The Honda Prelude coupe looks set to return as a hybrid—in some markets, at least. But a manual transmission—something Honda offered on its very first Insight hybrid coupe—may not be included.
Motor Trend reports that, despite speculation, the Prelude revival won't have a stick shift. That's based on comments from Honda global officer in charge of electrification Shinji Aoyama. The report states that Honda is considering adding an automatic transmission to the version of its dual-motor hybrid system used in the Civic in order to provide more visceral shifting feel without a clutch pedal.
Honda Prelude concept
Launched in Japan in 1978, the Prelude was for most of its existence a sporty coupe that draped sleeker bodywork over reliable mechanical components shared with more mainstream models. Production ended in 2002 with the fifth-generation model.
Honda unveiled a Prelude concept at the 2023 Tokyo auto show, saying at the time that it was eying a production version. It subsequently confirmed that production version for Europe, and while it hasn't announced similar plans for the U.S., Honda did renew the trademark on the Prelude name in the U.S. in 2023, which could pave the way for the new hybrid coupe in this market.
Honda Prelude concept
While a manual gearbox seems superfluous with Honda's current two-motor hybrid system—which negates the need for anything resembling a conventional transmission—Honda has a history of stick-shift hybrids. The original Insight offered a 5-speed manual transmission, and Honda offered a manual on the CR-Z, another hybrid that aimed to capitalize on the nostalgia of car enthusiasts by positioning itself as a successor to the Honda CRX.
Honda has even reportedly created a manual transmission for EVs. It's being tested as one of many potential features for the upcoming 0 Series of dedicated models due to start arriving in 2026, but hasn't been confirmed for production.
