Honda unveils Prelude hybrid coupe for the European market

One of the more iconic Honda models, the Prelude, is set to hit European roads. Unlike recent trends, it will not be an SUV but a coupe. Moreover, it will have a hybrid system under the bonnet.

While the Prelude is theoretically still in the concept phase, the new red model differs from previous versions only in colour. In practice, the Prelude looks like the long-awaited Civic in coupe form.

Early rumours suggested the car would be electric, but the European division announced that the hybrid system would come "to us." "We want to ensure that this model retains its sporty DNA," said Tomoyuki Yamagami, Chief Engineer and Project Manager.

Honda's hybrid system is unique yet economical. The internal combustion engine primarily acts as a generator and is only directly connected to the wheels on the motorway. An alternative is the plug-in version, although this version is only available in the CR-V model.

The most likely scenario is the drive system transfer from the Civic, which has a displacement of two litres and a battery capacity of 1.05 kWh. The engine power is 142 hp, whilst the entire system has 181 hp. Sprinting to sixty miles per hour in this compact model takes 8 seconds, and the top speed is 112 mph.

The Prelude is expected to appear at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. When it will hit showrooms, however, remains unknown.