Honda’s Prelude returns as a 200-horsepower fake-shifting hybrid

Oh my! | Image: Honda

Honda is bringing backmost the sporty Prelude arsenic a technology-packed 200-horsepower hybrid to tug astatine nostalgia strings. It’s the archetypal caller Prelude successful 25 years and the front-wheel-drive-coup antidote to crossover SUVs. Pricing hasn’t been announced but successful Japan it starts astatine conscionable nether 6.18 cardinal yen (around $41,600), according to Nikkei. It volition get astatine US dealerships successful precocious autumn

Pitched arsenic “fun-to-drive,” the 2026 Prelude features 232 pound-feet of torque and a direct-drive transmission that pairs 2 electrical motors with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, conscionable similar Honda’s Civic Hybrid. It besides features paddle shifters and a caller S+ Shift thrust mode that “simulates a show transmission experience” of a existent sports car. Here’s however Honda describes it:

With the innovative caller Honda S+ Shift system, Prelude delivers the eventual electrified Honda driving acquisition with a responsive and engaging shifting simulation, featuring virtual rev-matched downshifts successful S+ mode and enhanced motor sounds to summation operator consciousness and transportation with the vehicle.

In different words, S+ Shift lets you aggressively mimic accepted cogwheel changes to marque the Prelude go vroom vroom. Fortunately, you don’t person to usage it. Honda Japan gives america an thought of what S+ Shift looks and sounds similar successful the pursuing video — and honestly, I don’t hatred it:

Inside the 2+2 coupe you’ll find a 10.2-inch instrumentality clump and a 9-inch touchscreen with enactment for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You besides get a wireless charger for your telephone and Google built-in, which includes things similar Google Assistant and Google Maps for a personalized and connected driving experience. It each comes modular with 3 years of unlimited information and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

For sound, the 8-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium audio strategy includes 6.5-inch, wide-range speakers successful the doors and a ample subwoofer located successful the cargo area.

Nikkei says the car is meant to triumph implicit a procreation of Prelude fans who are present successful their 50s and 60s — I’ve ne'er felt truthful seen:

Back successful the 1980s, the Prelude was disposable for astir 1.5 cardinal yen, making it a fashionable prime for young men for going connected dates. Roughly a 4th period aft the erstwhile Prelude was discontinued, galore are present bare nesters looking to take cars for themselves again.

See, I drove a Honda Prelude arsenic a young antheral successful the precocious ‘80s and did, indeed, usage it for dates. Last play I dropped my youngest disconnected astatine assemblage and returned to a location that ne'er felt truthful empty.

I need this car.