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2d ago

Honda Revives Prelude as 2026 Hybrid Liftback With Type R Hardware

The single‑trim 2+2 returns as a comfort‑focused grand tourer that pairs Honda’s Civic hybrid drive with performance chassis bits and debuts an S+ Shift system to support the brand’s hybrid push.

Prelude rejoins original Honda U.S. car stablemates Accord and Civic.
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Rear of the Honda Prelude.
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Overview

  • The production model uses a 2.0‑liter Atkinson four‑cylinder and two‑motor hybrid system rated at about 200 hp and 232 lb‑ft driving the front wheels via direct drive.
  • Type R‑derived dual‑axis struts, adaptive dampers, wider tracks, and Brembo four‑piston front brakes are standard, with summer tires available in place of the default all‑seasons.
  • Honda’s new S+ Shift mode launches on the Prelude, simulating paddle‑activated gear changes with rev‑matching, downshift blips and gear holding despite the hybrid’s lack of a conventional transmission.
  • The two‑door is a practical liftback with 2+2 seating and fold‑flat rears, and comes well equipped with a 10.2‑inch cluster, 9‑inch display with Google built‑in, Bose audio and the full Honda Sensing suite.
  • Honda set Japan pricing around ¥6.19 million and targets 3,500 domestic sales annually, with Japan sales beginning now, North America due late fall 2025, and Europe slated for the first half of 2026; U.S. pricing is still to be announced.