- Honda has confirmed it will sell the production version of 2023’s Prelude Concept in Europe.
- Reports from Japan say front-wheel drive coupe will use the same 2.0-liter e-HEV powertrain as Civic and Accord.
- The Prelude is also expected to be offered in the US, though Honda has yet to confirm it.
Honda has confirmed that the production version of last year’s pretty Prelude Concept will go on sale in Europe, and the automaker is bringing it to this month’s Goodwood Festival of Speed to build fans’ anticipation.
Releasing images of a red coupe – the original concept was white – alongside an original first-generation 1979-82 Prelude that looks tiny in comparison, Honda claimed that the first new Prelude in 30 years would blend driving fun with efficiency via a hybrid drivetrain.
Related: Here’s How A 2026 Prelude Type R Could Look
The automaker didn’t go into detail about the petrol-electric powertrain, but recent reports from Japan suggest it could be the same e-HEV powertrain as Civic and US-market Accord hybrids whose chassis it’s expected to share when it hits the road in 2025. In those cars a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle petrol engine joins forces with two electric motors to power the car.
Plenty of car enthusiasts would rather see Honda drop in the Civic Type R’s 315 hp (319 PS) 2.0-liter turbo engine and six-speed manual transmission, but it doesn’t sound like that’s on the cards. Honda officials have been quoted in the past as saying the Prelude “isn’t going to be the sportiest, zippiest car.”
“The new Prelude not only marks the latest chapter in our ever evolving hybrid story, it is also the product of 25 years of pioneering hybrid research and development,” said Honda chief engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami, referencing the first Honda Insight hybrid from 1999.
“In addition, the Prelude demonstrates the continued importance of hybrid powertrains as part of Honda’s automobile electrification strategy – a key step towards our commitment for 100 percent of new vehicle sales to be battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell by 2040,” Yamagami added.
The Prelude Concept made its debut at the Japan Mobility Show last October, then hopped over to the LA Auto Show in November. That LA appearance seemed like a strong hint that the Prelude would be offered in the US, but North American availability hasn’t been confirmed yet.
