S6E79 - Why the 2026 Honda Prelude will win the NACTOY Car of the Year Award
About this episode
The discussion centers around the upcoming 2026 Honda Prelude, highlighting its innovative technology and hybrid powertrain. The hosts emphasize its potential to win the NACTOY Car of the Year Award, comparing it to competitors like the Nissan Sentra and Dodge Charger. They address common criticisms regarding pricing and power, arguing that the Prelude offers a unique blend of performance, practicality, and efficiency, making it suitable for everyday use. The conversation also touches on the Prelude's handling, drawing comparisons to the Porsche 718 Cayman, and the importance of experiencing the car firsthand to appreciate its capabilities.
In this episode, we’re in Redondo Beach, California for a conversation with Jonathan Yu, Product Planner for the upcoming 2026 Honda Prelude. With buzz growing across the industry, the new Prelude has quickly emerged as a leading contender for the prestigious NACTOY Car of the Year Award—ahead of rivals like the Nissan Sentra and the Dodge Charger Six Pack.
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CVT transmission
"No CVT. There's no CVT in this vehicle."
A CVT is a special kind of transmission that helps the car change gears smoothly without the usual steps you feel in other cars. It can help the car use fuel better and accelerate more smoothly.
A CVT, or continuously variable transmission, is 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.
direct drive
"It's a direct drive unit. And the benefit of direct drive unit is that you have all the power, the instantaneous torque from the electric motor directly to the wheels..."
Direct drive means the motor sends power straight to the wheels without using a traditional gearbox. This helps the car respond faster when you press the gas pedal.
Direct drive refers to a system where the motor is connected directly to the wheels, eliminating the need for a traditional transmission. This setup allows for more efficient power transfer and can result in quicker acceleration.
instantaneous torque
"...the torque and the power that you feel is instantaneous and you feel it right away."
Instantaneous torque means the car can go really fast right away when you press the gas pedal. Electric cars can do this better than regular gas cars because they don't have to wait to build up power.
Instantaneous torque refers to the immediate power available from an electric motor, allowing for quick acceleration without delay. This is a key advantage of electric vehicles over traditional combustion engines, which may take time to build up power.
premium vehicle
"Well, we feel that in regard to the pricing. You know, this vehicle is a very, it's a premium vehicle. It's a fully loaded vehicle."
A premium vehicle is a fancy car that is made with better materials and has more features than regular cars. They usually cost more because of their quality and luxury.
A premium vehicle typically refers to a car that offers higher quality materials, advanced technology, and superior performance compared to standard models. These vehicles often come with more luxurious features and a higher price tag.
grand touring sports coupe
"...you're getting a very premium grand touring sports coupe that has a lot of..."
A grand touring sports coupe is a stylish two-door car that is made for both speed and comfort. It's great for long drives and looks sporty while doing it.
A grand touring sports coupe is a type of car designed for high-speed driving and long-distance travel, combining performance with comfort. Coupes are typically two-door vehicles with a sporty design, and 'grand touring' indicates a focus on luxury and performance.
grand touring vehicle
"...we made this so that's an everyday grand touring vehicle."
A grand touring vehicle is a type of car that's made for comfortable long drives. It usually has a mix of speed and luxury, so you can enjoy driving it for hours without getting tired.
A grand touring vehicle, or GT, is designed for high-speed and long-distance driving, combining comfort and performance. These cars often have a balance of sporty handling and luxurious features, making them suitable for both daily use and long journeys.
Honda Civic
"...Hybrid fuel efficiency, the legendary Civic Type R chassis bits as well."
The Honda Civic Type R is a special version of the Civic that's built for speed and handling. It's popular among car lovers because it combines everyday usability with a fun driving experience.
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 want a practical car that also delivers thrilling performance.
everyday car
"And this can be your everyday grand, everyday car. So that's, I think the main thing is that the direction in which we took,..."
An everyday car is a type of vehicle that people use for their daily activities, like commuting to work or running errands. It's usually practical and easy to drive.
An everyday car refers to a vehicle that is practical, reliable, and suitable for daily use, often balancing comfort, efficiency, and affordability. These cars are designed to meet the needs of most drivers without excessive performance or luxury features.
innovative tech
"...this car could be. This can do everything. Exactly. So can you explain a little bit the pricing line?"
Innovative tech means new and advanced technology in cars that makes them easier and safer to drive. This can include things like smart navigation systems or safety features that help prevent accidents.
Innovative tech in cars refers to advanced technologies that enhance the driving experience, improve safety, or increase efficiency. This can include features like adaptive cruise control, advanced infotainment systems, and driver-assistance technologies.
