standard equipment on the remodeled Odyssey.
On the 3.0-liter, V-6 Japan-market Inspire sedan, the cylinder deactivation system gets 27.3 mpg. That compares with 21.9 mpg for the previous Inspire's 3.2-liter V-6 engine. The figures are based on Japan's so-called 10-15 mode test, which is not directly comparable with mileage tests elsewhere.
Honda won't use the technology in the Acura TL, the U.S. version of the Inspire.
General Motors and DaimlerChrysler AG also are embracing the concept.
The new Chrysler 300C has a V-8 designed with what DaimlerChrysler calls a multidisplacement system. It uses eight cylinders when climbing a hill or accelerating to pass. Once acceleration flattens, the engine switches automatically to a four-cylinder cruise mode.
General Motors says it will offer cylinder deactivation on many vehicles in the next four years, equipping both V-6s and V-8s with the technology
Honda officials say their new engine is quiet and smooth. When operating in three-cylinder mode, engine vibration is reduced by changing the crankshaft rotation speed and using an active control engine mount. In addition, a speaker generates a sound that cancels out noise - active noise control. Honda engineers say the driver is unaware of a change in the number of cylinders being used.
As a price-sensitive family vehicle, the Odyssey is not an immediate candidate for costly hybrid technology to improve fuel efficiency.
The remodeled minivan will retain the same general packaging as the current version. The focus will be on functionality, not styling, say sources. That contrasts with a Japanese version of the Odyssey, launched last October, that has a low roofline to give it a sporty look.
The U.S. Odyssey will not be the only Honda model to use the variable cylinder management technology. At the Detroit auto show in January, Honda said it would use the system in a hybrid version of the Accord due this fall.
TOKYO - Honda Motor Co.'s new Odyssey will be powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 that runs on all six cylinders when accelerating and three cylinders when cruising.
The fuel-saving technology will be a first for a minivan. Chrysler's new 300C sedan is offered with cylinder deactivation.
The redesigned Odyssey is due this fall. Company sources say the minivan also will use what Honda calls "active noise" technology to lower vibration when the engine is operating with three cylinders.
The Honda sources won't say how much its variable cylinder management technology will improve fuel economy. The current minivan is EPA-rated at 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg in highway driving. The sources also won't say whether the engine will be standard equipment on the remodeled Odyssey.
On the 3.0-liter, V-6 Japan-market Inspire sedan, the cylinder deactivation system gets 27.3 mpg. That compares with 21.9 mpg for the previous Inspire's 3.2-liter V-6 engine. The figures are based on Japan's so-called 10-15 mode test, which is not directly comparable with mileage tests elsewhere.
Honda won't use the technology in the Acura TL, the U.S. version of the Inspire.
General Motors and DaimlerChrysler AG also are embracing the concept.
The new Chrysler 300C has a V-8 designed with what DaimlerChrysler calls a multidisplacement system. It uses eight cylinders when climbing a hill or accelerating to pass. Once acceleration flattens, the engine switches automatically to a four-cylinder cruise mode.
General Motors says it will offer cylinder deactivation on many vehicles in the next four years, equipping both V-6s and V-8s with the technology
Honda officials say their new engine is quiet and smooth. When operating in three-cylinder mode, engine vibration is reduced by changing the crankshaft rotation speed and using an active control engine mount. In addition, a speaker generates a sound that cancels out noise - active noise control. Honda engineers say the driver is unaware of a change in the number of cylinders being used.
As a price-sensitive family vehicle, the Odyssey is not an immediate candidate for costly hybrid technology to improve fuel efficiency.
The remodeled minivan will retain the same general packaging as the current version. The focus will be on functionality, not styling, say sources. That contrasts with a Japanese version of the Odyssey, launched last October, that has a low roofline to give it a sporty look.
The U.S. Odyssey will not be the only Honda model to use the variable cylinder management technology. At the Detroit auto show in January, Honda said it would use the system in a hybrid version of the Accord due this fall.
04-12-2004, 10:05 PM
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Odyssey Overview - - Source: hondapreview.com
To begin, Honda released information back in October regarding the "Safety for Everyone" campaign. The 05 Odyssey will introduce Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and rollover sensors for side curtain airbag deployment. VSA will use braking and throttle control to improve vehicle stability in emergency handling and on slippery surfaces, while the side curtain airbags will add protection in side and rollover accidents controlled by VSA sensors.
Also present for 2005 will be an Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body Structure. This structure is an evolution of "G-Force Control" which employs a front-end frame structure that helps reduce concentrated force of impacts by absorbing and dispersing energy over a large area. This design will help enhance occupant protection and reduce the aggressively towards other vehicles involved in a collision.
But what will the new Odyssey look like and what features will it have? For beginners, the all new Honda Odyssey in Japan will not be the vehicle we will see here in the United States. The ASM that was unveiled recently at the Tokyo Auto Show is a better Odyssey candidate, but keep in mind that this vehicle is strictly a concept. Concept or not you can expect some of this vehicle's features to be present in the new model.
There are plenty of rumors circling around on what the believed features of the new Odyssey will be. One thing can be said for sure, nobody knows but Honda. They will tell us and show us the vehicle when they are ready.
