Honda Prelude Between Old School and High Tech at Rétromobile
At Rétromobile 2026, Honda celebrates the legacy of the Prelude while unveiling its new hybrid generation.
For the 50th edition of the Rétromobile Show, from January 28 to February 1 in Paris at Porte de Versailles, Honda makes a grand return with a prominent presence on a 150 m² stand. The star is the all-new 2026 Prelude GT Hybrid coupe, displayed alongside two icons: the First and Third generations of the legendary model. This setup perfectly illustrates the alliance between heritage and modernity that defines the Prelude lineage.
Presented to the international press at the end of 2025, the sixth generation of Prelude has already received multiple awards in Europe and France. With its hybrid powertrain and innovative S+ Shift technology, it combines energy efficiency and driving pleasure while retaining the technical and safety DNA of Honda. Jean-Alexis Bidet, director of the Automobile division, emphasizes: “The Prelude embodies our commitment to driving pleasure for six decades, with an integrated environmental consciousness.”
Prelude for a beautiful celebration
The stand will also feature a Vintage collection and limited edition items, ranging from clothing to collector’s accessories, to extend the Honda experience.



The Prelude family now consists of six generations. The First generation (1978–1982) laid the foundations with front-wheel drive and a 1600 engine, while the Second (1982–1987) innovated with pop-up headlights and more powerful engines. The Third generation (1987–1991) made its mark with its four-wheel steering and design that inspired the future NSX. The Fourth (1991–1996) and Fifth (1996–2001) continued technical innovation and comfort, while the new generation (2026) combines hybrid technology and modern design.
You might be interestedin this article:
In total, the first five generations of Prelude have sold over 800,000 units worldwide, including nearly 22,000 in France, confirming the cult status of this compact sports coupe and the enthusiasm for its new hybrid incarnation.
READ ALSO: The Honda Prelude is back!
This page is translated from the original post "Honda Prelude entre Old School et High Tech à Rétromobile" in French.
We also suggestthese articles:
Also read
