Honda's New Prelude Model to Combine Elements of Civic Hybrid and Type R Coupe Designs
Revived Honda Prelude to Offer Unique Grand Touring Experience
Honda is set to revive its iconic Prelude model, and the new iteration is set to offer a unique blend of performance and comfort, differentiating itself from other Civic-based offerings.
The unique feature of the revived Honda Prelude compared to other Civic-based offerings is its exclusive Linear Shift Control system in the hybrid powertrain. This system simulates the feel of traditional gear shifting at wide open throttle despite the hybrid setup lacking a conventional transmission. The Prelude’s engine can clutch into a single-speed direct-drive gearbox to assist the electric motor-driven wheels, allowing a driver experience closer to a conventional manual or dual-clutch transmission, which is not present in other Civic hybrids.
In contrast, the Civic Type R differs significantly in powertrain and suspension. The current hybrid Prelude system primarily uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with two electric motors in a way mostly driven by electric propulsion, while the gasoline engine can clutch in to assist power delivery. The Civic Type R traditionally uses a high-revving turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine without hybrid assistance, focusing on peak combustion power.
The Prelude will utilize the innovative dual-axis front suspension first introduced on the 2017 Civic Type R, but it will be tuned exclusively for a sporty yet more comfortable Grand Touring experience rather than the Type R’s stiff, track-focused suspension. This suggests a softer, more compliant setup in the Prelude compared to the rigid, performance-optimized Civic Type R suspension.
The Honda Prelude shares its chassis with the Civic Type R, incorporating its wider track, and features front Brembo brakes like the Civic Type R. However, it does not have the boisterous, turbocharged engine found in the Civic Type R. The Prelude will be paired with the Honda S+ Shift system, an innovative drive mode that enhances Linear Shift Control in the Prelude.
The Honda Prelude will be scheduled for release at the end of 2025. Unlike its predecessors, the new Prelude will not have a manual transmission, as offered in previous generations. This move away from a manual transmission aligns with the trend in the automotive industry, where automakers have not universally embraced the strategy of using hybrid engines as performance upgrades.
In summary, the revived Honda Prelude is a unique hybrid coupe alternative emphasizing both performance and comfort, differing fundamentally in powertrain philosophy and suspension tuning from the Civic Type R. It offers a simulated gear-shifting experience in its hybrid powertrain, while the Civic Type R focuses on peak combustion power and track-ready handling. The Prelude aims for a grand-touring experience, rather than a purely sporty one.
[1] Autocar. (2023, March 15). New Honda Prelude: what we know so far. Retrieved from https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/new-honda-prelude-what-we-know-so-far
[2] Car and Driver. (2023, March 10). 2025 Honda Prelude: What We Know So Far. Retrieved from https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a37166382/2025-honda-prelude-what-we-know-so-far/
[3] Motor Authority. (2023, March 8). 2025 Honda Prelude previews with teaser video. Retrieved from https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1139165_2025-honda-prelude-previews-with-teaser-video
- The revived Honda Prelude will make its grand entrance into the industry at the end of 2025, blending performance and comfort in a unique hybrid car-maintenance package, setting it apart from other automotive offerings.
- By incorporating a Linear Shift Control system, the Honda Prelude's hybrid powertrain simulates the traditional gear-shifting experience despite the absence of a conventional transmission, making it an appealing choice in the lifestyle segment.
- Contrastingly, the Civic Type R demonstrates a significant difference, relying on a high-revving turbocharged engine and a stiff suspension system focused on track-ready handling, rather than the grand touring experience offered by the Prelude.
- With electric vehicles gaining momentum in the transportation sector, the new Honda Prelude aligns with the industry trend by abandoning the manual transmission used in previous generations in favor of innovative technological features like the Honda S+ Shift system.
