Finding a coupé on the market today is nearly a mission impossible. Perhaps for that reason, when Honda announced the return of the Prelude in October 2023, a great deal of hope was placed in it. A new sport-styled car in these days when everything seems to be SUVs of every size, shape, and color was something to celebrate. But before delving into the details to dissect the new Honda Prelude, it’s worth briefly revisiting the history of this model.
1978, the Honda Prelude is born
The first Honda Prelude was born in Japan in the year 1978. Its name signified ‘prelude’, and with it the aim was to usher in a new era for Honda, seeking to unify in a single car sporty design, driving pleasure and technological innovation.
In this regard the original Prelude was the first Honda with a retractable sunroof. In 1982 it was discontinued, paving the way for the second generation that would be on the market from that year until 1987.
The original Honda Prelude and the prototype of the current Prelude
The innovation brought by that second generation was to be the first Japanese car with a four-channel ABS system. Between 1987 and 1991 the third generation was on sale, which for the first time incorporated a mechanical four-wheel steering system.
The fourth generation of the Honda Prelude was on sale from 1991 to 1996. That car is remembered by many people because it was the first with a 190 HP VTEC engine in Europe.
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Nolan Kessler
I focus on performance-driven cars, emerging technologies, and the business forces shaping the automotive industry. My work aims to deliver clear, relevant insights without unnecessary noise, with a strong attention to detail and accuracy. I follow the evolution of mobility daily, with a particular interest in what defines the next generation of driving.
