If asked to name a driver-oriented Honda you couldn’t be faulted for jumping to the usual suspects. The DC2 or DC5 Integra, the EG6 Civic SiR, the UKDM Accord Type R, and of course, the S2000 and NSX. Those are all great nameplates and exceptional cars, but there’s one coupe that is commonly left off the list of iconic Hondas: the Prelude.
But a trademark filing by Honda on August 15 could hint at the return of the name that was once revered for its innovation. Honda initially made a trademark application a couple of years ago for the Prelude name to be used for merchandise. However, the latest development, discovered by MotorTrend, prevents competitors from using the badge on an actual vehicle, which could suggest — if interpreted with a great deal of optimism — that Honda is looking at assigning the moniker to an all-new creation.
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The Prelude first appeared in 1978, and lasted five generations. Its second generation debuted an aerodynamic (during daylight at least) design with a lower front clip and popup headlights. 1987 saw the Prelude adopt four-wheel steering, allowing for improved maneuverability – a feature that is only just becoming mainstream on higher-end cars. But since 2001 the Prelude has been absent from the U.S. market.
We’re going to do our best to temper expectations — it’s entirely possible that the Japanese automaker is considering putting the Prelude name on a crossover or SUV.
Of course, there’s the other rumor that has been floating around that the company is planning to do something special for its 75th anniversary. The company famously unveiled the S2000 for its 50th anniversary. And Honda did tease two electric sports cars last year when they announced plans to launch 30 EVs globally by 2030. Plus, with the Integra name making a comeback for Acura, there is precedent to back up the theory.
If the Prelude were to return as an EV sports car it would almost certainly be based on the e:N architecture and feature a rear-mounted electric motor. Honda has also hinted that they have no qualms in giving the world an electric Type R, opening the doors of possibility to something that could even rival the next generation of Boxster/Cayman.
