The Honda Prelude, once a hot presence in showrooms, has been reborn after 23 years. It’s a completely new version that combines Honda’s next-generation hybrid technology with a sporty spirit. Honda officially unveiled the exterior and interior design of the new Prelude and announced plans for mass production and release in the second half of the year.
The Return of a Legend
The Prelude, which was discontinued in 2001 and has since become a legend among fans, has returned as a fully redesigned sixth-generation model. The design largely inherits the contours of the concept car revealed in 2023.
The classic proportions of a two-door coupe, a low and elongated roofline, and LED headlamps create a striking silhouette. In particular, the new Prelude reinterprets the traditional coupe sensibility in a modern design language.
It is set to be launched in the second half of 2025, starting in Japan, Europe, and the United States, though it is still unclear whether it will be introduced to the South Korean market.
The new Prelude uses a modified version of the Civic platform, with a shortened wheelbase and widened track. Details throughout the vehicle aim to enhance sports driving performance by improving chassis rigidity and reducing weight.
A Hybrid Sports Car Infused with the Latest Technology
At the heart of the new Prelude is its hybrid powertrain. It combines a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injection Atkinson cycle engine with a two-motor system, linked to a continuously variable transmission (e-CVT).
Although detailed specs such as output remain undisclosed, Honda expressed confidence, stating the setup is tuned for sporty driving. One of the key features drawing attention is the S+ shift mode. This function simulates the jolts of actual gear changes and provides synthesized engine sounds to offer the driver an emotionally immersive experience. It’s designed to let drivers enjoy the feel of a manual transmission, even in a hybrid.
Interior Design at the Boundary of Retro and Futuristic
The interior reflects Honda’s latest design language. A 9-inch display, digital instrument panel, and button-style gear selector are arranged with simplicity. A new three-spoke steering wheel and integrated headrest sport bucket seats enhance the immersive driving experience.
One particularly thoughtful touch is the asymmetrical support of the left and right seats, tailored to differentiate the experience for the driver and passenger. Retro-inspired details are also subtly placed throughout. The navy-and-white two-tone color scheme and houndstooth patterns evoke nostalgia while maintaining a refined aesthetic.
Honda’s Bold Move in the High-Performance Coupe Market
The new Prelude is expected to directly compete with other high-performance coupes like the Toyota GR86 and Mazda MX-5. With a projected price of around 30,000 dollars, it is expected to hold strong price competitiveness as well.
Honda aims to showcase both its technological advancement and design direction through this model. The revival of the Prelude is more than just the launch of another car—it signals Honda’s future strategy.
After 23 years of waiting, the Prelude is back on the road. Whether it can surpass its past glory and become a new legend remains to be seen, but automotive enthusiasts around the world are watching closely.
