Honda has revived a name that’s been quiet for over two decades and the 2026 Prelude showed up at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed to prove it’s worth the wait. From July 10 to 13, parked on the green fields of Goodwood House, this prototype turned heads with a sharp design and a mix of driving joy and practicality.
The Prelude looks bold but not loud. In Boost Blue Pearl—a bright, summery color that matches the Civic Type R’s energy—the coupe sits low with a long hood and a smooth, sloping roof that feels like a nod to the past and a step into the future. Unlike the concept shown at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, this one is closer to the real deal, with proper side mirrors, slim LED headlights and a full-width rear lightbar that gives the back a clean, modern look.
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Underneath, the Prelude runs on Honda’s e:HEV two-motor hybrid system, likely the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder found in the Civic e:HEV. Exact details are still under wraps but expect around 200 horsepower, balancing fuel savings with enough oomph to have fun. The new S+ Shift tech mimics quick gear changes, adding a fun factor even without a manual transmission. Honda’s engineers have also fettled the chassis to make the car handle sharply, to bring back the quick, driver-friendly spirit of the original Preludes.
Inside, the Prelude feels familiar yet distinct. It borrows a lot from the Civic but adds its own personality. The bucket seats, stitched with the Prelude logo, hold you tight, hinting this car’s built for more than just cruising. A nine-inch screen sits above a mesh panel for climate controls, giving it a premium feel closer to an Acura Integra than a standard Civic. The S+ button is a standout, promising to spice up the hybrid’s auto mode by mimicking sporty gear shifts.
At Goodwood, the Prelude stood out for what it didn’t try to be. Surrounded by monsters like the 1,184-hp Ferrari F80 and electric powerhouses like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 N, it didn’t go for raw power. Instead it was a stylish, affordable coupe that’s all about fun. Honda showed it alongside the Civic Type R Ultimate Edition and the Super EV Concept, blending its sporty past with an electric future. When the Prelude went up the hillclimb, alongside screaming F1 cars and vintage motorcycles, it felt like a quiet standout—a reminder you don’t need a six-figure price tag or a thousand horsepower to have fun.
