As Honda quietly readies the revival of the iconic Prelude nameplate, set to make a comeback as a hybrid coupe, we’ve taken a closer look at the sleek concept car sporting a fresh coat of paint. Unveiled at the Long Beach Grand Prix alongside Honda’s recent and upcoming lineup, this compact two-door, with its low-slung profile, offers a glimpse into what the forthcoming model might entail.
Honda
The new red hue resembles the Rallye Red paint available on the sporty Honda Civic Si and the high-performance Civic Type R hatchback, hinting at the coupe’s athletic demeanor.
Beneath the bright spotlights of the Long Beach Convention Center, the Prelude flaunts carbon fiber accents that contrast elegantly with the paint job. From the front splitter to the side skirts, rear diffuser, side mirrors, roof, and spoiler, these components appear crafted from the lightweight material. While it’s doubtful that the production version of the Prelude will utilize carbon fiber to this extent, its presence accentuates the coupe’s sporty elements.
Similarities can be drawn between this red Prelude and the white concept displayed at the LA Auto Show. Both models ride on sleek 20-inch black wheels, with vertical blue stripes adorning their front and rear bumpers, suggesting their hybrid nature. However, neither seems to feature a fully furnished interior as of yet.
Apart from the red paint, another notable difference between the Prelude showcased at the Long Beach Grand Prix and the one at the LA Auto Show is the color of the brake calipers. While the debut version flaunts blue calipers matching its stripes, this newer concept opts for red stoppers that harmonize with its body color. Nevertheless, both models sport white Prelude branding on the Brembo-sourced calipers.
While details regarding the Honda Prelude’s powertrain remain scarce, expectations point towards a variant of the Civic Hybrid’s setup, possibly adapted from the midsize Accord sedan. Anticipated performance figures hover around 181 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. Although Honda is likely to unveil the production version of the Prelude towards the end of 2024, this iteration sparks curiosity about the potential for a higher-powered variant. Exciting times ahead!