Honda Prelude Rumored To Return With Manual Transmission

Honda’s surprise unveiling of the new Prelude Concept at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show continues to gather interest and speculation among enthusiasts.

With sleek styling and a name everyone knows and loves, the revived Prelude should help recapture Honda's reputation for delivering fun-to-drive, stylish sports cars. Honda has been relatively tight-lipped about details, but hints and developments from other models and recent rumors from Japan at least lend a direction.

While there’s no official word on powertrain specifics, the Prelude is rumored to utilize Honda’s latest e:REV hybrid technology. Best Car Web suggests that the upcoming Prelude could be powered by a hybrid unit similar to what’s found in the newest Honda Accord, which features a 2.0-liter inline-four engine combined with dual electric motors.

Things get interesting with the mention of a possible six-speed manual transmission. This would be a throwback to earlier Honda hybrids like the CR-Z, which paired hybrid efficiency with a driver-focused manual gearbox. The new Civic RS in overseas markets recently adopted a six-speed manual transmission as part of its sporty trim, and the Prelude could borrow this component to offer a similar driving experience.

It's unclear how a 6MT could mesh with Honda's e:REV hybrid system—of course, rather than bringing back a true manual, it’s possible Honda will opt for a digitally simulated form. It could be similar to the 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which uses simulated gear shifting to offer a more "engaging" experience without using a physical transmission.

The 2025 Civic Hybrid already simulates “shifts” by briefly dipping engine torque during acceleration to make the revs sound like they’re climbing through gears. The Prelude could take this a step further, handing over control of these shifts to the driver via software tweaks rather than mechanical changes. This would deliver a more engaging driving experience while preserving the efficiency and low emissions of the hybrid system.

Structurally, it’s expected that the Prelude will share its underpinnings with the current Civic platform, offering a familiar but more compact silhouette. With a wheelbase reportedly matching the Civic’s at 2,735 mm, the Prelude’s overall length might be shorter, emphasizing its coupe proportions, pushing the wheels to the corner to maximize maneuverability and lending a sportier stance.

For now, real details remain speculative, but the buzz around the Prelude’s return is hard to ignore. As the market continues to shift toward electrification and hybridization, a sporty coupe like the Prelude could help Honda recapture the nostalgia of its past.

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