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While we've been well aware of Honda's plans to resurrect the NSX nameplate, and potentially even the similarly respected S2000, the last thing we would expect would be for the brand to revive the storied Prelude. And yet we find ourselves at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show looking not at a new NSX, but at a new-age Prelude packed with hybrid power. Who knew Honda was so good at keeping secrets.
The reborn Prelude is only a concept for now, though its production-ready looks would suggest that Honda plans to get things started sooner rather than later. And while a launch for the Japanese market is a given, the automaker is still mulling over whether to bring the coupe stateside. Just do it, Honda.
Even in a world where the likes of the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Toyota Century have fallen victim to the crossover craze, this is no plastic-clad mall crawler with the "Cross" badge slapped in back. No, this is a real coupe. Two doors and all. But that's not the only trend Honda is dodging with the new Prelude, as retro-inspired looks are nowhere to be found. Instead, the coupe's modern styling would almost have it passing for a two-door variant of the fifth-generation Prius. We knew the new Prius was hot, but we didn't think Honda would copy Toyota's homework to create a coupe.
For those who don't already see the resemblance between the two hybrids, the Prelude features a set of slim headlights conjoined by an even slimmer LED light bar, which spans the coupe's sharp nose. Just below, the concept features a gaping black mesh mouth with a thin vertical strip of bright blue within its center. There's also a subtle front splitter––which, along with the side skirts and sharp rear splitter––appears to be made of carbon fiber. Around back, the Prius influence gets glaringly obvious with a slim LED light bar that might as well have been ripped straight off Toyota's prized fuel economy champ. Elsewhere in back, there's a small lip spoiler and large rear bumper, both finished in a glossy shade of black.
The copycat game ends, however, with the Prelude's side profile, which takes on a much sharper, sportier shape reminiscent of a traditional Honda coupe. The profile is clean and devoid of any wacky lines or angles, lending the coupe a pure look that's only made clearer with its bright white paint. An undertone of sportiness comes from the Prelude's sharp rocker panels and shiny black wheels, with the latter hiding a set of blue brake calipers beneath its intricate design.
Honda has been zip-lipped regarding the rest of the Prelude's specifications, though it did clarify that the Prelude is a hybrid and not fully electric. Exactly what kind of engine that's being paired with the electric motors remains a mystery for now.
Are you excited to see the Honda Prelude return?
Image Credits: Honda
Revealed
Nov 3, 2023
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Surprise! The Honda Prelude Returns As A Modern Coupe With A Hybrid Heart
While it's just a concept for now, the Prelude appears ready for production.
While we've been well aware of Honda's plans to resurrect the NSX nameplate, and potentially even the similarly respected S2000, the last thing we would expect would be for the brand to revive the storied Prelude. And yet we find ourselves at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show looking not at a new NSX, but at a new-age Prelude packed with hybrid power. Who knew Honda was so good at keeping secrets.
The reborn Prelude is only a concept for now, though its production-ready looks would suggest that Honda plans to get things started sooner rather than later. And while a launch for the Japanese market is a given, the automaker is still mulling over whether to bring the coupe stateside. Just do it, Honda.
Even in a world where the likes of the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Toyota Century have fallen victim to the crossover craze, this is no plastic-clad mall crawler with the "Cross" badge slapped in back. No, this is a real coupe. Two doors and all. But that's not the only trend Honda is dodging with the new Prelude, as retro-inspired looks are nowhere to be found. Instead, the coupe's modern styling would almost have it passing for a two-door variant of the fifth-generation Prius. We knew the new Prius was hot, but we didn't think Honda would copy Toyota's homework to create a coupe.
For those who don't already see the resemblance between the two hybrids, the Prelude features a set of slim headlights conjoined by an even slimmer LED light bar, which spans the coupe's sharp nose. Just below, the concept features a gaping black mesh mouth with a thin vertical strip of bright blue within its center. There's also a subtle front splitter––which, along with the side skirts and sharp rear splitter––appears to be made of carbon fiber. Around back, the Prius influence gets glaringly obvious with a slim LED light bar that might as well have been ripped straight off Toyota's prized fuel economy champ. Elsewhere in back, there's a small lip spoiler and large rear bumper, both finished in a glossy shade of black.
The copycat game ends, however, with the Prelude's side profile, which takes on a much sharper, sportier shape reminiscent of a traditional Honda coupe. The profile is clean and devoid of any wacky lines or angles, lending the coupe a pure look that's only made clearer with its bright white paint. An undertone of sportiness comes from the Prelude's sharp rocker panels and shiny black wheels, with the latter hiding a set of blue brake calipers beneath its intricate design.
Honda has been zip-lipped regarding the rest of the Prelude's specifications, though it did clarify that the Prelude is a hybrid and not fully electric. Exactly what kind of engine that's being paired with the electric motors remains a mystery for now.
Are you excited to see the Honda Prelude return?
Image Credits: Honda
