Seeing the New Honda Prelude Up Close Reveals Its Retro Magic
At the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Honda surprised enthusiasts worldwide with the revival of an icon: the Honda Prelude. After years of absence from the coupe segment, Honda showcased that it's far from abandoning its sporty roots. The new Prelude doesn’t just honor its predecessors – it redefines them.
Design: Retro Meets Modern
The new Honda Prelude pays homage to the legendary models of the 80s and 90s. From its sharp nose to the flowing fastback silhouette, the coupe blends nostalgic design cues with modern aerodynamic lines. Sleek LED headlights, clean surfaces, and sharp creases give the Prelude a futuristic edge while maintaining retro simplicity.
Its proportions are unmistakably coupe-like, with a low stance, long hood, and wide rear haunches – a clear nod to Honda’s heritage. Subtle details, such as the discreet Prelude badges and frameless doors, complete the retro-modern aesthetic.
Interior: Driver-Focused Minimalism
Though Honda hasn’t fully revealed the interior, a peek through the windows at Goodwood shows a clean, tech-forward cabin. Expect a digital instrument cluster, minimalist center console, and subtle retro touches like horizontal dashboard lines reminiscent of the original Prelude models.
The driving position is low and sporty, underlining the coupe's performance ambitions.
Powertrain: Hybrid Performance Confirmed
Honda confirmed that the new Prelude will feature a hybrid powertrain, likely a 2.0-liter engine paired with electric motors – similar to the Civic e:HEV but tuned for sportier driving. Exact figures remain secret, but sources suggest around 200-220 horsepower, ensuring respectable performance for a front-wheel-drive coupe.
Importantly, the hybrid setup positions the Prelude as a bridge between Honda’s traditional combustion models and its fully electric future.
Chassis and Handling
Built on Honda’s latest global architecture, the new Prelude should deliver the nimble handling the nameplate is known for. With a focus on agility, balance, and everyday usability, Honda aims to make the Prelude not just a nostalgic showpiece, but a genuinely fun driver’s car.
Release Date and Production
While no exact production date was announced, the Prelude is expected to hit select global markets, including Japan and Europe, in late 2025 or early 2026. Whether it will be available in the Middle East remains unconfirmed, though its arrival in UAE showrooms would certainly attract coupe enthusiasts seeking a unique alternative to crossovers.
In a market dominated by SUVs, Honda’s decision to revive the Prelude – and to do so as a hybrid sports coupe – is bold. It reflects the brand’s commitment to preserving driver engagement while meeting modern efficiency standards.
The new Honda Prelude isn’t just a car; it’s a statement: sporty coupes still matter.