The idea of a high-performance minivan might sound ludicrous, but Bisimoto and Jordan Distributors are taking that improbable concept head-on with their wild creation – the Honda Odyssey Type R, unveiled at SEMA 2025. Forget luxury barges; this build aims to redefine “people mover” as a track-capable machine while retaining (mostly) the practicality of an MPV.
This isn’t your average minivan makeover. Starting with the North American Odyssey, a much larger vehicle than its Australian counterpart, they swapped out the standard 3.5-litre V6 for something far more potent – the heart of the Honda Civic Type R: a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.
But this isn’t simply bolt-on power. Bisimoto has meticulously tuned and upgraded the engine, incorporating a Mitsubishi stage two turbocharger and various internal modifications. The result? A staggering leap in power output from 235kW to over 410kW. This raw muscle is channeled through the Civic Type R’s six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential, ensuring all that torque gets put down effectively to the front wheels.
Beyond the engine swap, the Odyssey Type R has received a comprehensive performance makeover. Coilovers and adaptive dampers ensure a sportier ride height and optimized handling, while 19-inch Civic Type R alloy wheels wrapped in sticky Toyo Proxes R888R tires provide exceptional grip. Though visually unassuming, upgraded red painted front calipers hint at the beast lurking beneath the skin.
While the mechanical enhancements are undeniably impressive, Bisimoto’s approach to aesthetics is deliberately subtle. The exterior retains a largely stock Odyssey appearance. A Type R badge discreetly adorns the grille, and a honeycomb vent on the bonnet provides cooling for the eager engine. Subtle chin spoilers and side skirts add just a hint of aggression, while blacked-out window trim and mirror caps create a slightly sportier silhouette.
The rear tells a slightly more overt story: a gloss black diffuser integrated into the bumper hints at performance intentions, while three center-mounted exhaust outlets – clearly inspired by the Civic Type R – leave no doubt about this minivan’s newfound character.
Inside, practicality reigns supreme, retaining the Odyssey’s standard seats (though upgraded red seatbelts add a touch of sporty flair). The steering wheel, gear shift boot, and various leather trim pieces are adorned with contrasting red stitching, lending a subtle hint of motorsport heritage.
The Honda Odyssey Type R may not be your conventional hot hatch, but it successfully bridges the gap between family transport and track weapon. It’s a testament to Bisimoto and Jordan Distributors’ ingenuity, proving that even an everyday minivan can become a thrilling performance machine when given the right kind of treatment.
