Honda Prelude Returns as a 200-HP Hybrid with Simulated Shifting
▼ Summary
– Honda is reintroducing the Prelude as a hybrid coupe with 200 horsepower, targeting nostalgia and offering an alternative to SUVs.
– The 2026 Prelude features a 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain, paddle shifters, and an S+ Shift mode that simulates a performance transmission experience.
– It includes a 10.2-inch instrument cluster, a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity, Google built-in, and a Bose premium audio system.
– Pricing starts at just under 6.18 million yen in Japan (around $41,600), with US availability expected in late autumn.
– The car aims to appeal to former Prelude fans, now in their 50s and 60s, who may be returning to personal car choices as empty nesters.
The return of the Honda Prelude marks a significant moment for automotive enthusiasts, blending nostalgic appeal with cutting-edge hybrid technology. After a 25-year absence, the iconic nameplate makes its comeback as a 200-horsepower front-wheel-drive hybrid coupe, positioned as a stylish alternative to the ubiquitous crossover SUV. While US pricing remains under wraps, the model starts at just under ¥6.18 million (approximately $41,600) in Japan and is expected to reach American showrooms by late autumn.
Designed to deliver a thrilling driving experience, the 2026 Prelude generates 232 pound-feet of torque and utilizes a direct-drive transmission that combines two electric motors with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, mirroring the setup found in the Honda Civic Hybrid. A standout feature is the inclusion of paddle shifters and an innovative S+ Shift drive mode, which simulates the sensation of a traditional performance transmission. Honda describes the system as providing “virtual rev-matched downshifts” and enhanced engine sounds to deepen the driver’s connection with the vehicle.
In simpler terms, the S+ Shift mode allows drivers to enjoy the auditory and tactile feedback of gear changes without the mechanical complexity of a conventional manual or automatic gearbox. The system is optional, giving drivers the flexibility to switch between a simulated sporty feel and a smoother, more efficient hybrid drive.
Inside the 2+2 coupe, technology takes center stage. A 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster pairs with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google Built-in functionality. This integration provides access to Google Assistant and Google Maps, enhancing connectivity and personalization. A wireless phone charger is also standard, along with three years of unlimited data and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot.
Audio quality is delivered through an 8-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system, featuring 6.5-inch wide-range door speakers and a sizable subwoofer located in the cargo area.
According to industry reports, the revived Prelude aims to captivate a demographic of former fans now in their 50s and 60s, many of whom have fond memories of the model from their youth. In the 1980s, the Prelude was a popular choice among young drivers, often associated with dating and personal freedom. With many of these original owners now empty-nesters, Honda seeks to rekindle that emotional connection, offering a modern yet familiar sports coupe experience.
For those who once drove a Prelude decades ago, the new model represents more than just a car, it’s a return to passion, independence, and the joy of driving.
(Source: The Verge)
