New hybrid-electric Honda Prelude, ode to ’78 original, coming to US in late 2025
Get ready for a blast from the past, reimagined for the future! Honda’s bringing back the Prelude, that sleek sports coupe that first turned heads way back in ’78. This isn’t just a rehash, though—it’s a hybrid-electric powerhouse set to hit US roads in late 2025 (or maybe as a 2026 model, depending on who you ask).
Think about it: the original Prelude, a sportier riff on the Accord, captivated drivers for over two decades, spanning five generations before bowing out in 2001. Now, after a hiatus, it’s roaring back with a jolt of electricity. We got a sneak peek at the concept version at both the Japan Mobility Show and the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2023, leaving us all buzzing with anticipation.
But what exactly does “hybrid-electric” mean in Prelude-speak? Well, Honda’s throwing in a nifty feature called S+ Shift. Now, their e:HEV system doesn’t actually have a traditional transmission with gears clunking around. But with S+ Shift activated, drivers can use paddle shifters to mimic that classic gear-shifting feel. Imagine the satisfying rise and fall of the engine revs, even without a conventional gearbox. It’s like having your cake and eating it too—the efficiency of a hybrid with the engaging feel of a sports car. Clever, right?
While Honda’s keeping some details close to the vest, rumors are swirling. Car and Driver predicts a price tag somewhere between $31,000 and $38,000. That’s a pretty wide range, but it gives us a ballpark idea.
This revival isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s part of Honda’s bigger push towards a greener future. They’re aiming for carbon neutrality across their entire product lineup by 2050, with a major shift towards fully electric and fuel-cell vehicles by 2040. It’s a bold ambition, and the hybrid Prelude seems to be a key stepping stone. Currently, over a quarter of Honda’s sales are electric vehicles, and more than half of Accord and CR-V sales are hybrid models. So, this isn’t some far-off dream; it’s happening now. The Prelude’s return signifies not just a revival of a classic, but a leap into an electrifying automotive future.
