Everyone ready for their first look all-new Honda Prologue in Los Angeles got a very welcome surprise … the Honda Prelude concept. The company’s hybrid electric concept was a big hit at the Japan Mobility Show last month and now it’s at the LA Auto Show.
The Honda Prelude Concept, which made its global debut last month in Japan, is a surprise addition to the automaker’s display at the LA Auto Show.
Attendees at the LA Auto Show now have some additional incentive to head over to the Honda booth upon their arrival.
In addition to checking out the Japanese automaker’s first-ever fully electric vehicle, the 2024 Honda Prologue, visitors are getting a little bonus — the Honda Prelude Concept, which appeared at the Japan Mobility Show last month.
The original Prelude was one of the brand’s most popular models in the late ‘70s through the early 2000s. The sporty coupe was quick and nimble, and originally based off the Accord before getting a much-needed push in a different direction in the mid-1990s.
It has plenty of fans, many of whom have called for its return to Honda’s lineup. While it looks production ready, Honda officials haven’t said this version of the Prelude will come to the market. However, they have teased that it “represents a prelude to future electrified Honda models created to advance the joy of driving.”
A look ahead
Honda officials haven’t said this version of the Prelude will come to the market.
“Honda hybrid-electric models have been doing a great job of furthering our electrification strategy and now represent one-quarter of Honda sales in 2023,” said Gary Robinson, vice president Auto Planning and Strategy, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “Displaying the hybrid Prelude Concept demonstrates our electrification strategy in a sporty and dynamic package.”
Honda is moving toward global carbon neutrality for its vehicles and company by 2050, with its vehicle lineup consisting of either hybrids or EVs exclusively by 2040. Honda was an early player in the zero-emissions segment with the Honda Insight as well as its fuel cell version of the Honda Clarity FCV.
Hybrid-electric vehicles are a key step in this Honda electrification strategy, which includes equipping its core models with hybrid-electric powertrains, the company noted.
Honda has already achieved record electrified vehicle sales in 2023, which now represent more than a quarter of the brand’s total sales. Additionally, hybrid-electric trims now make up more than half of all CR-V and Accord sales, and Honda will introduce a new Civic hybrid next year. Honda’s cumulative sales of electrified vehicles now tops the 1million mark, according to Honda.
The concept “represents a prelude to future electrified Honda models created to advance the joy of driving.”
Prologue before Prelude
But now its charging ahead with its electrification plans to meet its environmental goals. Starting with the Prologue, with the company’s new model is set to arrive in the U.S. next year with a 300-mile range.
Honda will offer Prologue in both single-motor (front-wheel-drive) and dual-motor (all-wheel-drive) configurations with three trim levels — EX, Touring and Elite.
The new EV’s built on a state-of-the-art electric vehicle platform developed with General Motors. Officials say that’s where the “sharing” ends as Honda engineers have tweaked the crossover to give it a unique feel. They optimized the multi-link front and rear suspensions to make it a great daily commuter, but also capable of heading off the pavement. The team aimed for a sporty driving experience with class-leading refinement.
The new model is part street machine and part off-roader — but not equal parts. With Americans looking to head out to the wilds in increasing numbers, the new Prologue was designed to give drivers a little more off-road capability.
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