The all-new hybrid Honda Prelude Concept made its debut at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, followed by its first North American appearance at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show – a notable occasion, given the fact that it’s been 45 years since the first-generation Prelude entered production in November 1978. It seemed likely that this might signal the arrival of a production version of the Honda Prelude Concept, and now, that’s precisely what’s set to happen.
The all-new Honda Prelude will indeed launch in the U.S. in late 2025 as a hybrid model, bringing back a rather iconic nameplate in the process. However, Honda didn’t provide too many additional details regarding the the Prelude otherwise, save for the fact that it will mark the debut of what it calls the S+ Shift drive mode, which “further advances Linear Shift Control to deliver maximum levels of driver engagement, in keeping with the heritage of the Prelude line.” Previously, the Prelude introduced innovations including four-wheel steering (4WS) and torque vectoring Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS).
“The return of the Honda Prelude as a hybrid-electric sports model demonstrates our continued commitment to offer a variety of exhilarating products to meet the needs of our customers,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales. “The first three products in the Honda lineup in the 1970s were Civic, Accord, and Prelude, and soon all three will be back together again in our passenger car lineup as hybrids.”
When it arrives, the Honda Prelude will give sports car fans another electrified option, and should be joined by the long-rumored Ford Mustang Hybrid at some point as well. Ford plans to add a hybrid powertrain to its entire Blue lineup by 2030, and Ford Performance is also currently testing hybrid engines as well. As Ford Authority previously reported, The Blue Oval originally planned to launch a hybrid Mustang by 2020, but that still hasn’t happened, though it’s seemingly just a matter of time before such a machine arrives.
Comments
Mustang OK. But why can’t you make a car like this? The hell with truck only ideas. I been a long time Ford Owner from Pinto to Escort to Focus Mk 3. I don’t want a truck too expensive. I want a car or you are going to loose me as a Ford Customer.
Good thing the Honda is so ugly.
I remember with the original Prelude; Car & Driver dubbed it the Quaalude bc it was so slow 😆😆😆
That Honda Prelude will fail as a competition to the almighty Ford Mustang! The only feature it will have greater than the Mustang will be its price.
We all assume nothing will compete with a Mustang V8, but realistically speaking, the Civic Type R is quite capable on track. Sure, it doesn’t have the power, but it handles exceptionally well. If the Prelude is released with 350hp. Ford should take notice.