In a fit of good news for gearheads, Honda has officially confirmed the sixth-generation Prelude is headed to production.
The machine is described as an “all-new hybrid-electric” and is promised before the end of next year. In a world populated with milquetoast crossovers which have all the soul of a bread loaf, the introduction of any sporty coupe is very welcome.
While there isn’t much detail as to what will power the new Prelude, the hybrid-electric declaration gives some clues. The smart money is on a setup similar to what’s currently found in the Civic and CR-V, machines which have a 2.0-liter internal combustion aided by a pair of electric motors. Today’s announcement did confirm the two-motor part of the Prelude’s hybrid equation, so this seems like a safe bet.
Honda is talking up a new drive mode called Honda S+ Shift, a feature said to adjust the Linear Shift Control programming to “deliver maximum levels of driver engagement” in keeping with expectations associated alongside the Prelude name. For those not familiar, the hybrid powertrains presently being cranked out by Honda are capable of simulating fake-news gearshifts; it is likely they will be more visceral, if that’s the right word, in this Prelude. Given the presence of an actual internal combustion engine, we don’t expect complicated (but effective) trickery like that found in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which is all-electric and not a hybrid.
Both of our long-time readers will recall this gen-six Prelude first appeared at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, arriving as a concept vehicle which looked suspiciously ready for production. It later made a North American debut at that year’s L.A. Auto Show. Those suspicions were founded, since it will be but two short years from the appearance of that machine to the promised arrival date of late next year.
[Images: Honda]
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Source: The Truth About Cars
