UPDATE: Honda’s U.S. PR crew clarified its announcement on the Prelude, and seems, it isn’t totally electrical as was initially extensively reported. As an alternative, it is powered by a hybrid-electric powertrain, so count on an engine beneath that lengthy hood and a few unknown array of electrical motors, as effectively. Our authentic story has been up to date to mirror this:
As soon as once more, the Japan Mobility Present has stunned us with one of many many sports activities automotive ideas. When Honda introduced it will present one thing sporty in Tokyo, we jumped to ideas of the NSX and S2000. However Honda has as an alternative revived the Prelude title for what we initially believed to be an electrical idea. Nonetheless, Honda’s U.S. PR crew later clarified that the Prelude you are right here is powered by a hybrid-electric powertrain. When queried for added particulars, a Honda spokesperson mentioned no further particulars have been obtainable presently, solely “that the powertrain is HEV (hybrid) not BEV,” as was initially gleaned from feedback made by Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe throughout the automotive’s press convention.
The form of this reimagined Honda Prelude is one thing of a departure for the mannequin line. Whereas most Prelude fashions regarded virtually like rear-drive coupes with lengthy noses, rear-set cabins and quick trunks, this one appears to be like nearer to the just lately departed Civic Coupe and even Accord Coupe. In different phrases, it appears to be like decidedly front-wheel-drive, notably with the lengthy entrance overhang, quick dash-to-axle distance and the forward-placed cabin.
It is nonetheless very a lot a looker, although. The sharp nostril, flowing curves and vast fenders all look clearly sporty. And what’s attention-grabbing is that it appears to be like surprisingly manufacturing prepared, even all the way down to the flush door handles.
We want we had extra particulars in regards to the Prelude Idea’s underpinnings, though we all know that it’ll function a hybrid-electric powertrain now. Primarily based on the physique proportions, we’re additionally very keen to guess that front-wheel drive would be the format for the automotive. Not solely would that be true to the mannequin title, but it surely additionally suits Honda’s efficiency front-wheel-drive wheelhouse.
“The phrase ‘prelude’ means an ‘introductory or previous peformance,” mentioned Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe throughout the automotive’s press convention. “This mannequin will turn out to be the prelude for our future fashions, which is able to inherit the ‘pleasure of driving’ into the full-fledged electrified future and embody Honda’s unalterable sports activities mindset.”
Whether or not meaning it is a preview of future fashions or the primary of these future fashions by means of the door is open for interpretation. Honda does have an extended historical past of presenting “idea” and “prototype” automobiles that then arrive at sellers a pair years later, nevertheless. And with how practical this appears to be like, we would not be stunned to see the identical factor occur, right here.
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