Another iconic nameplate is returning to the automotive market with the all-new hybrid Honda Prelude. You can possibly expect to see the new Prelude at your Honda dealer in the latter part of this year. Honda says the new hybrid Prelude will advance the joy of driving with an award-winning dual-motor hybrid powertrain. Let’s take a closer look at Honda’s plans for the Prelude.
One of Honda’s Most Iconic Nameplates
The original Honda Prelude debuted in November 1978 and quickly attracted buyers with its sporty appearance and energetic performance. Now, Honda is celebrating 25 years of electric driving by announcing a hybrid Prelude sports coupe for release in late 2025. The stylish new model will also feature the first use of the Honda S+ Shift, a new driver-engagement system. Honda plans to keep the heritage of the original Prelude as a performance sports coupe.
Honda says the return of the Prelude as a hybrid sports car demonstrates the automaker’s commitment to offering exciting products. The first three Honda models in the 1970s were the Civic, Accord, and Prelude, and Honda is looking forward to having all three back in the lineup for the new era. It also demonstrates the automaker’s commitment to an electrified future, as all three models are hybrids or have hybrid options.
The concept version of the hybrid Prelude first appeared in North America at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show. Previously, it was unveiled at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. The Prelude has long been a favorite of automotive enthusiasts due to its innovative technology.
Honda’s Electric Driving Goals
Honda’s plan is to achieve carbon neutrality across its product line and activities by 2050. In pursuit of that goal, the company plans to have electric vehicles make up the entirety of its sales by 2040. This includes models with battery-electric power and fuel-cell electric power. Hybrid vehicles are a key stepping stone on this path.
In 2024, Honda achieved record sales for its electric vehicles. EV models now represent over a quarter of Honda’s total sales. Hybrid trims encompass over half of Accord and CR-V sales, and the new Civic hybrid is expected to represent around 40% of new Civic sales in the near future. The Honda Insight was the brand’s first hybrid model and America’s first hybrid model when it went on sale in 1999.
Honda also celebrated the launch of its first fully electric SUV in 2024 with the debut of the Honda Prologue. Later in 2025, Honda will start production at the new Honda EV hub in Ohio with the first EV models based on its new platform.
More Concept Models On the Horizon
Two more concept models were debuted last year in January with the Honda 0 Series Saloon and Space-Hub. A production model of the Saloon is expected to be introduced in 2026. Honda has revealed plans to produce seven Honda 0 Series models on a global level by 2030. These models are expected to come in a range of sizes.
The next generation of Honda technologies for the 0 Series was introduced in Tokyo in 2024, and a new 0 Series model is expected to be introduced in January of this year. The new model is expected to feature many of Honda’s new technologies.
When can you expect to see the Honda Prelude hybrid at your Honda dealer? The new sports coupe is expected to go on sale by the end of the year.
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