Honda Prelude Hybrid Sports Coupe to Return to Europe; Set to Debut at Goodwood FoS

The iconic Prelude is set to debut as a concept at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 11–14), before getting into production as a hybrid for the UK sometime in the next year. Since its initial debut at the Japan Mobility Show last year, the concept has become red from white. It has a sportier aura, which is further enhanced by the red brake callipers. However, other than colour changes, there are no significant improvements over the original concept. The red Prelude seems to be as production-ready as before. 

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Tomoyuki Yamagami, Chief Engineer and Large Project Leader, at Honda Motor, said 'The Prelude not only marks the latest chapter in our ever-evolving hybrid story, it is also the product of 25 years of pioneering hybrid research and development.'

He added 'Ensuring this model maintains its ‘sporty’ DNA by perfectly blending the efficiency and environmental advantages of electrified driving with an exhilarating experience behind the wheel – liberating users from their daily lives with increased driving pleasure.'

Honda Prelude Concept: Powertrain

Sadly, Honda hasn't disclosed the powertrain details of the road-going Prelude. Market rumours, however, suggest that the hybrid car will utilise the same e-HEV drivetrain as the Civic and US-market Accord hybrids, which includes a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and two electric motors. While there is no confirmation, the Prelude will likely generate more power than its counterparts owing to its sportier nature.

Other Showcases at Goodwood FoS

The Japanese automaker will showcase several of its racing-historic Formula 1 cars and Grand Prix motorcycles, such as the iconic RA272 and RC142, along with the Prelude at the upcoming festival. As the company commemorates 60 years since its debut in Formula 1, these vehicles serve as a testament to its decades of experience and achievements in motorsport.

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Rebecca Adamson, Head of Automobile at Honda UK said 'We are thrilled to return to Goodwood Festival of Speed'. She added 'This event holds a very special place in the hearts of both automotive enthusiasts and Honda who were one of the original partners in the first Festival of Speed back in 1993. We will have both the original and the Prelude Concept on display, which will be its first European public debut, and then at the other end of the scale, we will also have our renowned hot hatch, the Civic Type R.'