Honda Says There's No Way The New Prelude Can A Have Manual Gearbox
There's officially no shot of the new Honda Prelude ever being offered with a manual transmission. The Japanese automaker once again confirmed that the hybrid coupe will be offered exclusively with an automatic transmission.
Key Points
- Honda confirmed that the revived Prelude will only be offered with an automatic due to its complex hybrid powertrain, which integrates electric and gasoline power too closely for a manual gearbox to work.
- To preserve driver engagement, Honda developed an S+ Shift system that uses paddle shifters, simulated gear changes, rev-matched downshifts, and synthesized engine sound to mimic a manual experience.
- Despite the lack of a manual option, the Prelude has already received eight times more preorders than expected in Japan, prompting Honda to increase production before its global launch.
The news came during the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, where Horita Hidetomo, Honda’s Large Product Lead, told Australia's Drive that a manual gearbox simply isn’t compatible with the Prelude’s advanced hybrid system.
According to Hidetomo-san, earlier Honda hybrids like the CR-Z and Insight could accommodate manual transmissions since the hybrid electric assistance part of the powertrain played a relatively minor role. Now contrast that with the new Prelude, which uses a system that operates on a nearly 50/50 split between electric and combustion power.
That level of integration makes it impossible to engineer a traditional manual without undermining the hybrid system’s efficiency or drivability. “The engine [in Insight and CR-Z] was the main one [reason why the manual was available],” Hidetomo explained. “Now the electricity and the engine is nearly half and half today. That’s the new technology we offer right now.”
Honda knew that not offering a manual would disappoint enthusiasts and potentially impact sales, so the Prelude’s development team created an alternative—the new S+ Shift mode, an electronically simulated manual driving experience using paddle shifters and software to mimic gear changes, rev-matched downshifts, and throttle blips. The simulacrum is completed with synthetic engine sound piped through the speakers.
When S+ Shift is disabled, the same paddles will control regenerative braking intensity, allowing drivers to fine-tune the car’s deceleration feel. The technology will not remain exclusive to the Prelude. Honda plans to roll out the simulated gearshift feature across future hybrid models as part of its effort to preserve driver engagement in increasingly electrified vehicles.
Honda believes S+ Shift offers the best balance between modern hybrid functionality and the tactile enjoyment of traditional driving. A disappointing consolation for anyone who even remotely enjoys the direct, linear connection between a naturally aspirated engine paired with a manual transmission sitting under toe-tips.
Hidetomo-san then delivered a dagger—shifting market preferences.
“It is automatic because it satisfies the needs of today,” he said, pointing out that demand for manual transmissions has cratered even among performance-oriented buyers. Still, the Prelude is off to a hot start in Japan—preorders are eight times higher than Honda’s initial monthly target—prompting the automaker to ramp up production ahead of its global rollout.
AutoGuide was one of the few North American outlets to have already driven the new Prelude as part of ongoing 2026 North American Car and Truck of the Year evaluations. You can find Greg Migliore's thoughts on the hybrid coupe here.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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That is no way anyone will spend 40-50k for a hybrid civic that is automatic, no manual, no mod allowed, with a Camry front. People didn't went buy the acura civic integra and they wouldn't buy this either just another outside shell, no performance, no mod allowed. Spend the money on civic type R at least you have better resale, flipping value .
No manual equals no sale. Unless its some lady is in the market for a 45k civic coupe hybrid. Today's kids, you know whose parents had preludes, can barely cover rent and a bus pass