The Prelude Concept made its European public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as part of Honda’s celebration of 25 years of hybrid technology. Following the concept’s debut at last year’s Japan Mobility Show, the Prelude strikes the perfect balance between exhilarating driving pleasure and extraordinary efficiency, embodying Honda’s long-term commitment to electrification in a stylish and dynamic package.
The first Prelude made its European debut 45 years ago, and until 2001 it was a truly exciting high-performance technological proposition for Honda across all five generations. The name “Prelude” alludes, of course, to the introduction of a musical composition (known as a prelude) that metaphorically defines the car as a precursor to future models that embody Honda’s commitment to sporting performance – and demonstrates that Honda is bringing the “joy of driving” to the European market.
Tomoyuki Yamagami, Chief Engineer and Major Project Leader, Honda Motor, said: “The new Prelude not only marks the latest chapter in our ever-evolving hybrid story, but is also the culmination of a 25-year research and development journey in hybrid technology, ensuring it retains its ‘sporty’ DNA, seamlessly combining the high performance and environmental benefits of electrification with an exhilarating driving experience – so that users experience greater driving pleasure in their everyday lives.”
“In addition, Prelude confirms that hybrid powertrains remain central to Honda’s electrification strategy – supporting our commitment that 100% of new vehicle sales will be battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles by 2040.”
This year, Honda celebrates 25 years of innovative hybrid car expertise, dating back to the introduction of the groundbreaking Insight coupe, which was the first mass-produced hybrid model in Europe in 1999. Since then, the brand has pioneered the development of powertrain technology that combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, with a range of models that have helped drivers make the smoothest, most convenient and most cost-effective transition to an electric future.
Following the arrival of the Insight, Honda introduced the Civic IMA in 2003, which combined a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 20-horsepower electric motor for improved fuel efficiency. Seven years later, the CR-Z was introduced, combining Honda’s unique IMA parallel hybrid system with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and manual transmission to strike the perfect balance between thrilling, dynamic driving and fuel economy.
In 2011, the Jazz Hybrid retained the practicality for which it was already known – with features such as “Magic Seats” and a 300-litre boot – thanks to the compact dimensions of the Honda IMA hybrid system. Five years later, the arrival of the NSX marked the arrival of the most technologically advanced hybrid all-wheel drive system at the time in the supercar class.
Important: Honda’s mainstream model range is fully electrified, with the Jazz, Civic, HR-V, ZR-V and CR-V available as standard with e:HEV hybrid systems. Featuring advanced powertrains that seamlessly switch between pure electric, hybrid and combustion engine operation without any driver input, they combine exceptional usability with an enjoyable driving experience, delivering very high fuel efficiency with lower CO2 emissions.