Honda is not missing out on showcasing its ideas for the future at Japan Mobility Show 2023 and perhaps its most intriguing exhibit is the Honda Prelude Concept. Yes, the Prelude has been revived, albeit as a concept car with an all-electric powertrain.
For the uninitiated, the Honda Prelude is a two-door front-wheel drive sports coupe from Honda that was around from 1978 to 1996. There were 5 generations of the Honda Prelude and the name hasn’t been in use ever since the end of the fifth generation. It was spiritually succeded by the Integra, and after more than 20 years, later, it appears to be coming back.
What Honda has shared so far is that the Honda Prelude concept is a fully electric sports car. Honda’s CEO Toshihiro Mibe said that the company knew that its customers were expecting a sports model from the brand to be displayed at Japan Mobility Show 2023. During Honda’s automobile electrification business briefing last year, Toshihiro talked about the future sports models of the brand. At JMS 2023, he concluded his presentation with the unveiling of the specialty sports model – the Honda Prelude concept.
The design of the Prelude concept is questionable, to say the least, with many elements that seem to be inspired by other makes. It perhaps hasn’t quite found its footing just yet, but its debut promises a future full of the “joy of driving” from the brand. The taillights resemble that of the latest-generation Prius and the front end isn’t exactly memorable. It is however, a true coupe and with the lack of an ICE powertrain, should have more freedom in terms of configuration.
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In his speech, Honda CEO, Toshihiro Mibe said, “Honda has always been committed to creating sporty vehicles. And the word “prelude” means an “introductory or preceding performance.” This model will become the prelude for our future models which will inherit the “joy of driving” into the full-fledged electrified future and embody Honda’s unalterable sports mindset. The Prelude Concept is a specialty sports model that will offer an exhilarating experience that makes you want to keep going forever and extraordinary excitement you never felt before.”
If you’re old enough to remember what the Prelude is, let us know what you think about this concept car? Does it live up to the “Prelude” name?
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