A Prelude to the Future: Honda’s Iconic Prelude Poised for an Electric Comeback

• Honda reintroduces the iconic Prelude as an electric concept car, marking a potential comeback for the popular two-door coupe after almost two decades since its discontinuation.
• Unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show, the Prelude EV concept, while scarce in detailed specifications, embodies Honda’s vision of delivering the “joy of driving” in a fully electrified vehicle.
• The automotive community is cautiously optimistic about the Prelude EV’s potential to fill a niche in the two-door coupe segment of the EV market, awaiting further details on its transition to a production model.

In a recent unveiling that excited many automotive enthusiasts, Honda introduced a new electric concept car, reigniting the iconic Prelude nameplate after nearly two decades. Showcased at the Japan Mobility Show, the electric Prelude concept marks the re-emergence of the once highly popular two-door coupe which was first launched in 1978 and had a particularly successful run during its second generation (1983-1987) with over 300,000 units sold. However, the Prelude faced declining sales in the 1990s, and was eventually discontinued in 2001​¹​​²​.

The rebirth of the Prelude as an electric vehicle (EV) aligns with the growing EV market and Honda’s move towards a more sustainable automotive future. The new Prelude concept, while not abundant in released specifications, carries a significant amount of anticipation due to its historic popularity and Honda’s emphasis on crafting sporty vehicles. During the unveiling, Honda’s president Toshihiro Mibe expressed that the new Prelude aims to encapsulate the “joy of driving” in the realm of electrification, symbolizing a prelude to future models from the automaker​²​.

Visually, the Prelude concept looks nearly production-ready, showing a sharp design that resonates with the sporty, compact aesthetics of its predecessors, yet with a modern twist to suit the current automotive landscape. While the specifics regarding its electric powertrain remain undisclosed, the term “full-fledged electrified” used by Honda hints at a fully electric vehicle, steering away from the hybrid or hydrogen fuel cell technologies the company explored in the past​²​.

The two-door coupe segment is relatively underserved in the EV space, hence the electric Prelude might fill a significant niche. With a decent price point, it could potentially replicate the success of the earlier Prelude models. However, Honda’s slow adoption of all-electric vehicles compared to other automakers could be a point of contention, but if the Prelude EV moves beyond the concept stage to production, it could significantly bolster Honda’s position in the growing EV market.

The automotive community remains cautiously optimistic, with hopes that the Prelude EV concept will transition to a production model in the near future. The Prelude’s historic popularity, combined with the modern electric rendition, indeed paints a promising picture for both Honda and electric vehicle enthusiasts.

Revving Up Nostalgia: The Hypothetical Return of the Honda Prelude with a Traditional Si Twist

Ah, the allure of traditional combustion engines paired with the sport-injected (Si) option – it certainly holds a unique charm for automotive purists. Imagine if Honda decided to steer the revival of the Prelude towards the routes of its heydays, with the roar of a gasoline engine reverberating through the chassis, and the Si badge adorning its rear. The thought of a modern Prelude equipped with a high-performance internal combustion engine, embodying the authentic spirit of driving, is indeed captivating. A traditional Prelude Si could offer a blend of nostalgia and modern-day driving dynamics, allowing drivers to relish the tactile feedback of a manual gearbox, the instantaneous response of a naturally aspirated engine, and the familiar hum of combustion that has defined automotive culture for generations.

In a world rapidly transitioning towards electrification, a gasoline-powered Prelude Si would stand as a testament to Honda’s rich automotive heritage. It would cater to the segment of enthusiasts who yearn for the unfiltered engagement and raw driving experience that comes with a traditional powertrain. Moreover, the Si option would herald enhanced performance credentials, potentially featuring a high-revving VTEC engine, stiffer suspension setup, and a sport-tuned exhaust that resonates with the glorious notes of automotive yesteryears. While the electric avenue promises a future of sustainable mobility and impressive performance metrics, there’s an undeniable allure in the idea of a traditional Prelude Si offering a bridge between the illustrious past and the evolving present of automotive engineering.

Electric or Manual: What’s Your Take on the New Prelude Concepts?

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the recent unveiling of the Honda Prelude as an EV concept. How do you feel about this modern twist to a classic favorite? Additionally, we’re curious to know your take on a hypothetical manual 6-speed gasoline version. Would the roar of a traditional engine and the tactile feedback from a manual gearbox enhance the allure of the Prelude for you? Share your opinions and join the discussion below!

Highlights

• Honda recently unveiled the electric Prelude concept car, bringing back the beloved two-door coupe after nearly 20 years.
• The Prelude, once a popular model with over 300,000 units sold during its second generation (1983-1987), faced declining sales in the 1990s and was discontinued in 2001.
• Unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show, the new electric concept aims to embody the “joy of driving” in an electrified future, as stated by Honda’s president Toshihiro Mibe.
• While specific details about its electric powertrain remain undisclosed, Honda’s use of the term “full-fledged electrified” suggests a fully electric vehicle.
• The Prelude EV concept appears nearly production-ready, showcasing a sharp, sporty design that aligns with the aesthetics of its predecessors, yet modernized for the current automotive landscape.
• The two-door coupe segment is relatively underserved in the EV market, positioning the Prelude EV as a potential significant addition, should it move beyond the concept stage.
• The automotive community is cautiously optimistic about the possibility of the Prelude EV transitioning to a production model, which could significantly bolster Honda’s position in the growing EV market, especially if offered at a competitive price point.

Disclaimer: This is a speculative analysis based on the recently unveiled Honda Prelude EV concept and historical data. Official details regarding the production and specifications of the Prelude EV are yet to be released by Honda.