Honda has officially brought the Prelude back from the dead, and it’s been spied testing in Europe for the first time.
Despite its dazzling camouflage, the prototype spotted testing appears to look exactly the same as the concept model that was revealed last year – though it seems to have lost the small tiered spoiler at the back.
It’ll reportedly enter production in 2025 as a 2026 model, though only in Europe to begin with. The potential of an Australian launch is currently unclear, with Honda’s local arm unable to provide any information.
Despite that, Honda’s trademark application to retain the Prelude name was filed last year and subsequently approved early this year.
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Details on the Prelude’s specifications aren’t yet available, though Honda has previously said the returning sports car will offer a hybrid powertrain. That means it’ll likely adopt an electrified drivetrain from the brand’s existing lineup.
Honda’s hybrid lineup currently includes e:HEV versions of the Civic, HR-V, ZR-V, CR-V and Accord, which utilise variations of a common 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine mated with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The CVT incorporates two electric motors, one which supplies power and the other which recuperates battery energy, to supplement the petrol engine and deliver drive to the front wheels.
It was recently confirmed the new Prelude won’t have the option of a manual transmission, despite Honda previously offering such a transmission in the hybrid CR-Z coupe.
The Civic’s hybrid powertrain produces up to 135kW of power and 315Nm of torque, though the heavier Accord scores an increase to 152kW and 335Nm.
There is also the high-performance Civic Type R in the brand’s lineup – whose turbocharged 2.0-litre could be a natural successor to the later 2.2-litre VTEC-equipped Preludes.
While that engine would offer a healthy power boost, the only drawback is it isn’t available with hybrid assistance.
Honda has also opened the door for a potential electric Prelude, though nothing has been confirmed.
Like its predecessors, it’s understood the new Prelude will be a four-seater, making it more of a rival to the rear-wheel drive Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ twins, rather than the Mazda MX-5.
We’re also yet to see any images of the Prelude’s interior, though these spy photos could mean we see more of the hybrid coupe in the coming months.
Prelude concept 
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