Honda Prelude is Back With a Retro Name and a Forward Attitude
About this episode
The sixth generation Honda Prelude makes a comeback after nearly 25 years, showcasing a hybrid powertrain that combines everyday usability with sporty performance. Jonathan Yu, Honda's product planner, shares insights on its features, including a 200-horsepower engine, advanced suspension borrowed from the Civic Type R, and a spacious lift-back design. The Prelude aims to blend comfort and driving engagement, making it suitable for daily use while offering a fun driving experience. The episode dives into the car's innovative technology, driving modes, and the appeal to both nostalgic fans and new buyers.
After missing in action for over two decades, Honda Prelude returns as a performance 2+2 with a hybrid powertrain. Scheduled to hit showrooms in late 2025, the 2026 Prelude gets Civic Type R's dual-axis strut front suspension, four-piston Brembo aluminum front calipers, and an adaptive suspension. Linear Shift Control simulates cog swaps plus there's a new S+ Shift mode. Tom Voelk previews Honda's grand touring-oriented sport hybrid.
Honda Prelude
"...luding the sixth generation hybrid-powered Honda Prelude, back after almost 25 years. It might be a while..."
The Honda Prelude is a two-door car that was known for being fun to drive and stylish. After being off the market for nearly 25 years, it's coming back as a hybrid, which means it will use both gas and electricity to run, making it more environmentally friendly.
The Honda Prelude is a sporty coupe that was produced by Honda from 1978 to 2001. It is significant for its innovative design and performance features, particularly in its later generations, and its return as a hybrid model after a long hiatus has generated excitement among enthusiasts.
grand touring vehicle
"...this package is a everyday grand touring vehicle that anyone can drive, so this is a really accessible vehicle, not a track-focused vehicle."
A grand touring vehicle is a type of car made for comfortable long drives. They are usually fast and have enough space for passengers and luggage, making them great for road trips.
A grand touring vehicle, often abbreviated as GT, is designed for high-speed and long-distance driving, combining performance with comfort. These vehicles typically feature a powerful engine and a spacious interior, making them suitable for long journeys.
retail pricing
"With destination, retail pricing starts at around $44,000."
Retail pricing is the price you pay when buying a car from a dealership. It can change based on different factors like location and features.
Retail pricing refers to the price at which a vehicle is sold to consumers, typically set by the manufacturer or dealer. This price can vary based on demand, location, and additional features.
dealer markups
"Will there be dealer markups? It would shock me if there weren't, at least initially."
Dealer markups are extra costs that dealerships add to the price of a car. This usually happens when a car is in high demand.
Dealer markups are additional charges added by dealerships above the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP). These markups can occur due to high demand or limited supply of a vehicle.
horsepower
"The front-drive hybrid powertrain puts out 200 horsepower and returns 44 miles per gallon average."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster the car can go.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the power output of engines. In automotive terms, it indicates how much work an engine can perform over time.
miles per gallon
"The front-drive hybrid powertrain puts out 200 horsepower and returns 44 miles per gallon average."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go on one gallon of gas. A higher number means the car uses less gas.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency for vehicles, indicating how many miles a car can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG values mean better fuel efficiency.
Atkinson cycle engine
"The two-liter Atkinson cycle engine with our two electric motors, so our award-winning hybrid-electric system."
An Atkinson cycle engine is a special kind of engine that helps cars use less gas. It works differently than regular engines to save fuel.
The Atkinson cycle engine is a type of internal combustion engine that is designed for improved efficiency. It achieves this by altering the timing of the intake and exhaust strokes, allowing for better fuel economy.
dual-axis front suspension
"Dual-axis front suspension on the Civic Type R. We lifted everything from the Civic Type R."
This is a type of suspension system that helps the car handle better, especially when turning or going fast.
A dual-axis front suspension design improves handling by allowing for better wheel alignment and reduced steering response time, enhancing the driving experience.
rotors
"The front rotors and rear rotors are the same as well, 13.2 front rotors and then 12-inch rotors on the rear."
These are round metal pieces that help the car stop when the brakes are applied by working with the brake pads.
