Have you seen the videos and images? The truth is that the design car is really cool, but the fact that it only comes in a hybrid version for now leaves a bit of a bitter taste considering it’s a sports car.
This article is striking, it seems like a rather convoluted explanation to say that they simply limited themselves to using the same, or similar, powertrain from the hybrid Civic.
We’ll have to see the price.
What do you think?
I’m not going to lie, it’s a car I’m quite interested in… I like the design and the idea Honda has with the car. But… what I most hope they improve is the transmission. I don’t mind if it’s automatic, I’ve had cars with DSG transmission, but I want it to be a minimal shift like BMW’s ZF, with a sporty feel and not just a CVT with another name… And regarding it having the same engine as the hybrid Civic, it doesn’t necessarily have to be bad… Guille from PowerArt spoke quite well of the car and some forum users who own an 11, are full of praise… The base price will surely be around 37000 or so, the base version, and if in the future, Honda makes a Type R, the sky’s the limit 
Honda’s hybrid system does away with the transmission. It only has two couplings, one for the internal combustion engine (between 80 and 110, as well as when it wants to assist the electric motor) and another for the electric motor, which is usually always connected except at that speed. So forget about CVT slips and the like.
Morrillu: precisely what sets it apart from the rest…
So… Does it work like a CVT, but without the drawbacks of a CVT? It’s closer to being a ZF, but without gears. From what I’ve researched, the Prelude is going to opt for that system you’re talking about, but with a more sporty focus. I’m eager to see how this system evolves…
I tested the hybrid Civic and it’s true that it’s not like a Toyota, but it doesn’t feel like a ZF or DSG either, no matter how much it tries to simulate the gears, in the end, you feel that something is missing.
It runs well and all, but personally, it doesn’t fit as a sports car for me.
I haven’t tried it, so I can’t say much about how it feels. What little I know is from reviews by people on YouTube… Even so, as of today, the new Civic, despite having an interesting and rarely seen system in the field, I wouldn’t buy it mainly because I want something with a somewhat sporty feel. So, all we can do is wait for Honda to keep improving that gearbox, because the foundation is very promising and I will keep a close watch on it.
But this one comes with the new S+, which the Civic doesn’t have, and it’s not known how it works beyond the few who have tested it.
Morrillu: I’m not one for prejudices if I haven’t tried it, like with cows…
I agree, that improvement is exactly what is needed and they will incorporate it into other models.
I think the color chosen for the presentation is not appropriate… and beyond the 3 doors, I think they have forgotten the essence of the Prelude… but to each their own…
Regarding the change… I don’t like the CVT at all, not at all… it’s missing something… and it’s not power, it’s the feeling. That thing of flooring it and seeing that it doesn’t quite… I don’t like it.
And when I tried the XI, that happened to me… nothing like my X… did it go well? yes, an engine for kilometers in sailing mode with some bursts… but nothing like the X in my humble opinion.
It doesn’t have a gearbox, nor will it ever. It can use methods like varying the revolutions of the thermal engine as the Civic does, or even briefly cutting acceleration like the Ioniq N, all accompanied by speaker sound, but it will always be a simulation.
In the end, having to resort to all these fakes shows how necessary the changes are to provide a sporty feel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyYPPLIGHfw&t=1493s I leave here a video where PowerArt talks about this gearbox, quite interesting! Regarding the sensations, I insist, I can’t speak without having tried it. I tested the CVT in the CRV, which we have at home, and although it is comfortable, I don’t like the driving sensation when you’re pushing it… It’s clumsy and slow, in my opinion. This new one, as @Morrillu mentions, is “different,” not a conventional CVT, rather an evolution of the concept. I’ll give it a chance, in these recent times, where innovation seems unattainable for many, it’s appreciated that they do things like this. For something that Honda releases, which is minimally interesting, even if it’s hybrid.
PS: I don’t know what’s going on with the Japanese and their obsession with putting CVT gearboxes…
Morrillu: I didn’t understand a thing…
Well, I don’t know, at first glance, between the synthesized sound of the PlayStation 2 and the way it varies in revolutions, it doesn’t seem like a very different sensation from what we have now.
Honestly, I’m glad Honda is reviving the Prelude nameplate. The concept looks sleek, and if it ends up being a hybrid performance coupe, it could be a great niche model—especially for enthusiasts who miss the days of lightweight Hondas with personality. I just hope they keep it affordable and don’t make it too watered down. Curious to see what kind of powertrain options we’ll get.
Honda Japan has announced that the car will debut on September 5th, at least in their region… I will leave the link to Honda Japan, where you can already see rates, colors, and even equipment. On this page, two versions appear, with no trace of a Type R version: * Honda Prelude * Honda Prelude ON Limited Edition
The first costs 6,179,800円, which is about €35,686.32, The second costs 6,480,100円, which is €37,420.45 I insist, the prices are from Japan and with the currency exchange applied… My personal bet is that the car in Spain will easily reach 40,000 and the price will be around 46 or so…
I’ll tell you how many will be sold if the price goes above €40,000…
Another thing is that Europe is a lousy market for Honda, and Spanish dealers are given 100 units to sell. Then they’ll tell you they’re all sold out, of course!
I have based my estimate mainly on the European market. You only need to look at the price difference between a Japanese FL5 and a Spanish one, which is quite significant… I’m really looking forward to it! I’ll also tell you, a GR86/BRZ I think the prices were close to €40,000. Although the customer profile the Prelude is trying to reach is not even close to that of a GR. I hope I’m wrong and it costs less than 40K, but seeing the price of a hybrid Civic… allow me to doubt it.
I would easily estimate around 40 - 45 thousand, we’ll have to see the available equipment.
Me too, the surprise would be if it is below those prices.
Honestly, I think it’s better to write in Spanish on a Spanish forum (or use a translator to do so) so that others can easily understand the message.
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