It’s when you stop expecting them that the nice surprises come! That was the case when we discovered the new look of the 6ᵉ generation Honda Prelude in the bays of the Lyon 2025 Motor Show. More than twenty years after it ceased production, the Japanese sports car that marked an entire generation is making its grand return to Europe.
A successful blend of heritage and modernity
At first glance, it’s obvious: the Prelude of 2026 is not the car of yesteryear. Like its ancestors, it retains its sporty silhouette, low lines and dynamic profile – in short, the codes that made it such a success. There’s a sharp front end and a distinctive light signature. The modern touch, meanwhile, is reflected in its compact appearance, aerodynamic details and unmistakable refinement, confirming Honda’s desire to make a sports coupé that is as seductive as it is efficient.
Powertrains and performance: hybrid as a matter of course
The powertrain has been confirmed: the Honda Prelude will be equipped with an e:HEV hybrid powertrain, combining a combustion engine and two electric motors. The chassis is strongly inspired by that of the Honda Civic Type R, a guarantee of sportiness, and the brand is introducing a new S+ clutch mode, which simulates automatic gear changes for a more engaging driving experience. All the more reason to take full advantage of the 200bhp developed by this sports car.
In Lyon, the new Honda Prelude was presented as a model steeped in history, with a modernised silhouette and a hybrid powertrain, a sign that Honda wants to combine heritage and energy transition. It remains to be hoped that this version, which is due to arrive in Europe in early 2026, will be able to stand on its own two feet and not remain in the shadow of its predecessors.
