Report: New Honda Prelude Will Be A 207 HP-Rated Hybrid Sportscar

Reports have suggested that the new Honda Prelude will get a 207 HP-rated hybrid powertrain setup.

It is no secret that Honda is reviving the iconic Prelude nameplate, as indicated by the spanking new Honda Prelude Concept revealed at the Japan Mobility Show (JMS) last year. Initially touted as an all-electric coupe, it appears that the new Prelude will be a partially-electrified hybrid instead, with new rumours regarding its powertrain setup having arisen recently.

The new Prelude will reportedly get the same e:HEV powertrain setup as we've seen on the Civic FE.

According to Japanese automotive portal BestCarWeb, the new Prelude will likely get the same 2.0-litre 4-cyl e:HEV hybrid powertrain setup as we saw on both the Civic and Accord. Not going for all-out power, this new hybrid setup can be tweaked to produce up to 207 HP on the new Prelude, hence putting it at a power disadvantage over its soon-to-be rivals like the Toyota GR86 and its Subaru twin, the BRZ.

For reference, both the GR86 and BRZ’s 2.4-litre 4-cyl nat-asp ‘Boxer’ mill is capable of producing up to 234 HP and 250 NM.

Said Japanese portal further added that the new Prelude’s e:HEV powertrain setup will also feature an e-CVT automatic gearbox, possibly the same unit used on both the Civic and Accord HEVs. This also puts the new Prelude at a disadvantage over its aforementioned rivals, with both the GR86 and BRZ being offered with a six-speed manual option.

The new Prelude will continue Honda's legacy of  high-performance FWD cars like the Civic Type R.

Unlike the aforementioned twins, the new Prelude will reportedly come with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) drivetrain setup. While some may see this as yet another disadvantage over the GR86-BRZ’s rear-wheel drive (RWD) setup, it is important to note that Honda is renowned for developing some of the best-driving FWD cars the world has ever seen, with its long list of performance models including the legendary Civic Type R, Integra, and many more.

Honda Prelude Concept (left) & Toyota GR86 (right)

But then again, we’d reckon this comparison is purely based on the similar body style and dimension the new Prelude boasts over its two rivals. Not only does the new Prelude get the same 2+2 fastback coupe body style as the GR86 and BRZ, but the new car is also quite identical in size, measuring 4,300 MM long, 1,790 MM wide, 1,300 MM tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,575 MM.

At this point, Honda has yet to confirm any details regarding both the new Prelude’s powertrain setup and its anticipated launch date. However, the Japanese automaker did confirm that the new Prelude will be available in both right- (RHD) and left-hand-drive markets, so at least we know it won’t be a JDM exclusive.