The automotive world is buzzing with anticipation for the return of a legendary nameplate: the Honda Prelude. After a two-decade hiatus, Honda is poised to revive the Prelude, not as a nostalgic throwback, but as a technologically advanced hybrid sports coupe, slated to hit US showrooms in 2025. This revival signals Honda’s commitment to a hybrid-centric transition towards its ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, while simultaneously catering to the current market dynamics and the anticipated policy shifts under a new administration.
The new Prelude will showcase Honda’s latest hybrid technology, featuring a dual-motor setup coupled with an internal combustion engine. This configuration, while not implying all-wheel drive, represents a refinement of Honda’s established hybrid powertrain. One motor functions as a generator, supplying electricity to the battery and propulsion system, while the other acts as a traction motor, driving the vehicle and capturing regenerative energy during deceleration. This system is further enhanced by the introduction of Honda S+ Shift, a novel drive mode designed to maximize driver engagement by refining the Linear Shift Control technology.
While details remain scarce, Honda’s strategic silence suggests a calculated rollout of information closer to the production date. Speculation abounds, with some expressing a desire for a fully electric Prelude. However, Honda’s current strategy emphasizes hybrid technology as a crucial stepping stone towards full electrification. This approach is not only technologically sound but also aligns with the potential softening of EV incentives and regulations anticipated under the incoming administration, thus addressing potential market uncertainties.
Honda’s commitment to hybrid technology is underscored by its remarkable success in this domain. Hybrid versions of the Accord and CR-V currently constitute over half of their respective sales, demonstrating a strong consumer appetite for this technology. The newly launched Civic hybrid is also projected to capture a significant share of the Civic market, further solidifying Honda’s position in the hybrid segment. With cumulative sales of electrified vehicles exceeding one million, Honda’s expertise in hybrid technology is undeniable.
This hybrid strategy doesn’t preclude Honda’s exploration of fully electric vehicles. The fully electric Honda Prologue, based on GM’s Chevy Equinox EV platform, has witnessed robust sales since its recent US launch. Furthermore, Honda plans to unveil a production-ready Honda Zero model at CES next year, showcasing its commitment to developing innovative electric vehicles.
The Prelude’s return as a hybrid symbolizes a pragmatic approach to balancing performance, efficiency, and market realities. It leverages Honda’s proven hybrid expertise while navigating the evolving landscape of automotive electrification. By capitalizing on its hybrid prowess, Honda aims to maintain its market position while paving the way for a fully electric future. The Prelude’s revival not only signifies the return of a beloved nameplate but also embodies Honda’s strategic vision for the future of mobility. This approach allows Honda to address current market demands while steadily progressing towards its long-term goal of carbon neutrality, ensuring a sustainable and exciting future for the automotive industry.
