The petrol-electric Honda Prelude will get a simulated auto gearbox, arrives 2026

The Honda Prelude will return, and not as a nine-tonne SUV or crossover or long-distance lorry. You already know Honda’s long-running coupe – which actually stopped running back when Steps were topping the charts – is making a comeback. Today we learn a bit more.

Like the fact it’ll debut what Honda’s calling its 'S+ Shift technology'. This, says Honda, simulates the noise and feel of a proper quick-shifting automatic gearbox, in a car that probably won’t have a quick-shifting automatic gearbox.

That’s because it’ll probably use a variation of the drivetrain currently doing service in the hybrid Civic, which pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine with a pair of motors (one acting as a generator, one on the front axle).

There’s a distinct lack of a quick-shifting automatic gearbox in that Civic e:Hev, so it looks like Honda’s gone down the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N route of offering a simulated one to appeal to enthusiasts. The 5 N’s one is a cracker – here’s hoping Honda’s works just as well.

It hasn’t yet divulged any more specifics about the new Prelude’s power figures, but that’s because it’s scheduled for launch in the second half of 2026. Long way to go.

Indeed, the Prelude’s come a long way, too, with the first generation debuting all the way back in 1978 as a front-engined, front-wheel-drive coupe that made it through five generations before quietly disappearing into the night in 2001.

Honda Europe’s senior VP, Hans de Jaeger, said: “The Honda Prelude is an iconic nameplate, and this latest model promises to build on that heritage with our trademark hybrid performance and the latest dynamic technology.

“All with a view to not only delivering exceptional efficiency, but also the fun-to-drive performance for which this model is known. We are excited for its arrival in Europe following a very positive reception so far.”