Honda Prelude prototype shows off paddle shifters for first drive

After learning that Honda’s new Prelude (yes, the one with analog shifting) will hit U.S. showrooms late next year, a few lucky people in Japan were able to test drive a pre-production prototype on a track. These early test drives gave us a glimpse of an upgraded hybrid powertrain, an “enhanced” soundtrack, and a tweaked chassis setup. Oh, and they also provided a first look at the cabin interior, which Honda has kept under wraps so far.

Unsurprisingly, the camouflaged prototype used for these test drives looks nearly identical to the one our spy photographers spotted during development testing. As expected, the concept’s exterior changes are minimal, such as slightly thicker mirror caps and some new ADAS sensors.

More refined Civic interior

Inside, it’s no surprise that the Prelude’s dashboard is borrowed largely from its Civic cousin. But Honda has added enough unique touches to remind you that this no Just a Civic coupe, thank you very much. The center console is taller and features snazzy new gearbox controls and a shiny dedicated button. S+ shift mode (Don’t worry, we’ll unpack it later).

More: New Honda Prelude coming to U.S. in late 2025 with simulated shifting

The front seats are a nice touch, with sport bucket seats with integrated headrests, perforated upholstery and white and blue contrast stitching. Look, it’s very special Atmosphere. As for the rear seats, let’s just say Honda didn’t design them with NBA players — or really any full-size adults — in mind unless you like a cramped feel. Blame that on the sloping roofline and short wheelbase. There’s a silver lining, though: Honda promises solid trunk space thanks to a roomy tailgate.

New dual-motor hybrid system

This is where things get interesting. The new Prelude will be the first model to feature Honda’s next-generation two-motor hybrid system. While the company hasn’t revealed all the details yet, the Prelude is expected to feature an autonomous charging hybrid system paired with a newly developed 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injection Atkinson cycle engine and dual electric motors. The electric drive itself is also new, with a more compact design and higher efficiency.

Honda claims this setup is 10% more efficient than the current e:HEV system, without sacrificing power at all. While there’s still no traditional gearbox, Honda’s new gearbox S+ shift mode It’s designed to turn things around by simulating gear changes, making the driving experience feel more…well, “engaging.”

Honda S+ shift drive modes and fake engine sounds

The new Honda S+ shift system will be available on all future Honda e:HEVs, promising to transform the driving dynamics of the hybrid coupe (at least on paper) by simulating gear changes and amplifying the sound of the four-cylinder engine. Of course, this happens despite the fact that the electric motor does most of the work of driving the front wheels, and there’s no mechanical transmission.

Unlike the Civic which only simulates shifting with audio feedback, the Prelude adds subtle vibrations on downshifts thanks to tweaked torque mapping in the electric drive unit. The system manages engine speed during acceleration and deceleration and responds to the gearshift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. Meanwhile, Honda Active sound control A more powerful engine note is emitted through the speakers, synchronized with the rev display on the digital instrument cluster.

Is it effective? According to one review, one tester noted that Honda engineers applied the same control method as the now-discontinued NSX nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. However, the simulated shifting in the Prelude’s “fake” gearbox doesn’t offer the same level of intensity. That said, it still appears to be a significant improvement over the linear shift control system used in Honda e:HEV models since 2020. In addition to the Prelude, the S+ shift system has also been confirmed for all future e:HEV models.

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At its core, the Prelude is closely related to the Civic, but Honda has given it some meaningful upgrades. The wheelbase is shorter, the track is wider, and the suspension has been retuned to give the Prelude a sportier feel while still providing smooth, GT-like comfort. Honda also says the platform offers greater rigidity, greater steering stability, and is 10 percent lighter, because numbers matter.

first impression

Early feedback from reviewers is promising. Japanese media praised the coupe’s ride for a sportier feel than the Civic, while being as smooth and comfortable as a GT. One tester noted that the steering setup and adaptive suspension are reminiscent of the Civic Type R hot hatch. Others point out the Brembo brakes hidden behind black 19-inch wheels wrapped in Continental Premium Contact 6 tires, claiming the braking system provides a smooth, linear feel.

We’ll know more when the Prelude takes center stage at the 2025 Tokyo Auto Salon ahead of its launch next year. Until then, we’ll continue to do our best to practice “Yes, but it’s not only citizen” argument.

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