Honda Revives the Prelude in 2026 with a Cool New Gadget

It was only a matter of time, but the return of the Honda Prelude is now official. It will be in 2026, with an S button!

It is now official, the Honda Prelude is back! This announcement isn’t really a surprise since we already told you about it 14 months ago. This two-door hybrid coupe will hit the market in 2026, with the ambition to deliver performance matching its design, despite having a rather common hybrid system shared with models like the Civic and Accord.

One of the key elements to enhance this performance feel will be the “linear shift control,” a technology currently exclusive to the Prelude… at least for now. According to Honda, this system will give the coupe a driving experience reminiscent of gear changes in a traditional transmission during full throttle acceleration. While this may seem trivial, it is actually a significant innovation considering how Honda’s current hybrid systems operate. Indeed, they do not have a conventional transmission between the internal combustion engine and the driven wheels. The propulsion is mainly provided by an electric motor, while the gasoline engine acts as an energy generator via a small motor unit. The now very trendy range extender. In some cases, the combustion engine can be directly coupled to the driven wheels via a direct-drive gearbox, but only at a specific speed when more efficient. Therefore, all gear changes are fully simulated, as is the case on Honda Civic and Accord hybrids.

It remains to be seen how this linear shift control differs from existing settings. It could notably allow the driver to influence these simulated shift points, offering a more personalized driving sensation. Furthermore, this confirms that Honda will probably not offer a traditional manual transmission or dual-clutch gearbox on this hybrid Prelude.

Complementing this system, Honda will introduce a new driving mode called “S+ Shift.” According to the manufacturer, this mode aims to maximize the combined efficiency of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. It will precisely adjust the engine RPM during all acceleration and deceleration phases, depending on driving conditions. This mode will also enhance the vehicle’s aggressiveness with an active sound controller, designed to deliver “the sound and sensation of fast automatic gear changes” and a dynamic instrument cluster that stimulates the driver’s senses.

Honda had already previewed this system during testing of the Honda 0 prototype last October, explaining that it was aimed for implementation in 100% electric models by 2028. However, it appears the brand has developed a version compatible with the hybrid Prelude, marking an initial step before its integration into fully electric vehicles in the coming years.