BUT, HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW FOR SURE.
1. VCM or Variable Cylinder Management is slated for introduction on the 05 which in short will shut off three cylinders when they are not needed, increasing your fuel mileage.
2. AWD will not be making an appearance in 05 despite the request of dealers asking for this feature. Honda is stating that the standard traction control that is now available offers substantial traction and safety. AWD will be considered at a later time if demand increases.
3. The Voice-Activated Navigation System which is now available on the Accord will be present in the 2005.
Unless we are told differently the 2005 Odyssey will be hitting showrooms in September 2004.
To begin, Honda released information back in October regarding the "Safety for Everyone" campaign. The 05 Odyssey will introduce Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and rollover sensors for side curtain airbag deployment. VSA will use braking and throttle control to improve vehicle stability in emergency handling and on slippery surfaces, while the side curtain airbags will add protection in side and rollover accidents controlled by VSA sensors.
Also present for 2005 will be an Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body Structure. This structure is an evolution of "G-Force Control" which employs a front-end frame structure that helps reduce concentrated force of impacts by absorbing and dispersing energy over a large area. This design will help enhance occupant protection and reduce the aggressively towards other vehicles involved in a collision.
But what will the new Odyssey look like and what features will it have? For beginners, the all new Honda Odyssey in Japan will not be the vehicle we will see here in the United States. The ASM that was unveiled recently at the Tokyo Auto Show is a better Odyssey candidate, but keep in mind that this vehicle is strictly a concept. Concept or not you can expect some of this vehicle's features to be present in the new model.
There are plenty of rumors circling around on what the believed features of the new Odyssey will be. One thing can be said for sure, nobody knows but Honda. They will tell us and show us the vehicle when they are ready.
BUT, HERE IS WHAT WE KNOW FOR SURE.
1. VCM or Variable Cylinder Management is slated for introduction on the 05 which in short will shut off three cylinders when they are not needed, increasing your fuel mileage.
2. AWD will not be making an appearance in 05 despite the request of dealers asking for this feature. Honda is stating that the standard traction control that is now available offers substantial traction and safety. AWD will be considered at a later time if demand increases.
3. The Voice-Activated Navigation System which is now available on the Accord will be present in the 2005.
Unless we are told differently the 2005 Odyssey will be hitting showrooms in September 2004.
04-15-2004, 11:37 AM
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Originally posted by 1SICKLEX
Why no hybrid?.....Where performance increases as well as fuel economy.
Why no hybrid?.....Where performance increases as well as fuel economy.
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06-23-2004, 10:38 PM
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AWD should be an option, even a costlier hybrid.
Honda needs to be very careful in regards to this vehicle, rather then being blind and cocky. It is still the best minivan out there and if they fuck up, then they fuck up bigtime.
I hope they come through keeping this the, dare i say, coolest minivan out there.
Honda needs to be very careful in regards to this vehicle, rather then being blind and cocky. It is still the best minivan out there and if they fuck up, then they fuck up bigtime.
I hope they come through keeping this the, dare i say, coolest minivan out there.
06-25-2004, 01:45 PM
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Originally Posted by runnerX
rather boxy..
Well, it has to have some utility AND seat 7. It cant be the SUV (Sport Useless Vehicle) that the Infiniti FX is.
06-25-2004, 03:35 PM
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Originally Posted by F23A4
Well, it has to have some utility AND seat 7. It cant be the SUV (Sport Useless Vehicle) that the Infiniti FX is.
06-25-2004, 03:58 PM
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06-27-2004, 09:15 PM
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Originally Posted by heyitsme
I think the issue, if this is it, is its nothing exciting exterior wise.
The only minivan with an "exciting" (for a lack of every other word) exterior is that disaster known as the 2004 Nissan Quest.
06-28-2004, 05:41 PM
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I have one on order to replace my 1997 caravan,,, ex, touring, nav, entertainment,,, oct or Nov delivery,,, can't wait and for function you can't beat a minivan,, my dealer doesnt know what his allocation is until late july
06-29-2004, 08:59 AM
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I'd be very interested to see how well equipped the Odyssey will be. I recently drove a loaded Sienna and it ROCKS!!! I mean, Toyota could easily rebadge a Limited XLE AWD as a Lexus.
06-29-2004, 09:54 AM
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Spy Shots: ‘05 Honda Odyssey - - Spy Shots: ‘05 Honda Odyssey - - by Brenda Priddy - - Source: The Car Connection
These are the very first pictures that have leaked out, showing a production-ready 2005 Honda Odyssey with just a tad of tape hiding various design elements.
The new and much larger Odyssey will new be built in Honda's Lincoln, Alabama , facility, which will eventually have an annual production capacity of 120,000 units.
Rumor has it that the new Odyssey is an improvement, but not a radical remake of the existing vehicle. The styling has been reworked and resembles Honda's Pilot SUV more closely in profile.
This newest Odyssey will be unique to the North American market. This test vehicle - shown here in what is believed to be "Midnight Blue Pearl" paint with a grey interior, will be one of 13 exterior/interior color options offered.
