Honda’s Prelude Limited Edition Gets A European Debut, But What About The US?

  • Honda has confirmed the Prelude 2027 Limited Edition for European release.
  • Every car gets Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic paint and Bordeaux interior.
  • The stock European Prelude’s 181 hp, bi-motor hybrid engine is carried over.

Some of the best versions of Japanese cars were never designed to leave Japan. I’m thinking of cars like the Impreza Spec C and Honda NSX Type R. But a limited edition Honda Prelude coupe that looked like it might be JDM-only is packing its bags for a trip overseas.

Honda first revealed the Prelude 2027 Limited Edition in Japan in June, but now says Europe will get its own version of a package identifiable by its Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic paint. The automaker says it’s designed to catch the light and showcase the coupe’s contours in the way existing options like white don’t.

Related: Honda’s Next-Gen Hybrids Will Arrive in 2027, Starting With The CR-V

And it might well do a fantastic job of that, but it wouldn’t be my first paint choice. Looks a bit senior citizen, if you know what I mean, which maybe is a smart move on Honda’s part since many Prelude buyers were owners of the originals 30 years ago. Red accents on the front and rear bumpers, bright red Brembo brake calipers and 19-inch black-cut alloy wheels are also part of the package. And its influence isn’t restricted to the exterior.

Because inside, Limited Edition owners are treated to Bordeaux red materials on the dashboard, seats, door cars and console. If dried blood is not your favorite color, this probably isn’t the car for you. There’s also contrast stitching throughout the cabin and even a Prelude logo embroidered on the dashboard, plus red accents on the floor mats.

Virtual Paddle-Shift Transmission

Honda’s Prelude Limited Edition Gets A European Debut, But What About The US?

Not upgraded, enhanced or painted to match Ron Burgundy’s sport coat is the hybrid powertrain slotted between the shock towers. Which means you get the same 2.0-liter, four-cylinder combustion engine, and the same two electric motors as any other Prelude.

Europe rates that combo at 181 hp (184 PS), well below the 200 hp (203 PS) claimed in Japan and the US. In each case power is sent to the front wheels via Honda’s S+ Shift system, which simulates the sensation of conventional gears, and lets you fire through them by pulling paddles on the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

We’re still waiting for Honda to build a Prelude Type R, and might still be waiting the the car is eventually axed. But the Prelude does borrow some hardware from the hot Civic, specifically its dual-axis front suspension, adaptive dampers and Brembo front brakes.

The Anti-Civic Type R

Honda’s Prelude Limited Edition Gets A European Debut, But What About The US?

The fact that the Prelude isn’t a true Type R doesn’t seem to have put buyers off, though. In fact, it’s beginning to look like a masterstroke, because it appeals to older buyers who want something that’s fun to drive, but who are turned off by the Civic’s shouty wings and manual transmission.

Despite supply being limited in the US, the Prelude found 2,077 new American owners between January and July of this year. That compares with 1,785 sales for the Subaru BRZ, although Mazda’s MX-5 trumped both with 5,984 sales. A strong demand for cars with hybrid engines from buyers shocked by rising gas prices has certainly helped.

But if the Prelude is going to continue that upward sales trajectory in the US it’s going to have to do it without the help of the 2027 Limited Edition. A spokesperson for American Honda told us that product plans and special editions can vary between regions and that Honda has “no plans to offer this specific color in the US market at this time.”

\\\\\\

Honda


The Auto World

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

This German 911 Looks Straight Out Of 1973 But It’s Hiding A Big Secret

Image
Ruehle’s F97 puts a modern 997 twist on the backdated 911 formula. The 2005-based F97 looks like a ’73 RSR but runs a water-cooled heart. All-steel US-legal builds start at $400K, undercutting Singer’s prices. Sometimes it feels like you’ve seen so many G-series 911 and 964 restomods that there must only be about three standard cars left in the world, which is why the backdated 911 you see here really caught our attention. Because this one isn’t based on a 1980s or ’90s Porsche at all. It starts with a newer model that’s quietly slipped from the spotlight, despite being one of the most balanced 911s ever made. More: Reverse Restomod Takes 2008 Ford Mustang Back To 1969 And The Shelby GT The reverse restomod is called the F97, built by German outfit called Reuhle , which now also operates an American branch in Montclair, California. 997 Bones Underneath Like many other companies making backdated 911s , Reuhle’s car takes major inspiration from the classic 1973 Ca...
Read more

Only 69 Of These 10.4-Liter V8 Camaros Exist And They’re Just As Naughty As That Sounds

Image
The 2023 COPO Camaro delivers 1,004 hp from a 10.4-liter V8. This beast can sprint down the quarter-mile in under 8 seconds. When it was new, these cars set back owners around $130,000. When you think of modern performance cars with truly colossal engines, your mind probably drifts toward the Dodge Viper with its 8.4-liter V10 or the Bugatti Chiron and its 8.0-liter W16. Yet not long ago, Chevrolet quietly built a limited run of Camaros whose engines made even those giants look restrained. More: This Forgotten 1,000-Mile Oldsmobile V8 Sedan Took On Lexus And Lost The car in question is the 2023 COPO Camaro , of which just 69 examples were produced. These models were available with a choice of three V8s: a 427 cubic-inch (6.9-liter) V8, a supercharged 350 cubic-inch (5.7-liter), and a monstrous 632 cubic-inch V8, which translates to 10.4 liters. In January, Mecum Auctions will be selling one of the COPO models equipped with this flagship engine. How Big Is Too Big...
Read more

Stellantis Wants To Rebrand Chinese EVs For Europe

Image
Opel may rebadge the Leapmotor B10 for Europe by 2026. Production could begin at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain. Local output could help avoid steep EU tariffs on Chinese EVs. Stellantis could soon find itself stepping into unfamiliar territory, as it is reportedly exploring the idea of adding Chinese-built models to its European lineup under familiar badges. According to insider sources, Opel is eyeing the electric Leapmotor B10 as its first possible contender. German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the Chinese SUV might wear Opel badges as early as next year. Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, has been steadily expanding its footprint both at home and abroad. More: Stellantis Just Sent Europe A Warning With This Chinese-Built Electric Hatch The unnamed source notes that while a final decision remains pending, the proposal represents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segmen...
Read more