Next Honda Prelude Gets Simulated Gearbox

The new Honda Prelude coupé will feature a hybrid powertrain and a simulated gearbox when it launches in 2026. It’s all about optimising the joy of driving, according to Honda.

It has been over two decades since Honda made a Prelude. The new one will be based on Civic mechanicals and feature a 2.0-litre powertrain using Honda’s e:HEV hybrid system. It is not compatible with a manual transmission so Honda instead will introduce a synthesized shift system.

Known as the S+ Shift system, it will reproduce the sound and feel of rapid automatic gear changes. This will  “not only deliver exceptional efficiency, but also the fun-to-drive performance for which this model is known” according to a Honda spokesperson from the EU.

No technical details for the S+ Shift system are to hand so it is unclear whether this could also simulate manual changes using steering wheel paddles. But it is likely to be similar to that of the Hyundai Ionic 5 N.

Project leader, Tomoyuki Yamagami, said earlier this year “When you’re in charge of developing the Prelude, you understand everyone has a lot of expectations of a coupé.”

Quizzed about a manual transmission he said then “I really love manual vehicles, and I can only say that it would be something I’d like [for the Prelude]. With a manual transmission, it would be a very fun vehicle to be with.”

Honda’s e:HEV system primarily uses an electric traction motor to drive the wheels. A petrol engine serves largely as a generator for charging the battery. So no traditional gearing is necessary.

Already revealed as a show car, the Prelude was recently spied testing on German roads. The styling of the concept car will carry through to production.