The all-new Odyssey will be available this coming fall.
These are the very first pictures that have leaked out, showing a production-ready 2005 Honda Odyssey with just a tad of tape hiding various design elements.
The new and much larger Odyssey will new be built in Honda's Lincoln, Alabama , facility, which will eventually have an annual production capacity of 120,000 units.
Rumor has it that the new Odyssey is an improvement, but not a radical remake of the existing vehicle. The styling has been reworked and resembles Honda's Pilot SUV more closely in profile.
This newest Odyssey will be unique to the North American market. This test vehicle - shown here in what is believed to be "Midnight Blue Pearl" paint with a grey interior, will be one of 13 exterior/interior color options offered.
The all-new Odyssey will be available this coming fall.
06-29-2004, 02:51 PM
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Looks like the Sienna:
07-06-2004, 04:58 PM
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Latest News....
We are expecting an official press release from Honda within the next week regarding the 2005 Odyssey.
Source: http://www.hondapreview.com/odyssey/
We are expecting an official press release from Honda within the next week regarding the 2005 Odyssey.
Source: http://www.hondapreview.com/odyssey/
08-04-2004, 06:44 PM
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Honda plans run-flat tires for redesigned Odyssey minivan - - - By YUZO YAMAGUCHI | Automotive News -- Source: Autoweek
TOKYO -- Honda Motor Co.'s redesigned Odyssey minivan will be offered this fall with Michelin's Pax run-flat tire system, according to Honda sources.
The minivan, produced in Lincoln, Ala., will be the first Honda in the world fitted with run-flat tires.
The Pax system allows a tire to run flat for more than 120 miles at 50 mph. Michelin says the tire never rolls off the rim, even when it deflates suddenly.
Honda sources would not say whether the run-flat tires would be standard or optional.
The French tire maker introduced the Pax system in 1998. The package includes a tire, a wheel, a flexible support ring inside the tire and a tire pressure monitoring system. In the event of a loss of air pressure, the Pax tire rides on the inner support ring.
"Replacing such a big tire is hard work for a customer, so we think a run-flat tire will be very worthwhile," says one Honda source.
Using a run-flat tire for the Odyssey makes sense, says Tsunemi Tachibana analyst at Nikko City Group in Tokyo. "It provides a sense of security, which is key for a family car."
The Odyssey is Honda's top-selling light truck. In 2003, it sold 154,063 units in the United States, an increase of 0.4 percent over 2002.
Run-flats will help differentiate the new Odyssey from the current version. The styling of the new model is not expected to vary much from the outgoing model.
The special tires have been slow to gain acceptance in the United States. Only the Rolls-Royce Phantom is equipped with Michelin's Pax system in this country.
Bridgestone's competing run-flat tire system is standard on the BMW Z8 and Z4 and optional on the BMW 5 and 7 series. The system is standard on Toyota's Sienna minivan and optional on the Lexus SC 430 and Infiniti Q45.
Toyota also offers Dunlop run-flat tires as a $400 option on the Lexus SC 430.
TOKYO -- Honda Motor Co.'s redesigned Odyssey minivan will be offered this fall with Michelin's Pax run-flat tire system, according to Honda sources.
The minivan, produced in Lincoln, Ala., will be the first Honda in the world fitted with run-flat tires.
The Pax system allows a tire to run flat for more than 120 miles at 50 mph. Michelin says the tire never rolls off the rim, even when it deflates suddenly.
Honda sources would not say whether the run-flat tires would be standard or optional.
The French tire maker introduced the Pax system in 1998. The package includes a tire, a wheel, a flexible support ring inside the tire and a tire pressure monitoring system. In the event of a loss of air pressure, the Pax tire rides on the inner support ring.
"Replacing such a big tire is hard work for a customer, so we think a run-flat tire will be very worthwhile," says one Honda source.
Using a run-flat tire for the Odyssey makes sense, says Tsunemi Tachibana analyst at Nikko City Group in Tokyo. "It provides a sense of security, which is key for a family car."
The Odyssey is Honda's top-selling light truck. In 2003, it sold 154,063 units in the United States, an increase of 0.4 percent over 2002.
Run-flats will help differentiate the new Odyssey from the current version. The styling of the new model is not expected to vary much from the outgoing model.
The special tires have been slow to gain acceptance in the United States. Only the Rolls-Royce Phantom is equipped with Michelin's Pax system in this country.
Bridgestone's competing run-flat tire system is standard on the BMW Z8 and Z4 and optional on the BMW 5 and 7 series. The system is standard on Toyota's Sienna minivan and optional on the Lexus SC 430 and Infiniti Q45.
Toyota also offers Dunlop run-flat tires as a $400 option on the Lexus SC 430.
08-27-2004, 09:02 AM
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Umph... definitely a winner. It's a shame it's necessary to say this, but Chrysler better be paying close attention. I like the Sienna's console a bit better, but Odyessy's exterior looks better. The only exterior I think looks better than this is the Quest.
08-27-2004, 11:15 AM
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No "Sto and Go"? That's got to give the edge to Chrysler for a little while. Too bad none of the imports can do this with their vans. It's pretty slick. For a mini van anyway.