2026 Honda Prelude may combine manual transmission and hybrid power

The discontinued Honda CR-Z used a similar formula, with a self-charging hybrid powertrain and a manual transmission.

Honda’s return to the Prelude caught the media’s eye last year when it unveiled a near-production coupe concept at the Japanese auto show. While Honda has kept the car’s specifications secret, Japanese media have been speculating on its features. A new report suggests the new Prelude could combine its hybrid powertrain with a six-speed manual transmission – a combination that could finally make fans cheer.

The sixth-generation Prelude is expected to share its chassis with the Honda Civic. Unlike the Honda Civic (which is available as a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan), the Prelude will retain its two-door coupe identity, indicating its sporty styling.

MORE: Should Honda make a Prelude Type R coupe?

The sportiest model in the Honda Civic range besides the Type R is the new RS model, which was recently launched in Japan as a mild facelift. It features a six-speed manual gearbox, an ICE-only turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, a rev-matching function and a sportier suspension setup.

According to Japanese media reports Best CarsSources suggest that the Prelude may also offer a manual transmission paired with Honda’s e-hybrid system in addition to a traditional (often maligned) CVT. If true, this would be the first Honda vehicle since the discontinued CR-Z to feature a manual transmission in its self-charging hybrid setup.

The electric powertrain is expected to combine a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, similar to the setup found in the Civic and Accord e:HEV models. This combination will allow the Prelude to offer adequate performance and be more efficient than its non-electric competitors.

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The only other two coupes in the compact sedan segment are the Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ Coupe, both of which offer manual transmissions, and the more upscale BMW 2 Series Coupe. All of these models use non-hybrid ICE powertrains. There are also rumors of a possible revival of the Toyota Celica, which could be powered by a new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with both manual and automatic transmission options.

The production version of the resurrected Honda Prelude is scheduled to be released in the second half of 2025. Markets such as Japan and Europe have already been officially confirmed, and the United States is likely, especially since Honda showed the concept car at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Honda Prelude concept car