Honda Revives Prelude, with a hybrid twist power

The Japanese carmaker has taken a conservative path in recent years, but it will revive one of its most loved sports cars at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Honda is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone in hybrid technology with the European debut of the Prelude Concept.

The concept car, which will be unveiled at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, heralds the return of the iconic nameplate to the region after a 25-year hiatus.

Honda revealed the Prelude at last year’s Japan Mobility Show but there was no word on timings for a production version.

The Prelude Concept is a modern twist on a legendary sports car. Picture: Supplied.

Overnight, Honda confirmed that the Prelude would land in Europe as a Hybrid Coupe, although it seems Australia will have to wait a little longer.

A Honda Australia spokeswoman said they would love to see the Hybrid Coupe enter the Australian market but there is no word yet on when that will happen.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have any information to share regarding the Honda Prelude re-entering in the Australian market at this time,” a spokeswoman said.

The Prelude is likely to share its hybrid engine with the Civic. Picture: Supplied.

Honda has released little information on the car but it’s expected to carry the Civic’s e: HEV hybrid powertrain for the Europe market.

Chief engineer and large project leader at Honda Motor, Tomoyuki Yamagami, said the Prelude Concept would maintain its “sporty” DNA.

“By perfectly blending the efficiency and efficiency and environmental advantages of electrified driving with an exhilarating experience behind the wheel – liberating users from their daily lives with increased driving pleasure,” he said.

It is likely to compete with Toyota’s 86 and Subaru’s BRZ. Picture: Supplied.

The Prelue originally debuted in Europe 45 years ago, showcasing Honda’s ability to produce high-performance, cutting-edge technology.

Yamagami emphasised the Prelude reintroduction underscored Honda’s commitment to sustainability.

“The Prelude demonstrates the continued importance of hybrid powertrains as part of Honda’s car electrification strategy – a key step towards our commitment for 100 per cent of new vehicle sales to be battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell by 2040,” he said.

Honda’s hybrid journey began with the Insight coupe, Europe’s first mass-produced hybrid model, in 1999. Since then, Honda has continued to innovate with models the CR-Z and the second-generation NSX supercar, which introduced advanced all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain technology.

Today, Honda’s Australian line-up includes hybrid versions of the Civic, HR-V, ZR-V, Accord and CR-V.

Originally published as Honda Revives Prelude, with a hybrid twist power