Whereas watch reissues are launched seemingly each week, the automobile industry appears to require much more deliberation earlier than pulling the set off on revivals of previous favorites. We get it; automobiles are considerably tougher and costly to provide, thus requiring a bigger threat. Because of this when a discontinued mannequin does get revived, it has the potential to interrupt the web.
A consultant of a bygone period, the Honda Prelude was produced from 1978 till it ceased manufacturing in 2001. However the Japanese marque has simply introduced that the nameplate will probably be returning late subsequent 12 months — however as a hybrid car. We’ve the news.
What Occurred?
Owing to a shift from sportier coupes to the extra sensible ones within the ‘90s, together with a considerably extra aggressive marketplace for the automobiles that decade (Honda alone had some half-dozen coupe fashions on the time), the Prelude left us, with largely dry eyes, after 5 generations. Nevertheless, as nostalgia for that period will increase, so does enthusiasm for the automobiles that helped us get by means of it.
What We Know So Far
Previewed as an idea in 2023 on the Los Angeles Auto Present, the return of the two-door Prelude will include an advanced powertrain when it arrives later this 12 months. Not operating on gasoline alone, the revival will run on a two-motor setup just like the hybrid variations of the Accord and Civic fashions already out. This might presumably be paired with the identical 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as effectively, though Honda is fairly scarce with specs and information in the mean time.
Assistant VP of Honda Auto Gross sales even commented that “the primary three merchandise within the Honda lineup within the Nineteen Seventies had been Civic, Accord, and Prelude, and shortly all three will probably be again collectively once more in our passenger automobile lineup as hybrids.”
The brand new powertrain additionally comes with the debut of the Honda “S+ Shift” options, which is basically a brand new drive mode that gives “most ranges of driver engagement.” Primarily, Honda’s hybrids don’t have an precise gearbox, so this offers you the feeling of shifting regardless of a direct-drive system that precludes it.
By way of type, the brand new Prelude doesn’t fairly look just like the fashions of previous, with its dramatic rear windshield. Nevertheless, the signature moonroof is again, seeming to mix along with the entrance windshield. Additionally, the vintage-looking single-strip taillight might be seen on the again. Whereas that is actually a brand new automobile for a brand new period, I’d be mendacity if I mentioned I didn’t want there have been extra retro styling.
Spec Sheet
Mannequin: Prelude
Mannequin Yr: 2026
Engine: Two-motor hybrid
Energy: Unspecified
Pricing & Availability
No value has been specified both, however contemplating the hybrid variations of the 2024 Accord and Civic are roughly within the $30,000 vary, you’ll be able to anticipate the Prelude to be as effectively. As Honda said, you’ll be able to anticipate the car to reach in late 2025 for the 2026 mannequin 12 months.
2026 Honda Prelude Hybrid
Honda simply introduced it’s reviving the Prelude coupe after being discontinued in 2001. However now, the two-door car will probably be provided as a hybrid.
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