Honda has officially confirmed the return of the Honda Prelude nameplate with a new hybrid sports coupe for the North American market. At present, GM does not offer any model that will directly rival the forthcoming Honda Prelude hybrid sports coupe. The new electrified Prelude is expected to launch late next year.
The sixth-generation Prelude will offer sporty styling backed by a two-motor hybrid powertrain, plus S+ Shift mode that will enhance overall driving dynamics.
The recent Prelude Concept made its North American debut at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show following a global unveiling at the Japan Mobility Show. The new Coupe will join Honda’s growing hybrid lineup, which already includes the Honda Civic, Accord, and CR-V. Notably, hybrid versions now make up over 50 percent of Accord and CR-V sales, with Honda projecting hybrid variants to comprise 40 percent of Civic sales. The company recently marked a quarter century of hybrid vehicle sales in U.S., pioneered by the Honda Insight in 1999.
While powertrain specifics have not yet been released, the Prelude hybrid is expected to share technology with the latest Civic hybrid. This setup combines a naturally aspirated 2.0L I4 gasoline engine with two electric motors, producing approximately 200 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque.
Honda’s broader strategy also includes full EVs. The automaker recently launched its first all-electric SUV, the Honda Prologue, which is based on GM’s Ultium BEV technology, although GM and Honda recently announced that they would not move ahead with plans to co-develop affordable EV models under the $30,000 mark.
Honda also plans to build future EVs on its own dedicated platform at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio starting in late 2025. By 2030, Honda aims to introduce seven Honda 0 Series models globally, previewed by concepts like the Saloon and Space-Hub concept vehicles.
At present, GM has no direct rival for the upcoming Honda Prelude hybrid sports coupe, nor any known rival model in development.
But the model is still dead last in its competitive set.
Plus, a nationwide lease on extended-length full-size SUV.
With more than 2 million units sold in the U.S. since 1999.
Pulled down by the Lyriq's very poor performance.
Some 51 million airbags inflators are dodging a recall for now.
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I don't see the point of them showing that old Prelude. The 92' Prelude was a sharp looking car, but let's be frank; before the 90's Hondas were junk. The 73' CVCC was so bad that Honda was forced to buy them back.
Joe,
The point is that’s the first Honda Prelude. Did they get successively better and was the ‘92 vintage an especially great car? Yes, but every automotive story starts somewhere and for the Prelude, it all began with the 1978 model pictured above along with the latest iteration.
UGLY .... the first car of HONSSAN
lol, Nissan will at most be a budget sub brand or they'll just dump it into Mitsubishi and make that a budget brand (oh wait, it already is), but more likely will just be a patent/materials merger for Honda and the brand just dwindles entirely.
Almost seems like it's been forced on Honda.
Better than the four seater coupe gm offers.
Quote: At present, GM has no direct rival for the upcoming Honda Prelude hybrid sports coupe, nor any known rival model in development.
This is becoming an epidemic at gM the past 5 years with major product holes everywhere you look soon to include no Chevy sedans, stick shift equipped cars or affordable sport coupes when the 24 Camaros dry up on the lots along with the 25 Malibus.
GM trying to compete with every make in every segment is what got them in trouble in the first place with badge engineering. The Prelude isn't going to be a huge seller, so why complete in a small market segment?
No but their Civic and Accord models are. GM has the Malibu on an ancient platform that may or may not be getting phased out this year. Or a mediocre Cadillac sedan that nobody wants to spend the money on when there are better options in segment, including an Acura based on both the civic and accord platform.
Civics in particular are constantly moving off the lots here, sedans aren't dead. The big three continue to be perplexed on how to build a competitive sedan.
What's new?
Generic Motors
Junior Motors
Weak, lame, boring.
I always felt the 5th gen ('96 - '01) was the best looking Prelude.
The new one should have paid homage to the 5th gen instead of looking like some watered down jelly bean.
Looks like the Nissan Z Coupe .
Prelude Hybrid: the answer to the question exactly nobody was asking.
Now, Honda, get serious and make a modern S2000, CRX-Si, and AWD Odyssey!
If The Swindling Swede was still above ground and not taking the big dirt nap, he would be the first in line to purchase one of these Rice Burning Plug In Preludes. He loved Honda Accords and got himself a new one every time his lease was up while his poor wife drove a really old Buick LeSabre that had over 200k on the clock.