It’s technically a “prototype” now, and interior pics are available.
This thing is a hatchback!!! You now have my attention, Honda.
Another article mentions that the driver and front passenger have slightly different seats (which I assume is mentioned in the video embedded in the article above, but I don’t understand Japanese):
There’s nothing special on the exterior. The front/grill just look like the current camry.
I like it except for the powertrain. Fit it with a manual (and I almost don’t care which motor from the parts bin) and I’m interested.
I wonder if they still could use the old Accord 2.0T/6MT that was a detuned CTR motor.
I understand why folks want it w/ a manual. From my own “selfish” perspective, the planned model works great. I don’t know how to drive a stick (sorry), mainly have a short, city commute that can be stop and go and very stressful (so hybrid works fine and something smallish and maneuverable is essential), and I ultimately only really want something that feels a bit more special than a regular Civic.
The cool-looking front seats alone might be enough for me. 
The old school ones (Gen 3.0 I think) from the late 1980s with 4 wheel steering, the plush seats, 5sp and all those interior lights and buttons were very, very cool.
This is likely the best one left on the planet and I almost bid on it:
I can respect that. For me, I’m a long time Prelude fan. Once had 2 manual 1998 Preludes at the same time, haha.
My username is still Prelude centric. Been dreaming of a Prelude reboot for decades.
That said, I’m also ok keeping my manual RSX Type S. I’d also be happy with a manual Integra A-Spec.
I can understand if they don’t ever offer a manual variant of the Prelude, but I simply wouldn’t consider one in that case. Honda Motor Company will live just fine without me, of course.
No, I get why people who loved the Prelude want a true successor. They were affordable (I think?) techological tour de forces and driver’s cars.
Given the market, I’m just glad that Toyota/Subaru and Honda are still willing to make any type of affordable coupes at all.
Why did you have 2 Preludes from the same MY at the same time???
I loved the way the controversial previous gen looked (I was a teen at the time), but I think the last gen was more in keeping w/ the rest of the lineage, stylistically.
Also a fan of manual Preludes. I had one in this blue and still regret selling it.
For me it was the perfect blend of fun sporty car with Honda reliability. I would be all over a new one with 5 or 6 speed.
I had a 94 Integra back in the day, and always liked Honda’s small sporty cars. The center screen on the Prelude pictures looks many years out of date for a new model. I prefer the larger more integrated screens most other new models have.
I agree, no proper manual transmission is an absolute No-Go for me.
Just like the new Integra that was not offered in a coupe body, No-Go.
The 90’s Hondas were the best and last of the true enthusiast centric cars they offered . They don’t care about enthusiasts anymore.
Civic Type R are bloated and heavy. Same with Integra.
Quiet debut (all the way down on C&D’s landing page):
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a65972130/2026-honda-prelude-revealed/
If I can fit luggage for 2 for a weekend trip, and if the price really is ~$35K, I’d definitely be in the market.
I don’t see this selling well, but only b/c most people don’t buy anything that isn’t lifted (not b/c the car itself is not compelling).
Looks pretty cool and not electric. Good enough for me
I don’t have a strong opinion about EVs (having never driven or owned one), but the recent Audi concept looks pretty good so far (if a bit unfinished), esp the interior. If it becomes a production car, I hope Audi trims down the width (77-78 in is way too wide, IMHO).
This could be a fun daily. I’ll keep an eye on it.
i love the rear styling
I think I read somewhere that Honda is expecting to sell 5000 units/yr. I think they’ll hit that in the first year; I don’t see it happening for any of the subsequent yrs for this generation, at this price point:
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a69429019/2026-honda-prelude-pricing/
This is essentially a civic hybrid coupe. Why is it more than a bmw 2 series coupe
Don’t know, but I think that’s why this thing is dead in the water.
I’d rather get a GLI for several thousand less or a stripped 2-Series for roughly the same price. Honda’s reliability (which is on the decline), better fuel economy, and lower maintenance costs aren’t really a big deal for me, if I’m getting something that’s already vaguely impractical.
I honestly think I’d be more interested in this, had Honda gone all-in on making this more of a Solara competitor (20 yrs later).
Or a GR86 for a LOT less, and it’s RWD to boot.
If I really wanted a hybrid (spoiler alert: I do not), I’d probably save the $8,500 and get a top trim Civic hybrid hatchback.
otherwise an Integra A-Spec 6MT would suit me more, even as a former Prelude super fan (see username).
For now I’m good with my 2006 RSX Type S 6MT and my humble 2020 LEAF (they kind of average out a hybrid I guess?)
