The people at Honda surprised a few months ago with a prototype that seemed to bring back a spiritual successor to one of its legendary models from the past. Now the arrival of the Honda Prelude for 2026with a new generation hybrid propulsion system that leaves behind that of the current range. Although there are not too many details, we already know that it will arrive in Europe within a year and a half, to the delight of many. Also that will do it with a simulated change which is new for the Japanese brand.
The production Prelude will premiere the Honda “S+ Shift” technologywhich is nothing more than a transmission that will simulate the sound and feel of automatic gear changes. That leaves us with mixed feelings, because there will be no return of the manual transmission to a hybrid, something they already did with the Honda CR-Z. Everything indicates that they will have a fixed gear transmission similar to that of the current generation Civic, ZR-V or CR-V. It could be coupled to the power control unit and cooled by water.
The option for get that sportier feel What is demanded in the Honda Prelude is a gear simulation that could also be accompanied by paddles on the steering wheel. You’ll get a more natural ride and the simulated sound will bring you closer to the experience that the original Prelude achieved. Although it has little to do with the five previous generations, which were sold between 1978 and 2000, it is clear that they want to maintain that vocation for innovation. Also will continue the hybrid legacy of the brand, which began a quarter of a century ago with the Honda Insight.
At the moment there is not much information about the Prelude that will go into production in the first half of 2026, but details have already been seen. In addition to the new transmission, it also boasts a new design language which the public has liked quite a bit. It seems that it will maintain the lines of the prototype almost entirely and that includes some suggestive coupe lines, with slanted headlights on the front and a rear spoiler. Supposedly will share platform with Civicso the e:HEV hybrid system will be its main value.