Brake rotors are metal discs that the brake pads clamp down on to create friction, which slows the vehicle down.
brake calipers
"Adaptive damper setup, you'll notice on the front and the brake calipers it's blue..."
These are parts of the car's braking system that help squeeze the brake pads against the wheels to make the car stop.
Brake calipers are components that house the brake pads and apply pressure to the brake rotors to slow down or stop the vehicle.
Bose
"For sound, there's an 8-speaker Bose system."
Bose is a brand that makes really good sound systems. They are often used in cars to provide better music and audio experiences.
Bose is a well-known audio equipment company that produces high-quality sound systems, including those used in vehicles. Their systems are often praised for delivering superior sound quality.
Honda Civic
"...y balanced mode. Yeah, it's going to feel like a Civic Hybrid in terms of operation in the base control ..."
The Honda Civic is a small car that many people love because it's dependable and gets good gas mileage. The hybrid version uses both gas and electricity to help save fuel and reduce emissions, making it a popular choice for those who want to be more eco-friendly.
The Honda Civic is a compact car that has been a staple in the automotive market since its introduction in 1972. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and practicality, the Civic is often discussed for its hybrid variant, which combines traditional gasoline power with electric assistance for better fuel economy.
torque
"So the 200 horsepower, 232-foot pound of torque. Okay."
Torque is a measure of how much twisting force an engine can produce. Higher torque means better acceleration and the ability to move heavier loads.
Torque is a measure of rotational force that an engine produces. It is crucial for acceleration and pulling power, especially at lower speeds.
Honda Crv
"So our system is different from what's out there in the competitive world. It's what's in the CR-V, a core Civic, and all this vehicle. It's a two-liter Atkinson that charges as, or act as a generator that charges the batteries."
The Honda CR-V is a popular SUV that offers a lot of space and comfort for families. It uses a special engine that helps it save gas, especially in its hybrid version, making it a great choice for those who need room but also want to be kind to the environment.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that has gained a reputation for its spacious interior, comfort, and reliability since its debut in 1995. It is often highlighted for its efficient engine options and advanced hybrid technology, which enhances fuel efficiency while maintaining performance.
CVT
"That's why there's no CBT."
CVT means Continuously Variable Transmission, which is a type of car transmission that can change gears smoothly without any noticeable shifts. This helps the car run more efficiently and feel smoother when driving.
CVT stands for Continuously Variable Transmission, a type of automatic transmission that can change seamlessly through a continuous range of gear ratios. This allows for smoother acceleration and improved fuel efficiency compared to traditional automatic transmissions with fixed gear ratios.
electric motors
"It's basically the electric motors. So to put it bluntly or very closely related to it, it's like EV operation, electric motors are driving the wheels."
Electric motors help cars move by using electricity instead of gasoline. They are a key part of electric vehicles, making them different from regular cars that use engines that burn fuel.
Electric motors are devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical energy, allowing vehicles to move without the need for traditional internal combustion engines. In electric vehicles (EVs), these motors are responsible for driving the wheels directly.
internal combustion engine
"And when the clutch does lock up and it drives the wheels directly from the internal combustion engine, that's for efficiency."
An internal combustion engine is what most cars use to run. It works by burning fuel to create power that makes the car move.
An internal combustion engine (ICE) is a type of engine that generates power by burning fuel, typically gasoline or diesel, inside the engine's cylinders. This process creates a series of controlled explosions that push pistons, ultimately powering the vehicle.
clutch
"And when the clutch does lock up and it drives the wheels directly from the internal combustion engine, that's for efficiency."
A clutch is a part of a car that helps control how power from the engine goes to the wheels. It allows you to change gears and helps the car move smoothly.
A clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages the power transmission from the engine to the wheels. In vehicles, it allows the driver to change gears and control the power flow to the wheels, which is essential for smooth acceleration and deceleration.
direct drive unit
"So the official term what we call this direct drive unit. Yeah."
A direct drive unit means the electric motor connects straight to the wheels, making the car more efficient and responsive without needing a regular gearbox.
A direct drive unit is a type of drivetrain configuration where the electric motor is directly connected to the wheels, eliminating the need for a traditional transmission. This setup can enhance efficiency and responsiveness in electric and hybrid vehicles.
series hybrid
"And in most instances, this is a series hybrid. Yeah."
