After a decades-long slumber, the Honda Prelude is set for a triumphant comeback, with a concept previewing the design theme making its debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Defying the trend of hallowed nameplates such as Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Puma and Ford Capri being reincarnated as SUVs, Honda is bringing back the Prelude from the dead with a proper, low-slung coupe form factor.
While details of the production car’s mechanical specifications are still, for the most part, under wraps, it will be a hybrid, expected to use the Honda Civic e:HEV’s 2.0-litre powertrain. In that application, it delivers a total system output of 134kW and returns a fuel economy average of 4.2L/100km.
This setup would preclude the Prelude from being offered with a manual transmission option, such as that offered on other sports coupes like the Toyota GR86 and Ford Mustang.
Suspension and other chassis details are expected to mirror the Civic as well, with double wishbone suspension cradled with a subframe constructed from aluminium as well as a multi-link rear. This would be a departure from Preludes of yore, which traditionally leant on the Accord for their core components. Tomouki Yamagami, Honda’ chief engineer and large project leader said:
“The Prelude not only marks the latest chapter in our ever-evolving hybrid story, it is also the product of 25 years of pioneering hybrid research and development. Ensuring this model maintains its ‘sporty’ DNA by perfectly blending the efficiency and environmental advantages of electrified driving with an exhilarating experience behind the wheel – liberating users from their daily lives with increased driving pleasure.”
No word yet on Australian availability, but the Prelude is expected to land in European showrooms next year. Could there be a 2025 Honda Prelude Type R? We can only cross our fingers at this stage.
