Honda has announced the revival of its beloved Prelude nameplate, set to return as a hybrid-electric sports coupe in late 2025. The new Prelude will feature Honda’s proven two-motor hybrid powertrain and introduce an innovative Honda S+ Shift feature, designed to enhance driver engagement through advanced Linear Shift Control.
“The return of the Honda Prelude as a hybrid-electric sports model demonstrates our continued commitment to offer a variety of exhilarating products to meet the needs of our customers,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda Auto Sales. “The first three products in the Honda lineup in the 1970s were Civic, Accord and Prelude, and soon all three will be back together again in our passenger car lineup as hybrids.”
The announcement comes as Honda celebrates 25 years of hybrid vehicle sales in America, dating back to the introduction of the first-generation Honda Insight in December 1999. The company has achieved record electrified vehicle sales in 2024, with electrified models now representing over 25% of total brand sales. The Accord and CR-V hybrids currently account for more than 50% of their respective model sales, while the new Civic hybrid is expected to reach approximately 40% of Civic sales.
The hybrid-electric Prelude Concept first appeared at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, following its global debut at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. The timing is particularly significant as it marks 45 years since the first-generation Prelude entered production in November 1978. Throughout its five generations, the Prelude has been known for introducing groundbreaking technologies to Honda’s lineup, including four-wheel steering (4WS) and the Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS).
This revival aligns with Honda’s broader electrification strategy, which aims to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050. The company plans to transition to 100% battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicle sales by 2040. Honda’s cumulative sales of electrified vehicles have now exceeded one million units.
Looking ahead, Honda is actively expanding its electric vehicle lineup. The company began sales of its first all-electric SUV, the Honda Prologue, earlier this year. Production of new EVs based on Honda’s in-house developed EV platform will commence at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio late next year. Additionally, Honda unveiled two concept models of its 0 Series at CES 2024 – the Saloon and Space-Hub. A production version of the Saloon is scheduled for 2026 and will be manufactured at the Ohio EV Hub. The company plans to introduce seven Honda 0 Series models globally by 2030, spanning various size segments.
Honda is set to reveal another 0 Series model at CES 2025 in January, which will showcase the technologies and electrification concepts presented during the recent Honda 0 Tech Meeting held in Tokyo in October 2024.
