- Honda Prelude confirmed for 2026
- Stonking comeback for a Nineties icon
- Will have e:HEV hybrid electric powertrain
- Innovative ‘S+ Shift’ auto gearbox
The all-new Honda Prelude is officially back - and confirmed for a 2026 launch.
This is exciting news for anyone with fond memories of the sporty coupe that was last seen on forecourts way back in 2000.
The Prelude ran for five generations, first appearing in 1978, and ended its life as an angular, shark-nosed four-seater, with 2.2-litre VTi models developing 183 bhp.
The incoming Honda Prelude looks to be a different beast entirely.
It’s got more rounded features and a low-slung silhouette that brings to mind the Toyota GR86.
The new Prelude is also hybrid electric and will get a version of the 2.0-litre self-charging, dual-motor e:HEV hybrid engine that you enjoy with the Honda Civic.
Honda says the sixth-gen Prelude will also boast ‘S+ Shift technology’ which has been developed to ‘simulate the sound and feel of quick automatic gear changes’.
What does that actually mean? An explainer on the Honda website confirms more details.
While there’s no mechanical transmission mechanism, there are paddle shifters behind the steering wheel designed with rapid gearshift responses in mind.
There’s an Active Sound Control (ASC) system which pumps ‘enhanced’ engine noises into the cabin via the speaker system, ‘amplifying the sense of oneness between the driver and the vehicle’, says Honda.
The S+ Shift tech will also make sure you’re always in the right gear according to the conditions - holding a gear when you’re negotiating a bend or leaving plenty in reserve when cruising for potent re-acceleration.
Hans de Jaeger, Senior Vice President, Honda Motor Europe, said: “The Honda Prelude is an iconic nameplate, and this latest model promises to build on that heritage with our trademark hybrid performance and the latest dynamic technology. All with a view to not only delivering exceptional efficiency, but also the fun-to-drive performance for which this model is known. We are excited for its arrival in Europe following a very positive reception so far.”
We first glimpsed the Honda Prelude as a concept in July this year. When it does arrive, the Prelude will compete with cars like the BMW 2 Series Coupe M240i and the Alpine A110.
Can’t wait for the Prelude’s launch? Check out the raucous Honda Civic Type R hot hatch.
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