Over the years, the Honda Odyssey has changed the way people think about people movers. It’s respected. It’s loved. It’s (dare we say it?) cool. So you may wonder how we could make it better. The Odyssey Concept, just unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, begins to answer the question.

The Honda Odyssey Concept, on display at the 2010 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., announced today.

The Honda 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.

Honda says that it has gone for a lower, more planted stance for this new generation of minivan, the production version of which will go on sale this fall to do battle with the reworked 2011 Toyota Sienna. The concept is a bit lower and 1.4 inches wider than the current production minivan, dimensions that will likely make it to production. It rides on the same 118.1-inch wheelbase as the current Odyssey. Of course, it always helps to make a vehicle look low and sleek on a stand at the auto show if you bolt on ginormous wheels and use manhole covers for brake discs. Those are less likely to make it to your local dealer.

Forthcoming improvements to the production Honda Odyssey’s interior are designed to further enhance the current model’s accommodating space for people and cargo. Adding distinction to what is taut-but-spare bodywork is the “lightning bolt” beltline. This feature is intended to provide third-row passengers with a better view out of the vehicle. But it’s also intended to be a signature styling feature for Honda’s new production minivan. 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.

So what do we know about the 2011 Honda Odyssey, other than that it will look pretty much like this except with smaller wheels and less concept-y headlights? Well, Honda says that it estimates the new model will return 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway. That’s a significant improvement from the current Odyssey’s 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway, and it also bests the 2011 Toyota Sienna’s 18 mpg city/24 mpg highway. Keep in mind, the 2011 Honda figures are estimates and the company hastens to add that it estimates fuel-efficiency for “select models,” by way of “enhanced aerodynamics” and “advanced powertrain technologies.” Could there be a fuel-economy special model in the future of the 2011 Honda Odyssey?

Currently in its third generation, the Honda Odyssey’s unique array of features, including its superior driving dynamics, 3rd-Row Magic Seat® and efficient i-VTEC™ V-6 engine with three-mode Variable Cylinder Management™ (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 2008 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 Honda 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.