Honda Revives The Prelude Concept EV

Honda is toying with bringing back an unlikely nameplate: the Prelude. The Japanese automaker shared Wednesday that it had dreamed up an electric version of the famed coupe and turned it into a concept car. The prototype debuted at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo.
For those who don’t remember, the Prelude came out in 1978 and made it through five generations before being discontinued in 2001. The sporty two-door was known for its impressive front-wheel-drive handling, commendable horsepower, and sophisticated chassis. The Prelude was also the first Honda model to include a power moonroof by default, regardless of trim. Honda only put the Prelude on the chopping block after introducing its fourth-generation Integra, which sold under Acura’s name in North America as the RSX and became the company’s priority as the coupe market shrank.

While SUVs, crossovers, and other large vehicles have dominated the North American market in recent years, cars seem to be making a comeback. This might be one reason why Honda has decided to resurrect the Prelude. Honda president Toshihiro Mibe noted that the Prelude will inject the “joy of driving” into the company’s electrified future by offering an “exhilarating experience” and “extraordinary excitement.” Most SUVs can’t promise that, but a sports coupe certainly can.

We don’t have many details about the concept car beyond those gleaned from its exterior. The new Prelude’s silhouette is smoother and more aerodynamic than its predecessors’; by ditching the boxy chassis of decades past, Honda made room for the soft curves we’re accustomed to seeing on today’s roads. A tiny spoiler sits at the rear, while highly curved fenders hint at a more dynamic appearance and performance. LED light bars illuminate the front and back, and yes, the concept appears to include a moonroof.

Honda’s official materials don’t include any information about the Prelude concept’s interior, but YouTube videos recorded by Japan Mobility Show attendees give us a few sneak peeks. Kirk Kreifels, an automotive enthusiast, pointed his camera at the Prelude’s passenger window to briefly show viewers the car’s “Civic-like” interior design. Though the inside is difficult to parse—and could easily change before the Prelude hits production, if it ever does—we can at least see the wide, two-toned armrest and center console Honda has introduced to many of its models.
There’s no telling whether the Prelude will officially become one of Honda’s electric offerings, but Mibe’s comments are hopeful. “In order to offer the ‘joy of driving’ only Honda can realize, we are diligently progressing with development, so please keep your expectations high for this model,” he said.
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