In an exciting revival that’s sure to thrill car enthusiasts, Honda is set to bring back the iconic Prelude after more than two decades. The beloved sports coupe, which gained fame alongside the Civic and Accord in the 1970s, will make its return as a hybrid-electric vehicle, a move that aligns perfectly with Honda’s contemporary focus on eco-friendly technology.
This new iteration, the sixth-generation Prelude, is expected to arrive in the US in late 2025— an impressive 47 years after the first generation was launched. Anticipation is high as Honda promises the inclusion of an innovative drive mode known as Honda S+ Shift. This feature aims to enhance driver engagement by refining the Linear Shift Control for a more dynamic driving experience.
It’s not surprising that the Prelude is making a comeback with a hybrid powertrain, given Honda’s recent successes in the hybrid space. The company reports that hybrid models account for over half of sales for popular lines like the Accord and CR-V. The upcoming Civic hybrid is also projected to constitute a significant portion of its lineup sales, reinforcing Honda’s commitment to a greener future.
The Prelude’s hybrid system is expected to feature a sophisticated two-motor powertrain. This system allows for versatile driving dynamics, operating predominantly as a series hybrid. In this mode, an electric propulsion motor primarily powers the wheels while the gasoline engine functions primarily to recharge the battery, ensuring efficient energy use. For highway cruising, the Prelude will transition to a parallel hybrid setup, coupling the gasoline engine to the front axle for seamless speed correlation and efficient energy conversion during braking.
Furthermore, Honda is not stopping at the Prelude’s relaunch. The brand revealed plans for the production model of the Honda 0 Series Saloon, initially unveiled at CES 2024. Slated for introduction in 2026, this model will be manufactured at Honda’s EV Hub in Ohio. Honda is ambitious, aiming to globally unveil seven Honda 0 Series models by 2030. The next CES event in January 2025 is expected to provide a glimpse of these innovations, highlighting the technologies introduced at the Honda 0 tech meeting in October 2024.
For automobile aficionados and hybrid enthusiasts alike, the return of the Honda Prelude marks a thrilling milestone in automotive evolution. With its blend of classic appeal and advanced technology, the 2025 Prelude is poised to redefine what we expect from hybrid sports coupes. Keep an eye on this development—as Honda continues to craft its legacy of innovation.
