Honda recently unveiled its new Prelude Concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, giving a sneak peek into an upcoming production model that will soon be available in the UK. This concept was initially showcased at the 2023 Tokyo Motor Show, sparking excitement among enthusiasts who were eager to see Honda make a comeback in the two-door sports coupe market with a hybrid powertrain.
The Prelude Concept was put on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed to generate interest ahead of its anticipated release next year. While the design of the production version remains a mystery, the concept car’s understated appearance and sensible wheel size suggest that it will closely resemble the actual model. Unlike some of its competitors like the Toyota Supra, the Prelude Concept does not feature the traditional long bonnet and short-tail proportions, indicating that it may be built on a more conventional front-drive platform, likely borrowed from the latest Civic.
Drawing inspiration from the successful FL5 Type R, which is based on the Civic’s platform, Honda aims to deliver a thrilling and engaging driving experience with the new Prelude. Chief Engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami highlighted the company’s commitment to blending the efficiency of electrified driving with the excitement of being behind the wheel, offering users a liberating driving experience that enhances their daily lives.
In terms of power, the Prelude is expected to feature the Civic’s hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with two electric motors. This setup allows the combustion engine to act as a generator for the electric motors during regular driving, while also directly powering the wheels at higher speeds. With a combined output of 181bhp and 232lb ft of torque, the Prelude is projected to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 7.9 seconds. The lightweight two-door body of the Prelude, along with potential enhancements in power output, could further reduce this acceleration time.
As the Prelude signifies the beginning of a new era for Honda’s sports cars, the company has plans to introduce more electrified models in the future, showcasing their dedication to performance-oriented vehicles. Enthusiasts can look forward to the official launch of the production model in 2025, marking the culmination of Honda’s vision for sporty and electrified driving experiences.