TOKYO: The new Honda Prelude specialty hybrid sports car will begin sales in Japan tomorrow, on Sept 5, 2025.
It is the first model equipped with the original Honda e:HEV hybrid system with Honda S+ Shift control technology.
The Honda S+ Shift emulates a virtual 8-speed transmission on the motor-driven e:HEV system (which has no mechanical transmission) and precisely controls the engine RPM during acceleration and deceleration to realize direct drive response and sharp gear shifting feel as if the vehicle features a stepped transmission system.
The Honda S+ Shift technology is said to provide exhilarating driving via Active Sound Control (ASC), by offering a powerful engine sound in sync with engine RPM through the speaker system.
In a Honda first, the new Prelude features a new Coasting Control.
The Coasting Control allows the vehicle to decelerate as if it were in neutral gear.
For example, when the driver releases the accelerator early while approaching a red light, by moving the deceleration selector to (+) while in “D (drive) range,” the need to re-accelerate will be reduced, alleviating driver burden of having to use both the accelerator and brake pedals.
The new Prelude comes with three distinctive drive modes — Sport, GT and Comfort.
In addition, an “Individual” mode can customize the settings in six areas — powertrain, steering, suspension, meter display, engine sound, and adaptive cruise control.
High-strength steel was applied extensively, and an aluminum front hood was adopted to realize body frames that combine rigidity and flexibility.
Based on the chassis of the Civic Type R, the new Prelude features dedicated settings to achieve both responsive handling and a smooth ride.
Key features include:
- Dual-axis strut front suspension that delivers exceptional handling and road-hugging performance
- Adaptive damper system (ADS) that precisely controls damping forces
- High-response steering system that offers high rigidity and excellent handling with VGR (Variable Gear Ratio)
- Driveshaft with uniform rigidity that suppresses torque steer and enhances steering stability
- High-capacity front Brembo brakes that deliver linear braking feel and excellent fade resistance to enhance driver confidence
- 19-inch large-diameter, high-rigidity wheels with a noise-reducing design
In another Honda first, the new Prelude features enhanced Agile Handling Assist, which improves steering responsiveness and stability during cornering, with a newly extended range of applications including braking.
The enhanced Agile Handling Assist enables seamless line-tracing from turn-in to corner exit.
The Prelude features a low, sharp front nose and smooth, yet expressive body lines.
The headlight design consists of a wing-like multifunction light, as well as Adaptive Driving Beam and Active Cornering Light.
Moreover, a smooth and clean roofline was achieved by eliminating roof molding with the use of laser brazing technology to produce the roof and the adoption of a glass-printed antenna.
The exterior styling includes flush outer door handles and a black chrome grille louver.
As for the interior, the front seats were designed differently to suit separate needs.
The driver’s seat is shaped to hold the driver firmly in place, making it suitable for sporty driving, while the passenger seat offers comfort together with just the right amount of feeling of being enveloped.
Other unique interior design features, such as a low and horizontally expansive line of sight, a flat-bottom steering wheel, alloy paddle shifters, and full-graphic meters designed exclusively for Prelude.
A large liftback opening makes loading and unloading easy, and rear cargo space can accommodate two medium-size suitcases.
The standard 60/40 split rear seatbacks fold flat to greatly expand the available space, enough to accommodate larger items such as two golf bags.
