When it comes to modern sports cars, it’s best to ‘hope for the best and prepare for the worst.’ While we were all secretly pining for a good old manual in the new 2025 Honda Prelude, Santa has failed to deliver and we’ll have to make do with its ‘S+ Shift’ technology that simulates a quick shifting automatic.
Let’s be clear, the transmission will simulate a quick-shifting automatic in a car that will not pack an automatic transmission. Instead of the traditional torque converter or CVT, the e:HEV utilises a direct-drive setup with fixed drive ratios.
Still, we’re very much grateful that the Prelude emblem didn’t return on a two-door SUV with a coupe roofline.
Honda has revealed plenty of powertrain details though, and it all but confirms that the Prelude will be running a e:HEV dual-motor setup. Both the 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre versions of the e:HEV system will get a new direct-injection system with the former prioritising efficiency with a broader optimal rev range. There’s also a new electric traction motor for the front with a new integrated cooling system. Honda themselves have yet to confirm which system will be fitted in the Prelude but the educated guess is both.
That there will be no manual however is very much confirmed. Given that the e:HEV system sees the petrol engine function more as a generator for the electric motor, there is no physical connection to the front wheels save for a lock-up clutch during high-speed cruising.
In keeping with the sports car roots though, Honda has added a new S+ Shift mode that functions similarly to that in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and its N e-shift. S+ Shift allows the driver to ‘shift’ via paddles on the steering wheel and will ‘hold’ the gear through a corner. And lest we forget, S+ Shift will very much sound the part with fake engine noises as well.
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Part of the e:HEV upgrades includes a new electric all-wheel-drive system with a rear-mounted electric motor but we don’t expect the Prelude to include that.
Recently, members of the media in Japan had a go at the Prelude prototype and that finally revealed the interior, as seen on the video by Lovecars!TV! around the three-minute mark. As expected, it’s very much a copy of the Civic’s dashboard and that’s no bad thing.
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Civic owners will be familiar with the entire layout, including the honeycomb mesh on the air-conditioning vents and the infotainment screen. The paddle shifters behind the steering appear larger than the Civic and there’s no traditional gear lever. Honda’s gone with its push-button system with a large S+ Shift button. The rear bench seats look like an afterthought but could still fit a couple of adults for short distances.
Being a global model, the Prelude will be launched in late 2025 with sales starting immediately in Japan and the US before expanding to Europe in early 2026.
