2013 Honda Odyssey Minivan Concept Debut At The Chicago Auto Show

January 26th, 2013 Honda has confirmed that it will show the next generation of its Odyssey minivan at the Chicago Auto Show on February 2013. Honda today gave us the first look at the next-generation of its award-winning Odyssey minivan with the new Honda Odyssey Concept, which is on display at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, introduces a sleek and distinctive exterior styling direction for the next generation of the industry's best-selling minivan, set to debut this fall, American Honda Motor Co., Inc..

2013 Honda Odyssey Minivan Concept

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.

2013 Honda Odyssey Minivan Concept

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.

2013 Honda Odyssey Minivan Concept

Enhanced aerodynamics and advanced powertrain technologies will contribute to the next-generation Odyssey's increased fuel efficiency. The all-new 2013 Odyssey is expected to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy rating(1) of 19 city/28 highway miles-per gallon on select models (preliminary estimate determined by Honda).

2013 Honda Odyssey Minivan Concept

Currently in its third generation, the Odyssey's unique array of features, including its superior driving dynamics, 3rd-Row Magic Seat(R) and efficient i-VTEC(TM) V-6 engine with three-mode Variable Cylinder Management(TM) (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(2) since 2013 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 2013 Odyssey, are being designed at Honda R&D Americas in Torrance, California, and Raymond, Ohio.

2013 Honda Odyssey Minivan Concept

The Odyssey has won numerous awards and critical acclaim. Recent accolades include the Edmunds.com 2013 "Top Recommended" minivan award, U.S. News and World Report 2013 "Best Minivan for the Money" award, Automotive Lease Guide 2013 "Best Minivan for the Money," the Kelley Blue Book award as one of the ten "Best New Family Vehicles of 2013" and "2013 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.

 

2013 Honda Odyssey Minivan Concept

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept Design - Alfa's Slick Return to the US

On any normal sunny day, as far as my own personal tastes in cars go, I really don't pay attention to cars that have small engines, sound like go carts or are made for people who must be under 3 feet tall, but today I think that a conversion may be coming. You see, small hatches, hatchback cars or small coupes never really clicked for me. Growing up in the 90s those cars were associated with... well, people who might have some self-esteem issues but today, I've got to say that my interest has been tickled already by the new BMW 1M, but is certainly much more captured by the Alfa Romeo's new 4C concept. Alfa Romeo has always made cars with stunning lines and aptly placed design cues but I must say that the 4C may be one of the most beautiful cars in the world.

Traditionally, I would limit my list of good looking cars to Ferraris, Aston martins, Jaguars and Mercedes Benz, but hearing those names in the same group over the past few decades is getting old - Alfa Romeo is capturing a new taste of style that is also appetizing to a different market; the practical, car enthusiast driver that isn't wealthy enough to afford a Ferrari. You see, this car isn't a Prius with a facelift that will get you to 60 mph by the time you retire. Alfa's 4C is powerful little rocket that will have 232 horsepower coming from a 1.7 liter turbocharged engine. Getting from 0 to 60 mph will take less than 5 seconds and the little Alfa will be able to hit a top speed over 155 mph. We're talking BMW 3 and Lexus IS figures here.

So why would I even bother to post about a car that fits into a segment that I have never had any interest in? Well, it's quite simple, Alfa Romeo plans to use the 4C as their model to re-enter the US automotive market. How exciting is that? For years I've skimmed over any Alfa developments, envious of the fact that we don't have Alfas in the states, but now I find it exciting to know that such a well designed and powerful car will be coming from Italy to the US in as little time as 1 or 2 years. The 4C model is still in the concept stage but has been confirmed for production. I look forward to seeing more details about Alfa's comeback to the US market as we approach the end of the year.

Concept of Toyota's Car Design

Toyota car design is striking and impressive making a strong presence on road. The cars designed are incredibly stylish to entice car buyers across the stretches. The car manufacturer adopts the philosophy of safety, environment, and social values when designing a car. With an aim to convey social considerations, background concept, and originalities through the design process, Toyota lays focus on its valuable philosophy.

The essentials of Toyota's design process are as follows:

J-Factor

J-factor is known to be the DNA of Toyota design that synergizes various conflicting elements in harmony and give dimensions to new values. It is the element that defines the Japanese design structure, aesthetics and values that blend seamlessly with the global standards. One very good example of synergizing the contradictory element is the combination of engine power and electric motor to create hybrid vehicles. Likewise, many other elements of a car are well harmonized to give a completely new look and feel to every car. The j-factor is the trademark of Toyota's car design and it delivers an extremely striking and magnificent appeal.

Miniaturization

Miniaturization is another good philosophy of Toyota's car design process. In this is embedded the intense art of Japanese craftsmanship that gives a deep insight to the complete universe in a small container. This means that even the smallest car by Toyota beholds a number of excellent features, technologies, and design concepts to keep the excitement alive on every drive. All the premium features along with ultra-high efficiency package of engine and transmission offers a sense of infinity. This concept is accepted and acclaimed worldwide as Japanese sensitivity.

Nature's Beauty

Nature's beauty is one most appreciating aspect of Toyota's design philosophy. The car manufacturer always moves in line with the nature's beauty and love. Japan follows the trend of infusing nature in craftsmanship and likewise the car manufacturer also adopts the same trend. Through unique way of conception, Toyota has been incorporating the beauty and love they behold for nature in their artistry method of car designing. A very good example of nature's love reflected through Toyota's car is the dashboard of the highly acclaimed car Pirus. The dashboard is much similar to the design or pattern found in the veins of a leaf and the resulting design is outstanding with a fresh and eternal feel. The energy of the nature is beautifully blended with the science of designing to give an eternally beautiful car design structure.

2012 Renault Captur Concept

Renault Captur the concept. The chassis is made? Of carbon fiber?, And the power of this car comes from the concept of Energy DCI 160 Renault engine twin-turbo diesel, the French automaker said to produce 160 horsepower from 1.6 liters and is connected to a dual clutch gearbox, EDC. RX2 Renault differential, mechanical self-locking unit, mounted to catch the front-wheel-drive to transfer more power to the wheel with most grip. Also comes with a catch Renault Visio System, front-facing camera that monitors road conditions to provide driver assistance functions. Renault arrest can accommodate up to four people, with two full size rear seats can be folded out of the interior side panels.