The All-New Honda Prelude: A Hybrid Coupé with a Simulated Gearbox
Exciting news for automotive enthusiasts as Honda announces the revival of the iconic Prelude model, set to make a comeback in 2026 as a hybrid coupé. This new version will not only showcase Honda’s electrified technologies but also promise an exhilarating driving experience with a unique simulated gearbox.
Based on the popular Civic platform, the new Prelude will feature a 2.0-litre powertrain equipped with Honda’s e:HEV hybrid system. Due to the complexity of the hybrid setup, a traditional manual transmission is not feasible. In response, Honda has developed the innovative S+ Shift system, designed to replicate the sensation of quick automatic gear changes.
Honda’s Europe senior-vice president, Hans De Jaeger, expressed excitement about the new system, stating that it will deliver both efficiency and the dynamic performance characteristic of the Prelude. The specifics of the S+ Shift system remain undisclosed, with only a glimpse of the drive mode selector revealed in official images.
Similar to the transmission simulation in the Hyundai Ionic 5 N, the S+ Shift system is expected to enhance the driving experience of the new Prelude. Speculations about a simulated gearbox first surfaced earlier this year, and project leader Tomoyuki Yamagami hinted at the possibility in an interview with Autocar.
Yamagami, acknowledging the high expectations surrounding the Prelude coupé, hinted at the potential for a manual transmission feature. As a manual transmission enthusiast himself, owning cars with manual gearboxes, he left room for enthusiasts to anticipate the final details of the S+ Shift system.
