The NSX, Integra, Civic Type R, and now the Prelude—it's safe to say Honda has been playing the nostalgia card brilliantly in recent years. With its two doors, sleek design, and hybrid powertrain, this upcoming addition to the Japanese automaker's lineup is nothing short of a dream.
This December, Honda unveiled the first official images of the future Prelude. It’s worth remembering that the model was introduced as a concept last year.
A Desirable Car
One thing is certain: the new Honda Prelude makes us want to drive it. Honda could have easily given us a two-door Civic with a slightly tweaked look, but that’s not the case here—and it’s important to highlight this. Instead, we have a car with its own unique personality, capable of turning heads from every angle.
A Sixth-Generation Hybrid
Some might call it a gamble by the Japanese automaker, but I see it as a masterstroke. Honda couldn’t have pulled this off 10 or 20 years ago. In fact, the brand tried something similar with the CR-Z, which, despite having all the right ingredients, didn’t achieve great success. What makes the Prelude different is that it arrives in an era when hybrid cars are well-understood, widely appreciated by the general public, and especially admired by car enthusiasts.
We still don’t know much about this hybrid powertrain, but I believe it will draw heavily from the one found in the 2025 Civic. That setup combines a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the car is likely to include the S+ button on its gear selector, offering an extra boost of power.
The first-generation Honda Prelude debuted in 1978, and four subsequent generations left their marks on their respective eras.
The sixth-generation Honda Prelude is set to hit the market sometime in 2025 as a 2026 model. It’s a car we’re all eagerly anticipating.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
