PRELUDE is being reintroduced to New Zealand next year, continuing as a sporty two-door coupe but reinvigorating as a hybrid car with an intriguing transmission.

No detail has been shared about the likely performance or power and torque potentials from what will be the sixth generation of this model, which in production form is very close to a concept Honda showed off in Tokyo two years ago.

“We are proud to announce the return of the legendary Prelude to the Honda line-up next year,” said Carolyn McMahon, managing director of automotive at Auckand-based Honda NZ.

“This iconic nameplate evokes a deep sense of nostalgia while delivering the kind of performance that defines Honda. It’s a car that speaks to the hearts of long-time fans and new drivers alike—bridging generations with timeless appeal.” 

Honda's passenger cars here are e:HEV hybrids, which don't have a traditional gearbox, instead powering the wheels via a direct-drive system that has CVT-like gearing.

Prelude uses a variation call S plus Shift which pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, one to act as a generator, and one which helps to power the front axle.

That powertrain could well be a development of the powertrain that goes into the $67,000 e:HEV CR-V here. 

The crossover has a 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, two electric motors fed by a 1.06kWh battery pack, transferring through a simulated CVT. Maximum power and torque are respectively 135kW and 335Nm. Honda is said to be targetting 154kW for Prelude.

Honda has also said the Prelude’s transmission is designed to mimic the sound and feel of a responsive multi-ratio automatic transmission.

Honda promises S Plus Shift will “enhance the driving experience”, “deliver maximum levels of driver engagement” and also says the shifts are “coordinated with active sound control.” 

Prelude originally launched in its first generation some 46 years, ago, but the last one went out of production at the end of 2001. So it will be a full 24 years later that the new one finally goes on sale.