Honda has revealed the interior of its reborn Prelude as the hybrid sports coupé inches ever closer to reality. The car is currently on display at the Formula 1 Tokyo Fan Festival ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix, having been paraded (with recently-discarded Red Bull Racing driver Liam Lawson behind the wheel) alongside the Honda 0 SUV at the Red Bull Showrun earlier today.
As expected, the Prelude’s cabin is very similar to that of the Civic, given that it is based on the C-segment sedan. You get the same 10.25-inch digital instrument display and nine-inch freestanding infotainment touchscreen, similar three-spoke steering wheel and buttons, mesh-covered air vents and chunky physical air-con control knobs.
There are some subtle differences, of course. Unlike any 11th-generation Civic (not even the hot Type R), the Prelude uses a slightly flat-bottomed steering wheel, replete with a 12 o’clock marker. The air vents are also smaller and hexagon-shaped instead of taking up the entire width of the car.
But it’s on the tall centre console where the biggest difference lies. Here, you’ll find a push-button gear selector that’s typical of Honda hybrids overseas (not here), running right down the middle. It’s flanked by a parking brake button on the right and the drive mode selector and a massive S+ button on the left, with the cupholders placed further aft. Also fitted are what appear to be nicely supportive bucket seats with distinctive high shoulders.
Not much is yet known about the Prelude, but Honda has revealed that the car will get the company’s latest e:HEV hybrid technology, consisting of new, more efficient 1.5 litre and 2.0 litre direct injected engines and a smaller electric drive motor.
The centrepiece technology is a new S+ Shift mode, which simulates gearshifts in a similar fashion to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. It’s also been reported that the car will get the Civic Type R’s torque steer-reducing dual-axis MacPherson strut front suspension and adaptive dampers.
It’s been more than a year since the production-intent Prelude Concept was showcased at the Japan Mobility Show, with the car also being shown at the Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS) late last year. It looks like development is moving along nicely, so are you excited to see the hallowed nameplate coming back to showrooms? Sound off in the comments after the jump.
GALLERY: Honda Prelude Concept at KLIMS 2024
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