The Odyssey Concept dramatically departs from conventional minivan styling with its low and wide stance, highlighted by a “lightning-bolt” beltline that further distinguishes the vehicle’s profile. Compared to the current Odyssey, the Concept’s slightly lower roofline (-1.0 inch) and wider stance (+1.4 inch) contribute to a sleeker, stronger and more dynamic presence with improved aerodynamics that help increase fuel economy. Forthcoming improvements to the production Odyssey’s interior are designed to further enhance the current model’s accommodating space for people and cargo.

“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.”

The steeply raked front and rear roof pillars, unique side-glass profile, chamfered roof line, and tapered rear cabin shape combine to create a dynamic and distinctive appearance from any perspective. The lightning-bolt beltline dives toward the rear of the vehicle emphasizing the new Odyssey’s sporty appearance while enhancing outward visibility for third-row passengers. Aggressive body-to-wheel proportions reduce the perception of vertical height common to most minivan designs. Fender flares further accent the vehicle’s securely planted and stylish persona. The concept vehicle’s projector beam headlights, LED taillights and form-fit fog lights further heighten the sophisticated quality of the design.

Enhanced aerodynamics and advanced powertrain technologies will contribute to the next-generation Odyssey’s increased fuel efficiency. The all-new 2011 Odyssey is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating1 of 19 city/28 highway miles-per gallon on select models (preliminary estimate determined by Honda).

Currently in its third generation, the Odyssey’s unique array of features, including its superior driving dynamics, 3rd-Row Magic Seat® and efficient i-VTECTM V-6 engine with three-mode Variable Cylinder ManagementTM (available) all combine to offer a sophisticated environment with room for up to eight people (seven on Odyssey LX). The Odyssey has been America’s best-selling minivan since 20082 and is produced exclusively in Alabama by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama (using domestic and globally sourced parts). Both the concept and production vehicles, along with all development activity for the 2011 Odyssey, are being designed at Honda R&D Americas in Torrance, California, and Raymond, Ohio.

The Odyssey has won numerous awards and critical acclaim. Recent accolades include the Edmunds.com 2010 “Top Recommended” minivan award, U.S. News and World Report 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money” award, Automotive Lease Guide 2010 “Best Minivan for the Money,” the Kelley Blue Book award as one of the ten “Best New Family Vehicles of 2009″ and “2009 Best Resale Value Award” in the van category, which recognizes vehicles that are expected to have segment-leading resale value after five years of ownership.

Odyssey Concept Basic Dimensions:
Length (inches) 202.8
Width (inches) 78.5
Height (inches) 68.3
Wheelbase (inches) 118.1

Source: Honda PR

For now P-NUT is more a design study then anything else. It’s also one of MANY EV vehicles coming out of Japan, including other models from Toyota/Scion and Nissan. Specifications for this “ultra-compact” include a combo of ” Internal-combustion engine, hybrid-electric and/or battery-electric” – variety is the spice of life, after all.

P-NUT was designed to be a three passenger (one driver, two rear passengers) vehicle, and is also rear-wheel drive. But what about it’s look? Honda’s LA Auto Show press release explains: “The objective of the exterior and interior designers was to explore the potential for a new type of small-segment-category vehicle that overcomes many of the objections for existing micro-car designs,” said Marek. “While the Honda P-NUT concept introduces function-oriented concepts, it also shows that small cars don’t have to compromise on style or amenities.”

“A new generation is discovering the benefits of living in urban centers that provide convenient access to business, entertainment and social opportunities,” said Dave Marek, director of advanced design for Honda R&D Americas, Inc. “The Personal-Neo Urban Transport concept explores the packaging and design potential for a vehicle conceived exclusively around the city lifestyle.”

The modular rear engine bay, depicted on the exterior by blue composite material, is designed to accommodate a wide variety of potential propulsion technologies including a conventional small displacement internal combustion engine, a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain, or a battery-electric powertrain.

The Peanut, I’m sorry – P-NUT (which stands for Personal Neo Urban Transport) will apparently “demonstrate a futuristic concept for an ultracompact, aggressively designed coupe” as stated by Honda PR. Speculation across the web seems to think Honda is going to bring out a mini city car, in order to compete with the Toyota / Scion iQ minicar. Let’s hope no one is allergic.

Honda has yet to release any official information about their P-NUT EV concept, though we can speculate the little fella will look similar to the tiny ride on the left (pictured above). you can expect more details closer to the company’s press conference on Wednesday, December 2.

Reminiscent of the Mazda5 Van, this Honda Hybrid isn’t scheduled for production and year or two – you know they have to finish marketing the U3-X and ASIMO robot first. You can’t take over the world with a minivan alone. But the largest draw about Skydeck is, obviously, it’s full glass roof – allowing passengers a beautiful view of the starry sky while driving at night. Hope it tints – or else we’ll be nicknaming this ride the Honda Baked Potato.

via Honda & Jalopnik

Honda hopes to corner the market with this new form of fuel – and has already begun commercial production of their FCX Clarity hydrogen vehicle. Want one? Reach for those check books and get in line early. Honda Motors plans on making 200 units within a year. The price – a $600 monthly leased right now – though 6-bills includes maintenance and repair charges. You also have to live in sunny Southern California – at least it would help, since the few hydrogen refueling stations in the country reside there.

