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2h ago

Honda Unveils Lighter Hybrid Platforms for 2027 as Prelude Debuts S+ Shift and Drops Manual

The automaker is pivoting to hybrids through 2030 because it expects slower U.S. EV growth and is prioritizing regional EV launches outside America.

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Prototype based on New Mid-Size Hybrid Platform
The new Prelude on the track at the proving grounds in Tochigi, Japan. The Prelude has rear seats and a lift back, which makes is a little more practical as a sports car.

Overview

  • Honda detailed a new mid-size hybrid platform about 90 kg lighter with over 60% parts commonality, a battery moved under the rear seat, and flexibility to support petrol-only variants, with vehicles due from 2027.
  • A next-generation large hybrid system, including a new V6 aimed at North American-sized models, targets more than 30% better fuel efficiency and improved acceleration and towing versus comparable petrol vehicles by 2030.
  • The 2026 Prelude uses Honda’s two-motor e:HEV setup, is automatic-only, and introduces S+ Shift to simulate gear changes with paddles, rev-matching and synthesized sound; Honda says a manual gearbox is not compatible.
  • Honda plans 13 next-generation hybrid models starting in 2027 and is aiming for roughly 2.2–2.3 million hybrid sales by 2030, up from 868,000 last year.
  • Compact EVs such as the 0 Series α and Super-One are slated for markets like Japan, India and the U.K., as CEO Toshihiro Mibe says U.S. EV growth may be delayed by about five years under current policy conditions.