Check Out the New Honda Prelude!

After nearly 25 years since the fifth-generation Prelude concluded its run down the assembly line, the Honda Prelude returns as a hybrid sport coupe.

Honda recently revealed the return of the iconic Prelude for a sixth generation. We first saw this Prelude concept at the 2023 Toyota Mobility show and then first in North America at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Sixth-Generation Honda Prelude Concept at Tokyo Mobility Show with CEO. Image courtesy of Honda

What we Know

The Japanese automaker will officially re-introduce the Prelude to the world towards the end of 2025 but just dropped a few tidbits about the upcoming two-door. We know it will return as a sport coupe and that propulsion will come from a hybrid powertrain.

This makes perfect sense, Honda committed to selling only battery electric and fuel cell powered vehicles by 2040. Introducing any new car will likely offer a hybrid powertrain as a minimum. To that end, 25 percent of current Honda’s sold use hybrid propulsion, including over 50 percent of Accords and CR-Vs.

We also know that it will debut a new drive mode named Honda S+ Shift. Honda claims this mode will “further advances Linear Shift Control.” But. Here’s the thing: Honda specified that it will indeed use a version of its two-motor hybrid system, just as the Accord, CR-V, and Civic uses.

Sixth-Generation Honda Prelude Concept, Honda S+ shift. Image courtesy of Honda

What is a two-motor hybrid?

That system incorporates an internal combustion engine, a battery, a generator electric motor, a drive electric motor, and clutch packs to couple and decouple things as necessary. It largely uses the engine as an electricity producer, with the drive electric motor handling propelling the vehicle forward in most cases. The only time the engine directly drives the wheels is at higher cruising speeds, like the highway. And because of all of that, there’s no transmission.

And that means there’s nothing to shift. When Honda says linear shift control, I take that to mean an elaborate set of software to control the engine and clutches to make it feel like the engine powers the car and “shifts” through gears as the car accelerates. Just like a real, nice, fast shifting, automatic or dual-clutch transmission.

Furthermore, based on the images Honda already released, the new Prelude looks roughly Honda Civic sized (see specs in my review here), which means the sixth generation will take up about the same footprint as the fifth-generation. That Prelude which saw its last update in 1999 and last model year in 2001. For reference, the fifth-generation car measured: 178.0-in long, 69.0-in wide, 51.8-in tall, with a 101.8-in wheelbase.

Sixth-Generation Honda Prelude Concept, rear close-up. Image courtesy of Honda

Nostalgia

When that Prelude left us, we got 200 horsepower and 156 lb.-ft of torque out of a 2.2-liter inline-four-cylinder engine. That leads me to guess that the new one will get the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid’s powertrain, which makes 200 horsepower and at least 232 lb.-ft of torque. Or perhaps it will get the Honda Accord Hybrid’s version, which makes 204 horsepower and at least 247 lb.-ft of torque. If we’re lucky, maybe a third, even more powerful version will lie under the Prelude’s hood.

1999 Honda Prelude SH. Front 3/4. Image by Robin Warner

But there’s something else to consider. Honda set a very high bar for itself by bringing back the Prelude name. As the fifth-generation car was an absolute gem. During my last year at Autoweek (2020), Honda lent a 1999 Honda Prelude for us to drive and reminisce for a while. And I wrote a feature about it.

The 1999 Prelude represented, in many ways, the best time for enthusiasts. We got a nice stiff chassis, modern engine controls, yet still entirely analog feel. Driving the 1999 Prelude, I felt connected to it, enjoying every turn of the wheel and press of the accelerator. Hydraulic steering, no driving aids beyond anti-lock brakes. I loved it.

What will success mean in 2025?

Just as Acura recently dealt with returning the Integra name to its line-up, Honda will have to contend with folks feeling nostalgia for the good old days. That is, of course, unless this new Prelude is an absolute rocket with solid chassis dynamics and real feel.

The 2025 Civic hybrid feels great in this modern era, but the expectations for the Prelude will certainly be higher. Considering how well the Civic drives, I’m cautiously optimistic. But, I must admit, also a bit nervous. Nostalgia is a powerful emotion.

Then again, Acura knocked it out of the park with the Integra return, especially with the Type S. And I see no reason that a hybrid powertrain needs to affect that potential here. I know this much; I am quite curious to learn more about it. And I’m sure we will in the coming months. As I learn, I will be sure to share.