Honda Prelude 2026 "popular" thanks to U60 and U70 generations rushing to order

The legendary two-door coupe Honda Prelude is officially back, and the gamble on nostalgia and hybrid technology is paying off beyond expectations.

Just one month after its global debut on September 5, the 2026 Honda Prelude has received more than 2,400 orders in Japan, eight times more than originally planned, despite its unpalatable price tag of 6,179,800 yen (approximately $41,100 or €35,000).

This is considered an “unusually high” price for a Honda-badged car, even more expensive than the Nissan Z – a 400-horsepower V6 sports car – which starts at 5,497,800 yen (about $36,300). Faced with demand that far exceeded expectations, Honda was forced to adjust its production plan.

Some dealers in Japan have already stopped taking new orders, while Honda ramps up production to meet existing orders. Honda says it wants “as many customers as possible to drive the Prelude,” and production is likely to continue expanding in the coming months.

What surprised Honda the most was not the number of orders, but the age of the buyers. Instead of attracting young people, the new Prelude is conquering the Gen X and Baby Boomer generations – customers in their 50s, 60s and 70s, who were attached to or have memories with previous generations of Prelude.

They are the ones who are willing to pay to rediscover the memories of their youth through a new design that is modern, practical but still retains the elegant sporty spirit. The color preferences of this customer group also clearly reflect that: 63% choose Moonlight White Pearl, 16% choose Meteoroid Gray Metallic, 11% choose Crystal Black Pearl, and only 10% choose Flame Red.

The new Prelude uses the e:HEV hybrid platform – which falls somewhere between traditional hybrid technology and fully electric vehicles. It does not use a conventional automatic transmission; instead, two electric motors drive the wheels directly, drawing power from a generator supplied by the gasoline engine.

The new system, called “S+ Shift”, provides a gearshift feel that simulates a ladder-type gearbox, helping the driver feel the speed change more clearly. The front end inherits the Civic Type-R’s dual strut suspension and active dampers, promising a sportier and more precise driving feel than any previous Honda model.

At the heart of the Prelude is a naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 182 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Combined with an electric motor that produces 181 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque.

Total output when the two systems operate in parallel reaches 200 horsepower and 315 Nm, enough to deliver powerful performance, fuel economy and the seamless driving feel typical of Honda.

The Prelude’s return not only awakens memories, but also shows that Honda still knows how to make car lovers – regardless of generation – emotional. Perhaps it is those who drove the Prelude in their youth who are writing a new story of this iconic car.

After 24 years of absence, the 2026 Honda Prelude officially launched, marking the return of one of the iconic names in Honda's history. However, instead of being a pure sports car, the new generation Prelude is positioned as a grand tourer (GT), focusing on comfort and practicality, while still maintaining the modern coupe language.

Video : Introducing the new 2026 Honda Prelude Sports Coupe.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/honda-prelude-2026-dat-khach-nho-the-he-u60-u70-do-xo-dat-mua-post2149059361.html