A series hybrid is a car that uses an electric motor to drive the wheels, while a gas engine only makes electricity to power the motor, making it more efficient.
A series hybrid is a type of hybrid vehicle where the electric motor drives the wheels, and an internal combustion engine is used solely to generate electricity for the motor. This configuration allows for more efficient energy use and can provide a smoother driving experience.
paddle shifters
"Sure. So let's use the paddle shifters in sports, and now you're going to be in sport mode."
Paddle shifters are levers behind the steering wheel that let you change gears in an automatic car, making it feel more like a sports car.
Paddle shifters are controls located behind the steering wheel that allow drivers to manually change gears in a car with an automatic transmission. They provide a sportier driving experience by giving the driver more control over gear selection without needing a clutch pedal.
sport mode
"Sure. So let's use the paddle shifters in sports, and now you're going to be in sport mode."
Sport mode is a setting in cars that makes them drive faster and handle better, usually by changing how the engine and suspension work.
Sport mode is a driving setting in many vehicles that adjusts the car's performance characteristics for a more dynamic driving experience. This typically includes quicker throttle response, higher RPM shifts, and stiffer suspension settings, enhancing handling and acceleration.
manual transmission
"...that is akin to like a manual operation, a manual transmission, or a dual clutch transmission."
A manual transmission is a kind of car transmission where you have to change gears yourself using a stick and a pedal. It gives you more control over how the car drives.
A manual transmission is a type of transmission that requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch pedal and gear stick. This gives the driver more control over the vehicle's performance and can enhance the driving experience.
dampers
"This is the firmest, the dampers. Yes."
Dampers are parts of a car's suspension that help make the ride smoother by reducing bumps and shakes when driving on rough roads.
Dampers, also known as shock absorbers, are components that control the movement of a vehicle's suspension. They help to smooth out the ride by absorbing bumps and vibrations from the road.
Civic Type R
"...in a Civic Type R, you won't take your car out in these kind of conditions, but in this car, you can easily do it."
The Civic Type R is a special version of the Honda Civic that is built for speed and performance. It has better handling and a more powerful engine than regular Civics.
The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance variant of the standard Civic, known for its sporty handling and powerful engine. It's designed for enthusiasts who seek a thrilling driving experience.
Honda S2000
"I personally, I had two S 2000s and."
The Honda S2000 is a small sports car that is fun to drive. It has a powerful engine and is designed for people who enjoy driving fast and handling corners well.
The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster known for its high-revving engine and sporty handling. It's a popular choice among driving enthusiasts for its performance and engaging driving experience.
fuel efficiency
"...combining that with also the fuel efficiency, instantaneous torque for city driving and then also Honda S plus shift..."
Fuel efficiency is how far a car can go on a certain amount of fuel. A car that uses less fuel to drive the same distance is considered more efficient.
Fuel efficiency refers to how effectively a vehicle uses fuel to travel a certain distance. Higher fuel efficiency means the car can go further on less fuel, which is beneficial for both cost savings and environmental impact.
hybrid system
"Why do we combine a two door coupe with a hybrid system while we're selling over a 50 percent hybrid already? It's a word winning system."
A hybrid system in a car uses both a gas engine and an electric motor. This helps the car save fuel and produce less pollution by using electricity when possible.
A hybrid system combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This technology allows vehicles to operate using either or both power sources, enhancing performance and economy.
Continental Extreme Contact Sport 2
"We have the Continental Extreme Contact Sport 2s. These are the accessory summer performance tires on the car."
This is a type of tire made for sports cars that helps them grip the road better, especially in warm weather. It's designed for performance driving.
The Continental Extreme Contact Sport 2 is a high-performance summer tire designed for sports cars and performance vehicles. It offers enhanced grip and handling in dry conditions, making it ideal for spirited driving.
geared transmission
"that is a regular geared transmission. Yes."
This is a system in a car that helps it change speeds using gears. It can be automatic or manual, depending on how the driver wants to control it.
A geared transmission refers to a type of transmission that uses gears to control the power and speed of the vehicle. This can include manual and automatic transmissions that shift between different gear ratios.
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