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Honda Revives Prelude as Hybrid Grand Tourer With Type R Chassis and S+ Shift

Early drives underscore Honda's hybrid-first pivot toward performance.

Overview

  • Journalists sampled a near-production coupe at Honda’s Tochigi proving ground, confirming the Civic-based dual-motor e:HEV setup and front-drive layout.
  • Reported combined outputs are about 135 kW and 315 Nm via an e‑CVT, with a new S+ Shift mode that simulates multi-gear upshifts and rev‑matched downshifts.
  • The chassis borrows Civic Type R hardware, including dual‑axis front struts and larger front brakes, to improve turn‑in precision and reduce torque steer.
  • Early impressions describe a balanced 2+2 grand tourer with quick steering, a quiet GT mode for commuting, and day‑to‑day comfort despite the coupe form.
  • The car is slated as a 2026 model, with Australia pointing to a first‑half 2026 launch, while pricing, final specifications and any India allocation remain unconfirmed.