Honda posts 2025 Prelude photos and details

The reborn Honda Prelude sports car is already running road tests prior to its market debut next year.

In the meantime, the automaker has revealed some of its technical details. Apparently, the car is a hybrid based on the latest generation of the e:HEV powertrain. The engine supports Atkinson cycle and direct injection for 40% greater combustion efficiency and a taller torque curve across all RPMs. Despite a slight improvement in power output, the new engine lineup consumes around 10% less petrol than its predecessor. As for the displacement, Honda mentioned 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter options coming to the market.

The new Prelude will also be based on the company’s latest platform and weigh around 90 kg (200 lbs) less. Honda calls it its most lightweight vehicle architecture to date.

A potentially interesting feature is coming in the guise of S+ Shift, a special drive preset that fine-tunes engine RPMs based on the current speed and dynamic (accelerating or braking). The automaker claims it will dramatically improve throttle response. S+ Shift will also try to maintain consistent RPM counts while cruising to allow for a more linear throttle response. In a number of configurations, it will allow shifting gears via steering wheel stalks. Last but not least, it will generate “an emotional soundtrack” to imitate a larger engine. Here’s hoping the latter bit is optional.