Honda made a splash at the LA Auto Show by unveiling the Prelude hybrid concept in the United States, marking its debut on American soil. Despite maintaining its design from the Japan Mobility Show, the Prelude has stirred excitement, as evident from social media reactions and discussions with a Honda PR representative. The public’s strong connection to these nostalgic names suggests that an official confirmation for the Prelude’s production might be on the horizon. Could this be a sign of Honda resurrecting more classic names as it expands its hybrid and electric vehicle lineup? Enthusiasts can only speculate.
Chris Martin, a spokesperson for Honda, shed light on the company’s current considerations, stating, "Right now, we’re just figuring out what markets the (Prelude) could be sold in, and where it could be made. Since the Civic Coupe’s discontinuation, we see the Prelude filling a lot of segments in many places."
While I may have initially approached the new Prelude Concept with a hint of skepticism, viewing it as a modernized iteration of the old Civic Coupe, the positive response and renewed interest in this once-unpopular body style cannot be ignored. The demise of the Civic Coupe was attributed to low sales, but a well-executed redesign and the revival of a familiar nameplate appear to have breathed new life into the concept. Is it fueled by nostalgia? According to Martin, it’s a possibility.
"People ask us all the time if we’re going to bring back some of these nameplates; Element, Integra, Prelude….and they’re strong nameplates, so why not?" Martin remarked. Acura’s successful transition from ILX to "Integra" serves as a precedent, demonstrating the enduring appeal of strong nameplates. The shift reinvigorated interest, turning the Integra into one of Acura’s top-selling models.
While the Civic Coupe faced challenges, the positive reception of the Prelude raises the prospect of a return for the sporty compact coupe. This time, the incorporation of hybrid power aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly options, even if it sacrifices the title of the sportiest car in Honda’s lineup.
"At this time, we don’t have any coupes in our U.S. lineup, as Civic buyers trended more toward the hatch version, and that could create some white space for Prelude in the future if we see enough demand for this sporty coupe here," Martin explained in a follow-up email.
The return of other nameplates remains uncertain, but there’s speculation about the potential revival of the Element, envisioning a boxy EV crossover with a utilitarian twist. Regardless, it appears that Honda is genuinely considering the Prelude’s comeback, hinting at exciting possibilities for enthusiasts in the near future.
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