Among the practically deafening roar of Toyota news, automaker Honda is quietly planting seeds of speculation.  According to Automotive News, the head of the company’s research and development department has confirmed that a hybrid system is in the works for larger vehicles, like the popular Odyssey minivan and Pilot SUV.  Until now, Honda’s been playing catch up with rival Toyota, not seeming to be completely sure of its “green” plan–which has been rumored to include both diesel and electric vehicles in the future.

The new gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, which will take roughly three years of development before hitting dealerships, will help boost the brand’s image as a full range provider of eco options.  They’ll likely offer the driveline as an option in both van and SUV format–and maybe a crossover, if we’re lucky.  But truth be told, we’re hoping that the hybrid system makes its debut in something as sleek as the Skydeck minivan concept, which we saw at last year’s Tokyo Motor Show.  Appealing to high-design drivers, a hauler as eco chic as this might have even the snobbiest of us reaching for the keys to a minivan.