Honda has officially confirmed that the reimagined Prelude, now a hybrid sporty coupe, will be available in the UK. This follows last winter’s announcement of the beloved Prelude badge’s return.
From All-Electric to Hybrid
Initially anticipated as an all-electric vehicle, Honda has revealed that the new Prelude will actually feature a hybrid powertrain. This means it will include an internal combustion engine, likely a mildly uprated version of the Civic hybrid’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, known as ‘e’.
Performance Specs: What We Know So Far
While detailed mechanical specifications and technical outputs remain scarce, it is projected that the new Prelude will deliver around 200bhp to the front wheels. This might disappoint traditionalists who hoped for Honda’s first rear-wheel-drive performance car since the S2000.
A Hopeful Eye on the Future: Prelude Type R
There is speculation that a Type R version might be in development, especially since Honda has emphasized the Prelude’s mission to maintain the ‘joy of driving’. A 300bhp+, six-speed manual-driven Prelude would certainly excite enthusiasts, but we remain hopeful until any official announcement is made.
Honda’s Legacy of Hybrid Innovation
Tomoyuki Yamagami, Chief Engineer at Honda, stated: “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.”
Debut and Availability
The new Prelude will make its debut later this month at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and is expected to hit showroom floors next year. The question remains: Has Honda managed to bring back the Prelude badge in the right way?
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