Revving up for the Goodwood Festival of Speed this July, Honda is set to resurrect a legendary nameplate in Europe the Prelude.
This iconic coupe will be given a new lease on life as a sporty hybrid, slotting neatly into Honda’s growing range of electrified vehicles for the European market.
The return of the Prelude follows the tantalizing reveal of its concept car last year at the Tokyo Mobility Show, which ignited a firestorm of speculation about the model’s future.
While details regarding North American availability remain under wraps, Honda has quelled anxieties for European enthusiasts by officially confirming the production version of the Prelude.
This marks a triumphant return to the Old Continent after a two-decade absence. Gearheads can expect to see the concept car itself at Goodwood, sporting a head-turning crimson paint job as a bold premonition of its imminent arrival as a series-production model.
A legendary nameplate is poised for a comeback in Europe, marking the return of the Honda Prelude after a lengthy absence.
For five generations, launched 45 years ago, the original Prelude thrilled drivers with its innovative technology and exhilarating performance.
This modern interpretation, however, promises to be more than just a nostalgic echo. While Honda has remained tight-lipped about specifics, the concept hints at a future-oriented approach that prioritizes both environmental responsibility and driving pleasure.
Chief Engineer Tomoyuki Yamagami emphasizes the importance of preserving the Prelude’s “sporty DNA” in this new iteration. This suggests a car that seamlessly blends efficiency with exhilarating dynamics, offering an escape from the daily commute through an engaging driving experience.
The recently revealed concept provides a tantalizing look into the potential design direction. A vibrant red paint job stands out against contrasting black accents, including a subtle carbon fiber body kit and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Brembo crimson brake calipers peek out from behind the wheels, hinting at the car’s potential performance capabilities.
This visual feast further fuels anticipation for the return of the legendary Prelude, a return that coincides with Honda’s celebration of 25 years of hybrid powertrains in Europe.
The Insight coupe, launched in 1999, marked the continent’s first mass-produced hybrid, and today, Honda’s commitment to electrification is evident across their lineup, with Jazz, Civic, HR-V, ZR-V, and CR-V models all featuring e:HEV powertrains as standard. The return of the Prelude, then, serves as a bridge between Honda’s rich heritage and its commitment to a sustainable future.
