The Honda Prelude’s Performance Revealed
The Honda Prelude is set to return to US dealerships later this fall, but its performance figures may leave some underwhelmed. A recent video from Japan claims that the car takes over 9 seconds to reach 62 mph.
Key Facts About the Honda Prelude
- A Japanese tester reportedly timed the Prelude at over 9 seconds to 62 mph
- The hybrid coupe is significantly heavier and less powerful than the Toyota GR86
- A US launch is planned for late fall, though key details remain under wraps
According to the video, the Prelude accelerates from 0-62 mph in 9.08 seconds, while another run in Sport mode clocked 9.10 seconds. However, it’s unclear whether the Prelude includes a launch control function, which could impact these figures.
Comparing the Prelude to Other Honda Models
For context, the European Honda Civic Hybrid e:HEV can go from 0-62 mph in 7.8 seconds, more than a second faster than the Prelude. Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds for the 200 hp Civic Sport Touring Hybrid, while the non-hybrid Civic Sport sedan with 150 hp managed 8.9 seconds.
The Prelude’s Powertrain
The Prelude features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a two-motor hybrid system, producing a combined output of 200 hp. This is 28 hp less than the Toyota GR86, and the Prelude weighs 408 lbs more than the GR86’s lightest variant. On the bright side, the Prelude has a WLTC fuel consumption rating of 23.6 km/L (55.5 mpg).
Handling Over Horsepower
While the Prelude may not be a supercar, Honda has paid attention to its handling. The car features adaptive dampers and a dual-axis strut front suspension borrowed from the Civic Type R, as well as four-piston Brembo front brakes. Some critics have blamed the Prelude’s S+ Shift system for its lackluster performance, but the car’s handling capabilities may make up for its shortcomings in the acceleration department.
More Information to Come
As we wait for more information about the Honda Prelude, we can expect to learn more in the coming weeks. Will the Prelude’s handling and features make up for its lack of raw performance? Only time will tell.
