The Honda Prelude is making a comeback, and it’s creating quite a buzz. The announcement was made in October 2023 at the Tokyo Mobility Show, where a stunning concept car was revealed. Initially, it was thought to be an all-electric vehicle, but it turns out that it’s actually a hybrid. While there’s still uncertainty about whether the production model will be available in the US, it’s confirmed that Europe will be getting their hands on this sleek coupe.
In addition to the exciting news about its availability in Europe, Honda is showcasing a red version of the concept car. The red paint job gives off a sportier vibe compared to the original white color, especially with the red brake calipers that highlight the Brembo branding. The subtle carbon fiber body kit and discreet rear spoiler complement the fresh paint job perfectly. The black 20-inch wheels from last year’s concept have made a return as well.
Although the interior remains a mystery behind blacked-out windows, the Prelude is officially labeled as a concept. However, the design is expected to stay relatively unchanged for the production model. The presence of regular side mirrors indicates that it’s likely a production-intent vehicle rather than a far-fetched concept car that never becomes reality. It seems like a car that could easily fit in at any Honda dealership.
Despite the lack of details on technical specifications from Honda, it’s clear that the Prelude won’t be a full-fledged sports car. Chief engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami has mentioned that it won’t be the most high-performance car that’s meant for racing circuits. The fifth-generation model is being designed for both left- and right-hand-drive markets, and it’s promised to have four seats, though the sleek roofline suggests a more realistic expectation of a 2+2 cabin layout.
There’s speculation about whether the Prelude will be a two-door coupe version of the hybrid Civic, which offers 200 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder gas engine and two electric motors. Given the Prelude’s sporty aspirations, it’s possible that these numbers may be increased by the engineers. While the production model isn’t expected until the mid-2020s, the red Honda Prelude concept will be making an appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this week (July 11-14).
Overall, the return of the Honda Prelude is generating excitement among car enthusiasts, and the red concept car showcased at the Goodwood Festival of Speed is sure to turn heads and spark anticipation for its eventual release in the coming years.