MSRP
"So this vehicle is $42,000. Okay. Yeah, there's no other trim except for unless you want the two tone."
MSRP is the price that the car maker suggests you pay for a new car. It's like a recommended price but can often be negotiated lower when buying.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price that the manufacturer recommends for the vehicle. It's often used as a starting point for negotiations at dealerships.
dealer fees
"You have title, registration, tax. Yeah, exactly."
Dealer fees are extra costs that car dealerships might charge when you buy a car. They can cover things like paperwork and getting the car ready for you.
Dealer fees are additional charges that dealerships may add to the price of a vehicle. These can include documentation fees, preparation fees, and other costs associated with the sale.
registration fees
"You have title, registration, tax. Yeah, exactly."
Registration fees are the costs you pay to officially register your car with the government so you can drive it legally. It's like getting permission to use the car on the road.
Registration fees are charges that vehicle owners must pay to register their vehicle with the state. This process is necessary to legally drive the vehicle on public roads.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...k in October, the only comparable car will be the Corvette E-Ray."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous sports car from America that is known for being fast and stylish. The new version, called the Corvette E-Ray, adds some electric power to make it even more efficient while still being fun to drive.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its powerful performance, sleek design, and relatively affordable price compared to other supercars. The introduction of the Corvette E-Ray, which features hybrid technology, marks a significant evolution in the Corvette lineup, blending traditional performance with modern efficiency.
hybrid sports coupe
"So that's where you look at hybrid sports coupes."
A hybrid sports coupe is a car that uses both gas and electricity to run, making it faster and using less fuel.
A hybrid sports coupe is a type of car that combines a traditional gasoline engine with an electric motor, providing better fuel efficiency and performance compared to standard sports cars.
Porsche 911
"...rvette E-Ray, which is $100,000 car. You have the 911 hybrid, which is over north of $100,000. Two Corv..."
The Porsche 911 is a well-known sports car that has been around for a long time and is famous for its great looks and speed. There are different versions, including some that use both gas and electric power to be more efficient.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has been in production since the 1960s, known for its distinctive design and exceptional performance. With various models, including hybrid versions, the 911 continues to set benchmarks in the luxury sports car market.
hybrid electric system
"...that once you get to drive the vehicle, you'll notice that our powertrain, which is the award-winning two-motor hybrid electric system, you'll feel the instantaneous torque..."
A hybrid electric system uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to make the car more efficient. It helps save fuel and reduces pollution while still giving you good power when you drive.
A hybrid electric system combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system. This setup allows for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions while providing the benefits of electric power, such as instantaneous torque.
Ferrari 458
"...t day we were doing two separate videos. One on a Ferrari 458 Spider, which I mean, it's a Ferrari. Yeah, it's ..."
Mazda Miata
"And then back to back, we tested the Mazda Miata. And I have to say, even though I mean, with all the respect to the Ferrari, it's a different car and all that..."
The Mazda Miata is a small sports car that is fun to drive. It's light and nimble, making it feel fast even when you're not going very fast.
The Mazda Miata, also known as the MX-5, is a lightweight two-seater sports car known for its agile handling and fun driving experience. It's often praised for its ability to provide an engaging drive at lower speeds compared to more powerful sports cars.
horsepower
"So 200 horsepower, 232 pound-feet of torque."
Horsepower tells you how powerful an engine is. The higher the horsepower, the faster and more powerful the car can be.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for engine power, indicating how much work an engine can perform over time. It's a key performance metric that helps assess a car's acceleration and overall capability.
S Plus
"And then with the Type R suspension, it gets it really fun to drive with the S Plus."
S Plus is a special driving mode in some cars that makes them feel sportier and more responsive. It helps the car perform better when you're driving fast or taking sharp turns.
S Plus is a driving mode found in some performance-oriented vehicles, particularly in Honda models. It typically enhances throttle response and adjusts the suspension settings for a sportier driving experience.
Type R suspension
"And then with the Type R suspension, it gets it really fun to drive with the S Plus."
Type R suspension is a special type of suspension used in Honda's sportier models. It makes the car handle better and feel more responsive when driving fast or around corners.
Type R suspension refers to the specialized suspension system used in Honda's high-performance Type R models, designed for improved handling and responsiveness. This setup typically includes stiffer springs and dampers, enhancing the car's performance during spirited driving.
Honda Prelude
"...ause, you know, it's been 25 years since the last prelude, but when you think about the prelude,"
The Honda Prelude was a two-door car made by Honda that was popular for being sporty and fun to drive. Even though it hasn't been made in many years, people still remember it fondly for its cool design and performance.
