Tokyo 2009: Honda SkyDeck, is this the future of the Odyssey?
by Sam Abuelsamid on Oct 21st 2009 at 10:20AM 
Honda SkyDeck Concept - click above for high-res image gallery
Unlike the CR-Z which is nothing more than a thinly veiled preview of an upcoming production model, the Honda Skydeck remains a pure design study at this point. While most automakers would provide a full list of specifications for a concept that is nothing more than a fiberglass buck, Honda isn't bothering with even that. The only thing the automaker says about this Tokyo Motor Show star is that it's a theoretical hybrid.
The SkyDeck is a six-seat MPV with some oddball portals and interesting interior fitments. The front doors swing up Lambo style, while the rear sliders actually pop out like normal doors and drop down as they slide back, ideal for jamming against the curb.
Once inside, the first two rows of seats are cantilever mounted off of the center tunnel and the second row can slide forward and down to stow underneath the fronts. All the seats consist of a mesh material stretched between a wooden frame.
One interesting styling note is the shovel scoop grille similar to the CR-Z coupe. Is this the look of Honda models to come? We'll be asking when we visit the design center on Friday.
Gallery: Tokyo 2009: Honda Skydeck concept
[Source: Honda]
Photos Copyright ©2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
TigerMil 10:28AM (10/21/2009)
MINIVAN. Male Image Not Intact; Vasectomized and Neutered.
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Sanders 10:51AM (10/21/2009)
Feel threatened much on a sexual level?
Invisible 10:55AM (10/21/2009)
TigerMil, sounds like you need a Ford Raptor, and make sure you spring for the Tonka Toy graphics package. That should bolster your manhood!
Lemon 11:09AM (10/21/2009)
Perhaps tigermil isn't talking about the looks? After all, what kind of man wants to pilot a vehicle with a high CG, poor weight distribution, and sloppy suspension around a racetrack? Surely he'd prefer a well engineered track tool (being the intelligent and logical man that he is) regardless of looks.
No matter how you define manliness - the words 'minivan' and 'man' will always be opposites.
PercyPricksworth 11:11AM (10/21/2009)
Think of it more as a replacement design for Honda Insight or a Prius.
Looking rather good...
Mike P. 12:42PM (10/21/2009)
Perhaps for fathers who want the ability to haul their family and junk in comfort?
My dad recently shucked his minivan duds (2001 Honda Odyssey), but as a family we loved that car. Took us on many roadtrips in comfort, was versatile enough to swallow gardening equipment, snowboards--whatever we fancied. Our family's past the "minivan" stage now, but when I have kids I wouldn't hesitate. Priorities change and at some point versatility becomes more valuable than the ability to huck your vehicle around a corner.
...that said, the Odyssey handled pretty sharp, for a vehicle of that size.
Ian B. 1:25PM (10/21/2009)
Lemon said:
After all, what kind of man wants to pilot a vehicle with a high CG,
poor weight distribution, and sloppy suspension around a racetrack?
Surely he'd prefer a well engineered track tool (being the
intelligent and logical man that he is) regardless of looks.
you mean like a (cough) suv??? Stick to the minivan, your family
will appreciate the true utility. And buy yourself an old roadster for weekend use.
Shaggs 11:20PM (10/21/2009)
Hondas keep getting UGLIER! Seriously HONDA? You are gonna lose all the old-school faithfuls making hideously ugly jelly beans. Just surrender and go the way of GM and Chrysler... You guys are making me sick
artandcolour 10:30AM (10/21/2009)
wow. the lack of angularity on this concept is great! the subtle surface development is refreshing. i wonder if we're seeing [FINALLY] the true end of Bangleitis. it's been about 10 years now, time for the trend to dissipate. i also wonder if this is Honda's new 'corporate' nose? this Skytop has a similar nose to the new CRZ. if this is the beginning of the end of 'flame surfacing' and intricate angles just for the sake of angles, GREAT!
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xcrunk 10:39AM (10/21/2009)
No doubt that this is the new schnoz of Honda.
CR-Z looks to be leading the charge early next year.
zamafir 11:24AM (10/21/2009)
@xcrunk - yup, this does appear to be the new honda nose, i like it, better than the current.
Mike P. 12:44PM (10/21/2009)
I think it looks great. Especially in the colour Honda's chosen for the concept (though it could look equally good in black or silver). I love the detailing at the tailgate/taillamps!
zamafir 1:37PM (10/21/2009)
@Mike P. - yeah, a bit Q7/Up! in flavor but very cool, I like this couple year trend so far of concepts having that laminated glass look at the back.
Aki 3:10PM (10/21/2009)
I hope that will be the new corporate look for Honda cars, it's a cool, edgy yet still classy profile. Better than the crap on Hondas now, at the very least.
216 10:34AM (10/21/2009)
Wow Honda sure is having an "ugly" streak these days
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BoxerFanatic 11:14AM (10/21/2009)
Other than the gaudy grille, I think this vehicle is actually attractive for it's form factor.
It is understated, with nice lines, and flow. I love the blacked out and glass roof, and it would look fantastic with tinted glass.
Don't really like the wheels, but those can change.
My only problem with Minivans, as a form factor, is that they were boring, beyond their need to be boxy. They were purposely styled for stodgy.
This vehicle is not. It is sleek. This is express transportation for four or more, and something that still looks like something I wouldn't mind telling people that I owned, if I needed such a vehicle.
The doors make sense. They may look gimmicky, but they require very little parking space width, and they don't trap people between multiple open doors, like reverse-door pickups and RX8 tend to do. Easy ingress and egress in a parking stall is a very good thing.
This might ruin my comment so far, but the thought did cross my mind that all this thing needs is a double-red stripe, and a flying starfleet logo at the front of the stripe... and this is a very cool land-based shuttle-craft. :D
ello 10:36AM (10/21/2009)
For a minivan this is a good looking concept, but the sad part about it is that after all said and done, the real production car will look almost nothing like it :S
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Rick C. 10:54AM (10/21/2009)
Low to the ground with all of the inherent benefits, aerodynamic, 6-people carrier. But it's a concept car. The real thing will have none of those traits.
JimM 5:53PM (10/21/2009)
I love Hondas in general (I'm on my 4th one...), but I have to agree that the actual vehicles are always a few notches below the concepts, looks-wise. And that glass roof??? Not gonna happen here in the U.S. Honda has gotten really stingy with sunroofs on their vehicles lately.
ugg.tryptophan 10:41AM (10/21/2009)
whats up with the buck-tooth grill?, ruins an otherwise very cool concept
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