The Honda Prelude, the name resurrected at the 2023 Japanese Mobility Expo, moves from concept to prototype, revealing its production-ready interior and technological driving experience. While the cabin borrows heavily from the Civic, the driving dynamics promise a unique twist.
The interior, which is immediately recognizable as a Honda product, features a dashboard design that differs from the Civic's continuous air vent arrangement, hinting at a more refined aesthetic that could be borrowed from the Acura Integra. The traditional gear lever is gone, replaced by control buttons, signaling the exclusive offering of an automatic transmission in the Prelude.
However, Honda is aiming to inject a dose of sportiness with its “S+“ mode. This system simulates the sharper shifts of an eight-speed transmission, complete with paddle shifters. Honda claims that “S+ Shift“ precisely controls engine revs during acceleration and braking, creating a more direct and engaging driving experience, further enhanced by the artificial engine sounds fed through the speakers.
A recent preview highlighted the Prelude's 2+2 seating configuration. The sloping roofline, a hallmark of the coupe's design, inevitably takes a toll on rear headroom. However, the rear seats fold flat, and the hatchback design offers practical cargo space. Unique interior touches include coat hooks behind the quarter-glass and a small storage area between the rear seats.
Technical specifications are slowly emerging. Reports point to a slightly shorter wheelbase than the Civic, combined with a wider track and adoption of the Civic Type R's adaptive dampers and front suspension. A "GT" mode promises a balanced driving experience that caters to both comfort and sporty driving preferences.
Despite its initial right-hand drive launch, the Prelude is destined for global markets. Honda plans to launch the hybrid coupe in the U.S. by the end of 2025, with deliveries in Europe starting in early 2026. This global rollout signals Honda's intent to reestablish the Prelude as a key player in the sports coupe segment.