Last year, Honda made a major announcement that they would be entering the electric sports car market with a pair of new models. One of these models has now been confirmed as the much-anticipated modern version of the Honda Prelude, a sporty coupe that gained a strong following during its previous production run.
The confirmation of the upcoming Prelude was made at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show, where Honda unveiled the Prelude concept. It is important to note that this concept car seems ready for production, indicating that Honda is serious about bringing the modern Prelude to market. In fact, Honda had already taken steps to renew the trademark for the Prelude earlier this year, further hinting at their plans for this highly anticipated model.
While the new Prelude will be an electric vehicle, it retains the sleek and sporty design elements that made the original model so popular. In fact, if not for the lack of exhaust tips, it would be difficult to distinguish the electric version from its gas-powered predecessors. This is a testament to Honda’s commitment to maintaining the essence of the Prelude while embracing cutting-edge technology.
The original Honda Prelude was first introduced in Japan in 1978 as a stylish and sporty coupe. It quickly gained popularity, thanks to its sleek bodywork and reliable mechanical components. Throughout its five generations, the Prelude remained a front-wheel-drive coupe and became a symbol of Honda’s commitment to performance and style. However, production of the Prelude came to an end in 2002, leaving fans eagerly awaiting its return.
With the introduction of the new electric Prelude, Honda is expected to leverage its existing EV technology and platforms. Although it is unlikely to utilize the Ultium platform and battery technology borrowed from General Motors for the 2024 Prologue and Acura ZDX crossovers, Honda is known to be developing its own EV platform for medium and large-size models. This platform is scheduled for release in 2025 and is expected to be used for Honda’s upcoming crossover.
In addition to its own EV platform, Honda is also collaborating with GM to develop an affordable EV platform. This partnership will result in a line of affordable EVs, with the first model expected to launch in 2027. These collaborations demonstrate Honda’s commitment to expanding its electric vehicle offerings and providing diverse options for consumers.
Looking ahead, Honda has ambitious goals for its electric vehicle lineup. By 2030, the company plans to have at least 30 EVs available globally. This includes not only everyday vehicles but also the two sports models that were announced last year. While one of these sports models has been confirmed as the modern Prelude, the other is believed to be a new iteration of the iconic NSX supercar. Honda’s commitment to electrification is evident in their efforts to bring electric versions of these beloved sports cars to the market.
In conclusion, Honda’s confirmation of the upcoming electric Prelude at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show has generated excitement among automotive enthusiasts. The concept car showcased at the event suggests that the modern Prelude is well on its way to production, signaling Honda’s commitment to bringing this highly anticipated model to market. Leveraging their own EV platforms and collaborations with GM, Honda aims to deliver a diverse range of electric vehicles and achieve their goal of 30 EVs globally by 2030. The new Prelude and the anticipated NSX supercar will be key additions to Honda’s electrified lineup, offering performance and style for electric vehicle enthusiasts.