The Honda Prelude has returned as a hybrid sports coupé intended to demonstrate the brand’s commitment to the “joy of driving” during the transition to electric cars.
Unveiled in concept form at the Tokyo motor show, the new Prelude is intended to “embody Honda’s unalterable sports mindset”, according to the firm’s president and CEO, Toshihiro Mibe.
“The Prelude concept is a speciality sports model that will offer exhilarating experience that makes you want to keep going forever,” said Mibe.
Honda did not reveal any technical details or a release date for the Prelude, stating only that “we are diligently progressing with development”. Mibe urged the public to “keep your expectations high”.
Contrary to previous reports, the Prelude is powered by a hybrid powertrain rather than a battery-electric one, a spokesperson for American Honda confirmed.
The Prelude concept was shown alongside two other concepts that showcase Honda's vision for the future: the Honda E-like Sustaina-C concept and the CI-MEV mobility pod.
The Honda Sustaina-C has been created to show how cars can be constructed sustainably. It is made from recycled acrylic resin, which, Honda says, can be reused again. “This kind of resource circulation will enable us to transcend the constraints of the limited availability of resources,” said Mibe.
It also borrows design cues from the first-generation Honda City, which was sold as the Jazz in Europe, though Honda has given no indication whether it previews an electric replacement for today's Honda Jazz.
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Yep, and great to see cars again that just exist for the sake of looking good.