Cast your mind back to the golden era of Japanese performance cars. It was a time of VTEC screams, razor-sharp handling, and designs that made you look back every single time you parked. Right at the heart of that movement was a Honda icon: the Prelude. For years, it was the stylish, tech-forward coupe that car enthusiasts adored. Well, hold on to your bucket seats, because the wait is finally over.
Honda New Zealand has officially confirmed the return of the legend. After a 24-year absence from our roads, the Honda Prelude is making a comeback, with its New Zealand launch scheduled for mid-2026. This isn’t just a rumour or a “what if”; it’s happening.
The official announcement promises a “legendary nameplate, reimagined for a new generation of drivers.” So, what does this reimagining entail? The biggest news is under the bonnet. The new Prelude will be powered by Honda’s advanced hybrid technology, a move that firmly plants the classic name in the 21st century. Before any purists lament the loss of a naturally-aspirated screamer, Honda is quick to assure us that its “signature driving dynamics” will be at the core of the experience.
This is a nameplate with a serious legacy to uphold. The Prelude was always Honda’s pioneer, often introducing technology that would later become mainstream. From the world’s first mechanical four-wheel steering system in the late ’80s to the potent VTEC engines and active torque transfer systems of the ’90s, the Prelude was always a driver’s car first and foremost. It has to be more than just a pretty face; it has to have the soul of its predecessors.
The move to a hybrid powertrain is a fascinating one. While Honda has produced brilliant hybrid systems for efficiency, it has also shown its performance credentials with powertrains like the one found in the second-generation NSX. That concept showcased a low, wide, and sleek two-door coupe body that is unmistakably Prelude. The promise of signature Honda dynamics suggests this will be a system geared towards performance, using electric torque to deliver instant response and exhilarating acceleration out of the corners. `While full details for the New Zealand market are still under wraps, the new car is expected to follow the stunning design of the Prelude Concept revealed at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show.“
The countdown to mid-2026 begins now. Honda is bringing back one of its most beloved names, and it’s blending a rich heritage with a bold, electrified future. We can’t wait to see if it delivers.
