The Honda Prelude has returned as a hybrid-powered coupe

The sports coupe sector has withered away in recent years, but Honda is pinning its hopes on a two-door Prelude hybrid that could make production

Honda Prelude – front

‘Extraordinary excitement you’ve never felt before’ – that’s what Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe claims that the new Prelude will offer to customers. It’s only a concept for now, but the Prelude is a precursor to Honda’s new era of electrified sports cars and hot hatchbacks, and a production version could be on the horizon. 

Honda hasn’t provided any technical details to supplement its bold statement about the new Prelude hybrid, but the CEO did mention that customers should ‘keep expectations high’ for the model, suggesting that a production version is planned. 

The Prelude Concept certainly doesn’t look like a fanciful show car in its current form. The classical coupe proportions are quite conventional, and most of the details – from the light units to the door mirrors and alloy wheels – appear showroom ready. It even wears a set of Continental SportContact 6 consumer tyres. 

‘Honda has always been committed to creating sporty vehicles,’ said Mibe. ‘And the word “prelude” means an “introductory or preceding performance.” This model will become the prelude for our future models which will inherit the “joy of driving” into the full-fledged electrified future and embody Honda’s unalterable sports mindset. The Prelude Concept is a specialty sports model that will offer an exhilarating experience that makes you want to keep going forever.’

Through the four previous generations, the Prelude established a reputation for sophisticated engine and chassis engineering, debuting the world’s first mechanical four-wheel steering system and trademarked CVCC combustion technology in the 80s. 

The Prelude was never an out-and-out sports car – there’s never been a Type R version – but its keen front-drive chassis and rev-happy four-cylinder engines drew praise in period. By the sounds of it, Honda intends to ratchet the excitement up a notch or two with this potential fifth-generation car, and we’re looking forward to the results.

Recommended

AC Schnitzer’s BMW M2 is lower, grippier and meaner
AC Schnitzer G87 BMW M2
News

AC Schnitzer’s BMW M2 is lower, grippier and meaner

The G87 BMW M2 is a strong performer as standard, and AC Schnitzer has given it an added dose of focus
16 Nov 2023
BMW M3 GTS (E92, 2010-2011): review, history and specs of an icon
E92 BMW M3 GTS
Reviews

BMW M3 GTS (E92, 2010-2011): review, history and specs of an icon

With a price tag more than double that of a regular E92 M3, the M3 GTS was a tough sell back in 2010. But get behind the wheel today and there’s no do…
15 Nov 2023
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE63 S E Performance spied – 671bhp hybrid spotted in drop-top form
Mercedes-AMG CLE63 cabriolet
Spy shots

2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE63 S E Performance spied – 671bhp hybrid spotted in drop-top form

AMG's new four-seat coupe and cabriolet ranges will be topped by a 671bhp AMG flagship, spied testing in Germany
9 Nov 2023
Best coupes 2023
Best coupes 2023
Best cars

Best coupes 2023

Diverse and eclectic, our favourite coupes hit all sorts of different notes
2 Nov 2023

Most Popular

Aftermarket ‘pop and bang’ exhausts could make your car illegal
Exhaust
News

Aftermarket ‘pop and bang’ exhausts could make your car illegal

In a landmark case, a car tuner has been fined for modifying a vehicle and making it unfit for the road
24 Nov 2023
Car pictures of the week: BMW M3 CS v Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA v Jaguar XE Project 8
BMW M3 CS v Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA v Jaguar XE Project 8
Features

Car pictures of the week: BMW M3 CS v Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA v Jaguar XE Project 8

In the current issue of evo we pit the formidable BMW M3 CS against two highly-specialised supersaloons. Here are some of our favourite snapshots
25 Nov 2023
Porsche claims new Panamera will drive more like a 911
Porsche Panamera – front
News

Porsche claims new Panamera will drive more like a 911

Porsche’s exec-express has been given a 2024 makeover, with a host of design and technology upgrades inspired by the Taycan
24 Nov 2023