The Honda Prelude was a sporty coupe produced by Honda from 1978 to 2001, known for its innovative design and performance-oriented features. Although it has been out of production for over two decades, it remains a beloved model among car enthusiasts for its driving dynamics and unique styling.
Nissan Sentra
"...with the Nissan Sentra, which is a good value car, but let's be honest again, not a huge level of innovation."
The Nissan Sentra is a small car that many people buy because it's inexpensive and gets good gas mileage.
The Nissan Sentra is a compact car known for its affordability and practicality, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers.
Dodge Charger
"...l that. And then it's competing against the Dodge Charger, the six pack,"
The Dodge Charger is a big car that looks tough and can go really fast. It has a lot of space inside and is popular with people who want a car that can be both practical and exciting to drive.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that combines muscle car performance with modern technology and comfort. Known for its powerful engine options and aggressive styling, the Charger appeals to those seeking a blend of practicality and performance.
Hemi
"with the VA, the Hemi and all that. So in this case, I think people were probably, some of the people who are complaining, remember the old Prelude,"
Hemi is a special kind of engine that helps cars go faster and use fuel better. It has a unique shape that makes it work more efficiently.
Hemi refers to a type of engine design characterized by a hemispherical combustion chamber. This design allows for more efficient airflow and combustion, resulting in increased power output.
IVTM-4
"a super handling that was precursor to the IVTM-4, or super handling system."
IVTM-4 is a technology that helps a car handle better by sending power to the wheels that need it most, making it easier to drive in different conditions.
IVTM-4 stands for Intelligent Variable Torque Management, a system designed to improve handling and traction by distributing power to the wheels that need it most, enhancing the driving experience.
super handling system
"a super handling that was precursor to the IVTM-4, or super handling system."
A super handling system is a special feature in some cars that helps them turn and handle better, making the driving experience smoother and more enjoyable.
A super handling system refers to advanced technologies that enhance a vehicle's handling and stability, allowing for better cornering and overall performance.
Porsche Cayman
"...t we benchmarked for handling was the Porsche 718 Cayman. Oh, wow."
mid-engine car
"[789.0s] Mid-engine car, [790.0s] with a lot of balance and all that."
A mid-engine car is one where the engine is placed in the middle of the car, rather than at the front or back. This helps the car handle better when turning and makes it more stable.
A mid-engine car has its engine located between the front and rear axles, which helps improve weight distribution and handling characteristics. This layout is often found in sports cars for better performance.
pricing
"...And pricing. Yeah, pricing. So we wanted to... How much is the Cayman? It's like $100. $80, $90,000 car."
Pricing is how much money you need to pay to buy a car. It can change depending on the car's features and how popular it is.
Pricing refers to the cost of purchasing a vehicle, which can vary based on factors such as model, features, and market demand. Understanding pricing is essential for buyers to make informed decisions.
Volkswagen Golf
"you can fit three, four sets of golf clubs in the back. So that's why there are people..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that is very practical and easy to drive. It has a lot of space inside, which makes it great for carrying things like golf clubs or groceries.
The Volkswagen Golf is a versatile compact car known for its practicality, comfort, and fun-to-drive nature. With a spacious interior and hatchback design, it has become a popular choice for families and individuals alike, often praised for its balance of performance and efficiency.
Honda Civic Typer
"compared to, let's say, this at the Civic Type-R, it's a totally different direction."
The Honda Civic Type-R is a special version of the Honda Civic that is designed for speed and fun driving. It's known for being very sporty and is popular among people who love cars that perform well on the road and track.
The Honda Civic Type-R is a high-performance variant of the popular Civic compact car, known for its sporty handling and powerful turbocharged engine. It has gained a reputation among enthusiasts for its track-ready capabilities and engaging driving experience, making it a significant player in the hot hatch segment.
Honda Civic Si
"Well, there's a Civic Si, we have a Civic Hybrid as well."
The Honda Civic Si is a sportier version of the regular Civic. It has a stronger engine and is made for people who enjoy driving fast and having fun.
The Honda Civic Si is a sportier variant of the Civic, featuring a more powerful engine and performance-oriented features. It is designed for enthusiasts who want a fun driving experience while maintaining practicality.
Integra
"I think as it happened with Integra,"
The Acura Integra is a small car that is popular for its sporty design and good performance. It has a loyal group of fans who love to drive it.
The Acura Integra is a compact car that was produced by Honda's luxury division, Acura. It is known for its sporty performance and has a strong enthusiast following.
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