UPDATE: Honda’s U.S. PR staff clarified its announcement on the Prelude, and seems, it is not totally electrical as was initially extensively reported. As a substitute, it is powered by a hybrid-electric powertrain, so anticipate an engine below that lengthy hood and a few unknown array of electrical motors, as properly. Our unique story has been up to date to mirror this:
As soon as once more, the Japan Mobility Present has shocked us with one of many many sports activities automotive ideas. When Honda introduced it could present one thing sporty in Tokyo, we jumped to ideas of the NSX and S2000. However Honda has as a substitute revived the Prelude identify for what we initially believed to be an electrical idea. Nevertheless, Honda’s U.S. PR staff later clarified that the Prelude you are right here is powered by a hybrid-electric powertrain. When queried for extra particulars, a Honda spokesperson mentioned no extra particulars have been accessible presently, solely “that the powertrain is HEV (hybrid) not BEV,” as was initially gleaned from feedback made by Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe throughout the automotive’s press convention.
The form of this reimagined Honda Prelude is one thing of a departure for the mannequin line. Whereas most Prelude fashions regarded virtually like rear-drive coupes with lengthy noses, rear-set cabins and quick trunks, this one seems to be nearer to the not too long ago departed Civic Coupe and even Accord Coupe. In different phrases, it seems to be decidedly front-wheel-drive, notably with the lengthy entrance overhang, quick dash-to-axle distance and the forward-placed cabin.
It is nonetheless very a lot a looker, although. The sharp nostril, flowing curves and extensive fenders all look clearly sporty. And what’s attention-grabbing is that it seems to be surprisingly manufacturing prepared, even all the way down to the flush door handles.
We want we had extra particulars in regards to the Prelude Idea’s underpinnings, though we all know that it’s going to function a hybrid-electric powertrain now. Primarily based on the physique proportions, we’re additionally very prepared to wager that front-wheel drive would be the format for the automotive. Not solely would that be true to the mannequin identify, however it additionally matches Honda’s efficiency front-wheel-drive wheelhouse.
“The phrase ‘prelude’ means an ‘introductory or previous peformance,” mentioned Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe throughout the automotive’s press convention. “This mannequin will grow to be the prelude for our future fashions, which is able to inherit the ‘pleasure of driving’ into the full-fledged electrified future and embody Honda’s unalterable sports activities mindset.”
Whether or not meaning it is a preview of future fashions or the primary of these future fashions by the door is open for interpretation. Honda does have a protracted historical past of presenting “idea” and “prototype” automobiles that then arrive at sellers a pair years later, nonetheless. And with how sensible this seems to be, we would not be shocked to see the identical factor occur, right here.
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