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Press Drives Validate Honda’s 2026 Prelude Hybrid Coupe

Early drives portray an agile grand tourer with convincing simulated shifts, with pricing still unannounced.

Overview

  • The two-door returns with Honda’s dual-motor e:HEV setup from the Civic, delivering about 135kW and 315Nm through an e-CVT.
  • A new S+ Shift mode simulates multi-gear changes with torque cut and enhanced engine sound, enabling paddle-controlled upshifts and downshifts.
  • Type R–derived hardware underpins the chassis, including dual-axis front struts and stronger front brakes, with adaptive damping retuned for the coupe.
  • Journalists who drove the car at Honda’s Tochigi proving ground report sharp steering, composed balance, and a GT mode that quiets the experience for daily use.
  • Honda positions the Prelude between the Civic e:HEV and the Type R, with an Australian launch flagged for the first half of 2026 and India under evaluation without confirmation.