Iconic Sport Coupe Returns
It hasn’t been a secret Honda was bringing again the Prelude. It was given a “sneak peek” on the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Present. The primary 4 generations of this well-liked sporty coupe roamed the streets between 1978 and 2001, changing into a cult favourite with tuners and customizers. The information at the moment is the announcement that the 2026 Prelude will probably be in Honda sellers someday late fall 2025.
The all-new 2026 Prelude Hybrid has a 2.0-liter I4 Atkinson-cycle engine paired with two electrical motors, producing a mixed 181 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. Its drive modes are Consolation, GT, Sport and Particular person.
Clear Fleet Report reviewed the 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid with the identical hybrid engine set-up and have been impressed with the efficiency. We pulled 6.2 seconds in 0-60 mph runs, which is a lot quick for a automobile weighing 2,935 kilos. Honda didn’t launch the curb weight for the Prelude Hybrid, however it needs to be related.
Honda additionally didn’t reveal gasoline economic system numbers for the Prelude however we count on it to be much like the Civic Hybrid’s EPA numbers of fifty mpg metropolis/47 freeway and 49 mixed. In our 970-mile, largely freeway, street journey from Southern to Northern California and again, utilizing the adaptive cruise management set between 65 and 70 mph and choosing the Regular drive mode, we averaged 50.3 miles per gallon within the Civic Hybrid.
Targeted on Enjoyable-To-Drive
Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice chairman of Honda Auto Gross sales, says the steering and dealing with have been designed to provide “a fun-to-drive really feel.” To take action the Prelude’s efficiency cred begins with the suspension from the Civic Kind R that features dual-axis struts up-front and a multi-link within the rear. Adaptive dampers with stabilizer bars entrance and rear full the set-up. There may be brake-based torque vectoring that, in Honda-speak, known as “Agile Dealing with Help.” After we drive it, we’ll go alongside the on-road particulars.
Stopping is from power-assisted, ventilated entrance and strong rear discs with the fronts getting Brembo 4-piston aluminum brake calipers. All-season 235/40R tires on 19-inch gloss Berlina Black alloy wheels are customary, with summer time tires obtainable.
The Prelude Hybrid has a sloping roofline, flush door handles and a rear mild bar working edge-to-edge sitting just under a diminutive spoiler. The doorways are easy however for an air vent behind the entrance wheels that results in a sculpted element working alongside the door’s backside edge. The aerodynamic entrance finish consists of an under-spoiler; headlights are mere slits on the outer edges of the sleek hood and fenders.
Extra Enjoyable Inside
Inside the two+2 seating has a 60:40 cut up fold down rear seat with a hatchback raise gate for entry. There’s a 10.2-inch configurable digital instrument cluster and a 9.0-inch excessive definition touchscreen with Google built-in. The wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto use the 9-speaker Bose sound system. There may be wi-fi telephone charging and the Prelude Hybrid generally is a Wi-Fi scorching spot.
Honda additionally debuts a brand new guide automated transmission (extra Honda-speak) S+ Shift that it claims will simulate a efficiency transmission expertise utilizing paddle shifters—proper right down to rev matching, downshift blips, gear holding and “enhanced” engine sounds. Extra on that after we get our fingers on these paddle shifters.
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Story by John Faulkner. Images by Honda.
