New Honda Prelude coupé spotted testing for the first time

The first prototype of the new Honda Prelude has been spotted testing in Germany, with the next iteration of the two-door Japanese coupé expected to arrive in 2026 – 25 years after production of the previous Mk5 finished.

A concept previewing the new Prelude was revealed last year, before making its European debut at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it appears that the road-going version has stuck very close to that sleek, athletic design. So we have a clear idea of what’s underneath the camouflage.

Many of the finer details have been carried over, such as the thin slat across the sharply pointed nose that connects the slim headlights, the flush door handles, a large rear windscreen and what is likely to be a full-width light bar at the rear.

However, we’re less sure about what’s going on under the bonnet, because all Honda has confirmed so far is that the Prelude will feature hybrid technology. Honda chief engineer and project lead on the Prelude Tomoyuki Yamagami has said: “The new Prelude not only marks the latest chapter in our ever-evolving hybrid story, it is also the product of 25 years of pioneering hybrid research and development.”

We expect the Prelude to feature a similar hybrid powertrain to the latest Honda Civic hatchback. Its e:HEV system relies on a direct-injection 2.0-litre petrol engine and two electric motors to drive the front wheels, while a small 1.05kWh battery provides a power boost at higher speeds and allows for pure-electric driving around town.

The regular Civic produces 181bhp and 315Nm of torque, thanks to the e-motors, which allows for 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds. But we wouldn’t be surprised if the Prelude got a little extra grunt.

Yamagami told Auto Express earlier this year, “What we’ve implemented in this car is to unify a very efficient ‘gliding’ performance from the hybrid engine, but on the other hand the agile ‘stunt-like’ performance at the other end. We have given it a sort of ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ characteristic that when you drive it, you’ll feel and experience."

Unfortunately for sports car purists, the Prelude probably won’t be offered with a manual gearbox. Due to the complexity of Honda’s hybrid system, it’s more likely to use the same eCVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic as the Civic.

Yamagami also revealed to us that the 324bhp turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the Honda Civic Type R could fit in the Prelude, but that there are apparently no immediate plans for such a high-performance variant. However, some of Honda’s learnings from the Type R have influenced the chassis set-up.

The new, sixth-generation Honda Prelude should be unveiled some time next year, before arriving in showrooms in 2026.

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