A bit of over a yr after its shock revival, Honda has confirmed that the brand new Prelude is US certain. The hybrid coupe will attain our shores in late 2025, sporting a model of the two-motor hybrid system used within the Civic and Accord. The manufacturing automobile ought to look loads just like the idea Honda’s been parading round, and we anticipate it to be a 2026 mannequin yr.
Honda was initially on the fence about promoting the Prelude in America, but it surely introduced the automobile to the LA Auto Present final yr to gauge buyer curiosity. Apparently, prospects have an interest. Notably, this would be the second revived Honda nameplate after the Acura Integra, which got here again to North America as a extra premium model of the Civic in 2022 and has since seen gross sales success. Nostalgia works.
Presumably, the brand new Prelude shall be largely the identical because the Civic hybrid beneath, which is an effective factor, as the present Civic is great. Honda’s chief engineer mentioned final yr that the Prelude will not be the sportiest automobile although, so do not assume Honda is making a Toyota GR86 competitor right here. Nonetheless, it will be one of many solely inexpensive two-doors available on the market when it arrives subsequent yr.
Photograph by: Honda
Honda additionally confirmed that the Prelude will debut a brand new characteristic referred to as S+ Shift. The automaker’s two-motor hybrid automobiles eschew a traditional transmission, and as a substitute, one of many two motors drives the wheels straight more often than not. The engine can drive the wheels at freeway speeds by way of a lockup clutch too, too. In order that this method would not have the everyday “rubber-band” really feel related to different hybrids and automobiles with constantly variable transmissions (CVTs), Honda developed a system referred to as Linear Shift Management that simulates the sensation of a traditional engine and transmission.
S+ Shift is an growth on Linear Shift Management, with the goal of offering a extra sporty driving expertise befitting the Prelude identify. Honda did not present any additional particulars on how the system works, but it surely does seem to be its aiming the Prelude at lovers.
There’s nonetheless loads we do not know, like the place it will be constructed, or what it will price. However we’re excited. The Civic hybrid is among the greatest automobiles on sale, and wrapping its glorious {hardware} in a extra fashionable bundle is an effective factor.
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Sourcing information and pictures from motor1.com
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