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The Honda CR-Z was an underappreciated vehicle, lasting only one generation over six years and becoming somewhat of a rare find in the United States. Nonetheless, it provided an appealing choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts and was arguably ahead of its era. Fortunately, there’s hope for a spiritual comeback, as the anticipated Honda Prelude is rumored to feature a manual transmission alongside its hybrid powertrain when it debuts in 2026.
In October 2023, Honda unveiled plans to revive the Prelude as a hybrid sports coupe inspired by the latest Civic at the Japan Mobility Show. While Honda has not released specific details other than confirming the vehicle will be electrified, reports from BestCar suggest that the Prelude will adopt the hybrid powertrain from the new Civic Hybrid and will offer both CVT and manual transmission choices. If true, this would make the Prelude the first Honda hybrid to include a manual transmission since the CR-Z, appealing to driving enthusiasts seeking both pleasure and efficiency.
The Prelude could be an even more enticing option if it borrows elements from the sportier members of the Civic lineup—excluding the Type R, of course. The recently introduced Civic RS in Japan is akin to an Si variant but in hatchback form, offering less power and lacking a limited-slip differential. Although the Civic Hybrid is nearly 300 pounds heavier than its conventional counterpart, the Prelude’s increased torque and potentially stiffer suspension, inspired by the RS or Si, might compensate for the additional weight.
Should the Prelude indeed come with a manual transmission, its hybrid configuration may differ slightly from that of the Civic. The Civic Hybrid uses a direct-drive system that eliminates a conventional transmission, relying on one of its electric motors for most of the propulsion while the gas engine primarily recharges the battery. This system may require modifications to accommodate manual shifting and a clutch pedal. Nevertheless, even if the Prelude retains the Civic’s 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, it should be sufficiently quick and significantly more powerful than the CR-Z’s modest 130 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque.
Honda has remained somewhat ambiguous regarding the Prelude’s availability in the U.S. While the company has labeled it as a “global model” and showcased it at the Los Angeles Auto Show to gauge interest, American Honda has yet to confirm if the stylish coupe will be introduced in the United States. A sporty, electrified two-door model with a manual option would undoubtedly delight Honda enthusiasts. Moreover, this Prelude could fulfill what the CR-Z began over a decade ago, demonstrating that economical vehicles can indeed deliver an enjoyable driving experience.
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