Honda’s FCX Clarity is constructed much like an average Honda – only with a much larger rear tank to hold hydrogen. The element powers a fuel cell, which generates electricity stored in a lithium-ion battery. An electric motor helps the vehicle on its way.

Hydrogen hasn’t had the greatest rap since the 1930’s – it’s combustible and all though it may hold fair amounts of energy it not as powerful a fuel source as straight-up battery or electric (rechargeable) vehicles. Although, hydro does not produce emissions, other than water coming from your tailpipe. And it’s still not a readily available form of energy, so the practical uses are still up for debate. Of course, unlike oil, which will one day be extinct, hydrogen isn’t going anywhere.

But if the boys at Top Gear name it the most important car of the next 100 years, chances are we’ll be hearing more about Clarity from Honda:

Honda is really testing the power of future fuel technologies at this year’s Los Angeles Auto show – with the introduction of their Hydrogen powered concept vehicle. The FC Sport is destined to be one of the most high tech and lighter than air coupes to ever hit the road (or maybe the sky?). It’s only a research and design model right now, but if this three-seater, eco-friendly ride catches enough attention (and fuel prices keep surging globally) development could begin in the near future.

According to the official Honda Press Release: “The FC Sport emphasizes the design flexibility and potential of Honda’s V Flow fuel cell technology – already deployed in the Honda FCX Clarity sedan – and reconfigures it into a lightweight sports car design with an ultra-low center of gravity, powerful electric motor performance and zero-emissions. The design study concept is inspired by supercar levels of performance through low weight and a high-performance, electrically driven fuel cell powertrain…The high-output Honda fuel cell powertrain and a sleek, aerodynamic body contribute to the vehicle’s performance potential. A modular approach to fuel cell component packaging and the electric drivetrain contribute to the FC Sport’s low center of gravity with the majority of vehicle mass distributed between the axles, creating the balanced weight distribution sought after in sports cars.”

According to Honda (get it, like the Honda Accord – so witty!) their “second experimental walking assist device that helps support bodyweight to reduce the load on the user’s legs while walking, going up and down stairs, and in a semi-crouching position.” The key features of this device will be convenient sitting, bodyweight support and naturally controlled walking. Features leaked from Honda R&D but not on the press release, laser-sight gatteling-guns and miniature missile launchers.

Testing an foreign Honda plants will begin in the near future. Expect human destruction via Honda robots by 2012.

Honda wants to recreate the Great Race of 1908 with their future design concept. This race would encompass Europe and Asia, but instead of three separate vehicles Honda only needs one. Their 2025 concept is a vehicle that not only races on sand dunes, but also flies the skies and braves the crashing waves of any ocean.

Honda plans to combine automotive and marine technologies, even jet components, in order to make this vehicle possible. This vessel will “adapt” (literally changing its configuration) in order to handle any space or terrain.

Honda has created a new multi-camera system that displays views from multiple wide-angle cameras on the vehicle’s nav screen to reduce blind spots, support smooth parallel or garage parking, and support safe driving in something such as a 3-way intersection or on narrow roads, where there is limited visibility. This new multi-view camera system will be applied first to the all-new Honda Odyssey which is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in October 2008 of this year.

These cameras are mounted in the front, rear, side door mirrors and a will work in conjunction with a projection line (No. 4 above) which shows the vehicle’s projected trajectory, based upon steering angle.

It is true, the Honda Insight looks strikingly similar to Toyota’s Prius, and there is a reason for this – science! Aerodynamics specifically. The Prius has a completely aerodynamic body design; so get used to the style, you’ll be seeing more of it for years to come. Honda took an already perfect curvature and added some meanness to it – Insight’s front grill is intimidating, not smug like on a Prius. Hood shape is slightly domed- adding a bit more aggressiveness to the car. There is also chrome, shiny shiny chrome. Actual MPG ratigns and price may be confirmed or denied when the car is unveiled at October’s 2008 Paris Motor Show. Scroll down for some bullet points provided by a Honda Press Release.

TOKYO, Japan, September 4, 2008 – Honda Motor Co., Ltd. announced that it will display the concept model of its all-new Insight dedicated hybrid vehicle at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. Honda is introducing the advanced Insight to meet the needs of customers in a new era of widespread demand for hybrid vehicles.

The name Insight was chosen to denote Honda’s “insight” into a new era in which hybrid vehicles come within reach of most car buyers. A five-door, five-passenger compact hatchback, the new Insight will feature an innovative new platform in which the battery and control unit are located beneath the cargo space for exceptional utility and a light, pleasing driving feel. The new Insight features Honda’s innovative, highly efficient compact hybrid powerplant, in which a gasoline engine serves as the main power source and the electric motor assists when extra power is needed, such as during passing or start-up and acceleration.

The new Insight also features a new driving support function that helps drivers make the most of its exceptional fuel economy to achieve more efficient, environmentally responsible driving. Thanks to reductions in the weight and size of the Insight’s key components, Honda has also achieved significant cost reductions.