Honda has announced a new Prelude for Japan and the US, but with some notable differences between the two models. The Prelude, a sports coupe that was discontinued in 2001, is making a comeback after a two-decade hiatus. The new Prelude is based on the current Honda Civic platform and will feature a sleek, fastback design with a sloping roofline and aggressive styling cues.
In Japan, the Prelude will be available with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 182 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. The engine will be mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and will feature front-wheel drive. The Japanese-spec Prelude will also come with a range of standard features, including a 9-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a suite of advanced safety features.
In the US, the Prelude will be available with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The engine will be paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and will feature front-wheel drive. The US-spec Prelude will also come with a range of standard features, including a 10.2-inch touchscreen display, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, and a suite of advanced safety features.
One of the notable differences between the Japanese and US-spec Preludes is the availability of all-wheel drive. In Japan, the Prelude will be available with all-wheel drive as an option, while in the US, it will only be available with front-wheel drive. Additionally, the US-spec Prelude will feature a more aggressive exterior design, with unique front and rear bumpers, side skirts, and a rear spoiler.
The new Prelude is expected to go on sale in Japan in the summer of 2023, with the US launch following shortly after. Pricing has not been announced, but Honda has confirmed that the Prelude will be positioned above the Civic Si and below the Accord in the company’s lineup. The Prelude’s return is seen as a nod to Honda’s performance heritage, and the company is hoping to attract enthusiasts who are looking for a fun-to-drive and stylish sports coupe.
Overall, the new Prelude promises to be an exciting addition to Honda’s lineup, with its sleek design, powerful engine options, and range of advanced features. While there are some differences between the Japanese and US-spec models, both versions are expected to deliver a thrilling driving experience that is sure to appeal to driving enthusiasts.