Honda has been teasing the return of the beloved Prelude for quite some time now, and the anticipation only continues to build. The latest iteration of the Prelude made its second appearance at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed, showcasing a near-production prototype that had enthusiasts buzzing with excitement. Unlike its initial unveiling in the UK, this time around, Honda allowed attendees to get up close and personal with the sleek coupe, even allowing them to sit inside the finished cabin.
A new walkaround video captured during the festival gives us a closer look at two different versions of the Prelude, including the Boost Blue Pearl car that took on the iconic hill climb. The three-door liftback design carries on the legacy of the Civic Coupe, offering practicality with a split-folding rear seat that can accommodate two passengers in the back. While the sloping roofline may compromise rear visibility, the overall design is a nod to the classic coupe aesthetic.
Inside the cabin, the layout of the Prelude draws inspiration from both the Civic and Integra, providing a familiar and user-friendly environment. While the Civic and Integra offer manual transmission options, the new Prelude will be automatic-only. However, Honda has included an S+ button that allows for sharper simulated shifts, giving drivers a more engaging driving experience.
Despite the absence of a manual transmission option, Honda has equipped the Prelude with features like dual-axis front suspension, adaptive dampers, and a stiffer suspension setup borrowed from the Civic Type R. The new Prelude is also said to have wider tracks, a shorter wheelbase, and increased rigidity for enhanced performance.
While the technical specifications of the Prelude remain a mystery, Honda has confirmed that the coupe will not aim to be the fastest or most aggressive car on the market. Instead, the focus is on delivering a well-rounded driving experience that pays homage to the legacy of previous Prelude models. While the design of the new Prelude may not directly reference its predecessors, enthusiasts can take solace in the fact that Honda resisted the urge to turn it into an SUV.
As the automotive world eagerly awaits the official release of the new Prelude, one thing is certain – the rebirth of this iconic coupe is shaping up to be a fitting tribute to its illustrious past. With a blend of modern technology and performance-enhancing features, the Prelude is poised to carve out its own niche in the competitive sports car market.
