Honda has unveiled a new electric sports car concept at the Japan Mobility Show, and it has a familiar name: Prelude. The Honda Prelude Concept is a two-door coupe that pays homage to the original Prelude, a front-wheel-drive sports car that was produced from 1978 to 2001. The new Prelude is not just a nostalgia trip, however. It also represents Honda’s vision for its future electric vehicles that will offer exhilarating performance and driver-focused design.
The Prelude Concept: A Modern Take on a Classic
The Prelude Concept is a sleek and stylish coupe that looks surprisingly ready for production. It has a low and wide stance, with bulging fenders and a small spoiler. The front end resembles the latest Honda Civic, but with smoother lines and LED headlights. The side mirrors are conventional, not cameras, and the windows are blacked out, suggesting that the interior is not yet finished.
The concept car is painted in a metallic blue color that contrasts with the black roof and wheels. The Prelude name is prominently displayed on the front grille and the rear bumper. The overall impression is that of a sporty and elegant car that combines modern technology with classic aesthetics.
An Electric Sports Car with a Joy of Driving
Honda did not reveal any details about the powertrain or performance of the Prelude Concept, but it did say that it is an electric vehicle that will offer a joy of driving to its customers. Honda’s president Toshihiro Mibe said that the Prelude Concept is an “introductory or preceding performance” for the company’s future models that will inherit the “joy of driving” into the electrified future.
Mibe also said that the Prelude Concept is a specialty sports model that will embody Honda’s unalterable sports mindset. He added that the company is diligently progressing with development and asked the fans to keep their expectations high for this model.
The Prelude Concept is not the first electric sports car from Honda. The company also has the Honda E, a compact and retro-styled EV that was launched in 2019. However, the Honda E is not very powerful or fast, and it has a limited range of about 200 km. The Prelude Concept could be a more serious contender in the electric sports car segment, competing with rivals such as the Tesla Roadster, the Porsche Taycan, and the Nissan Z Proto.
A Tribute to the Original Prelude
The Prelude Concept is also a tribute to the original Prelude, which was one of Honda’s most iconic sports cars. The first generation of the Prelude was introduced in 1978 as a two-door coupe based on the Accord platform. It had a 1.6-liter engine that produced 72 hp and a four-wheel independent suspension that gave it agile handling.
The second generation of the Prelude was launched in 1982 and featured a more aerodynamic design and a pop-up headlight system. It also had an optional four-wheel steering system that improved its cornering ability. The third generation of the Prelude came out in 1987 and had a more powerful 2.0-liter engine that delivered 135 hp. It also had an anti-lock braking system and a traction control system as standard features.
The fourth generation of the Prelude was released in 1991 and had a more rounded and sleek design. It had a 2.2-liter engine that generated 185 hp and a variable valve timing system that enhanced its performance and efficiency. It also had an optional active torque transfer system that distributed power between the front wheels depending on the driving conditions.
The fifth and final generation of the Prelude was introduced in 1996 and had a more angular and aggressive design. It had a 2.2-liter engine that produced 200 hp and a variable valve timing and lift electronic control system that optimized its power output and fuel economy. It also had an optional electronic stability control system that improved its stability and safety.
The Prelude was discontinued in 2001 due to declining sales and competition from other sports cars. However, it still has a loyal fan base and a cult status among enthusiasts who appreciate its innovative features and fun-to-drive character.
A Sign of Hope for Honda Fans
The Prelude Concept is a sign of hope for Honda fans who have been longing for a new sports car from the company. Honda has been focusing on SUVs and hybrids in recent years, while neglecting its performance-oriented models. The company’s current sports car lineup consists of only two models: the Civic Type R, which is a hot hatchback based on the Civic sedan, and the NSX, which is a hybrid supercar that costs over $150,000.
The Prelude Concept could be a way for Honda to revive its sports car heritage and appeal to a new generation of customers who are looking for exciting and eco-friendly vehicles. The concept car could also lead to other electric sports cars from Honda, such as an EV version of the S2000 roadster or a new CR-Z hybrid coupe.
The Prelude Concept is not confirmed for production yet, but Honda has hinted that it is more than just a show car. The company has said that it is progressing with development and that it will announce more details in the near future. The Prelude Concept could be a prelude to a new era of electric sports cars from Honda that will combine performance, design, and innovation.
