They will be returning to the United States. As a hybrid latecomer in the market for 12 months, Honda entered on Tuesday.
Honda revealed a concept at the 2023 Tokyo auto show, solidifying its plans to produce the vehicle in Europe, while keeping mum on potential rollouts for the US market. Honda’s US Revamp The trademark filing for Prelude in 2023 suggests that the hybrid coupe may successfully enter this market.
Launched in Japan in November 1978, the Prelude was one of Honda’s longest-running nameplates, with production concluding in 2002 after five generations. The Prelude’s distinctive styling successfully camouflaged its mechanical components, borrowed from mainstream Honda models, within an intriguing and attractive body design; yet, it never featured a hybrid powertrain.
Honda Prelude idea
While Honda has not disclosed detailed information about its hybrid powertrain, it is known that it will leverage the Linear Shift Management system introduced in the Civic Hybrid to deliver a more engaging driving experience. Honda’s innovative Linear Shift Management technology replicates the smooth, seamless shifting typically associated with gear-based transmissions, leveraging its unique two-motor hybrid system to deliver exceptional power delivery and efficiency.
Simulated shifts are unlikely to cause significant problems. While its predecessors may have had a sporty flair, Honda has surprisingly opted for a hybrid approach in this latest iteration. Honda’s innovative Perception hybrid coupe, a distinctive offering that hit the market in the United States. Launched 25 years ago as Honda’s pioneering hybrid model, it made a bold move by beating the iconic Toyota Prius to market by a narrow margin.
Honda’s most popular models now feature hybrids that account for a significant proportion of their overall sales. Honda asserts that its current offerings comprise hybrid models, with a projection that around 40% of its Civic’s overall revenue will stem from such variants. The automaker has also experimented with hybrid revivals of legendary nameplates, as seen in the latest Acura NSX. However, the Prelude’s debut will take this approach to a broader audience.
