The Honda Prelude is Real, Returns Later Next Year

Maybe you’ve seen our previous coverage of the Honda Prelude and thought it was already confirmed. Well, it was pretty much confirmed, but news from Honda today officially supports the claim. The sixth-generation Honda Prelude will arrive in the U.S. later this year, returning as an electrified sport coupe.

Don’t hit that back button yet– “electrified” refers to a hybrid system, meaning there will still be some sort of internal combustion under the hood. Honda specifies that the new Prelude will incorporate their two-motor hybrid powertrain, likely similar to that seen in the latest Civic Hybrid. Exact powertrain details are sparse, practically nonexistent, other than that; however, Honda did announce the S+ Shift technology, a new drive mode that “further advances Linear Shift Control to deliver maximum levels of driver engagement.”

Honda says the new Prelude will advance “the joy of driving,” and regardless of powertrain we’re inclined to believe them, thanks to recent efforts with the refreshed Civic Si and others.

“The return of the Honda Prelude as a hybrid-electric sports model demonstrates our continued commitment to offer a variety of exhilarating products to meet the needs of our customers,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales. “The first three products in the Honda lineup in the 1970s were Civic, Accord and Prelude, and soon all three will be back together again in our passenger car lineup as hybrids.”

This announcement coincides with Honda’s 25th anniversary of electrification, having introduced their first hybrid-electric model to America back in 1999. They’ve come a long way since the first-gen Insight, and we can’t wait to get behind the wheel of a new Prelude.