The excitement surrounding the return of the Honda Prelude continues to grow, with a prototype recently spotted testing on public roads in Germany. This sighting follows the public reveal of the Prelude concept last fall, which already appeared nearly production-ready. Despite the camouflaged wrap on the prototype, its sleek design is still evident. Key features like its curvy body, a narrow grille that blends into the headlights, and sloping rear roofline are visible, showing a close resemblance to the concept car. Even the black multispoke wheels are carried over from the earlier version.
The camouflaged wrap may be designed to distract, but it’s clear that Honda is keeping many elements from the concept intact as the car moves closer to production. The prototype doesn’t reveal much in terms of new information, but its appearance on public roads suggests that the Prelude is advancing toward its final stages of development. From what can be seen, the overall shape and design cues are very similar to the original concept, reinforcing the idea that Honda has a clear vision for this new model.
In terms of powertrain, Honda has already confirmed that the new Prelude will feature a hybrid system. While enthusiasts may hope for a manual transmission version, it’s unlikely that Honda will modify its hybrid setup to accommodate three pedals. This might disappoint fans of the original models who appreciated the driving experience of a manual, but the focus on hybrid technology indicates Honda’s commitment to modernizing the Prelude for today’s market.
As for availability, the exact timing of the Prelude’s release in the United States remains unclear. However, Honda has suggested that the car could be available in Europe as soon as next year. With its sleek design, hybrid powertrain, and the revival of a beloved nameplate, the new Prelude is shaping up to be a highly anticipated addition to Honda’s lineup.