Honda Prelude 2027 Limited Edition set for Europe
Following a successful debut in Japan, Honda has confirmed that its Prelude Limited Edition will be available to customers in Europe this autumn.
Europeans have already had the opportunity to buy the Prelude when it was launched earlier this year, nearly 50 years after the original; however, like so many brands, the chance to own a limited edition model is something that usually gets tails wagging.
So how does it differ from the standard Prelude?
Offering — in the words of Honda — a ‘new unique, elevated aesthetic’, the Prelude Limited Edition comes in the brand’s new Premium Crystal Garnet Metallic paint colour, which is ‘engineered to catch the light and accentuate the car’s fluid contours’. This is complemented by red accents on the front and rear bumpers, and brake calipers on its 19 inch black cut alloy wheels.
Inside, the limited edition has a more luxurious feel, with a rich Bordeaux interior design using premium materials, tailored contrast accents and a sporty yet immersive cockpit.
The red contrast stitching on the steering wheel, centre console and dashboard adds a pop to the interior, with the detail continuing around the cabin on the front seats and door lining pad, and is complemented by dedicated floor mats with a red accent.
The dashboard also contains an embroidered Prelude logo, giving it a hand-signed exclusive feel,
Powering the limited edition Prelude is Honda’s state-of-the-art powertrain, using the e:HEV hybrid setup and Honda S+ Shift, which is designed to deliver a ‘weightless driving feel’ inspired by the flying experience of gliders. The 2.0-litre petrol engine combined with two electric motors delivers 181bhp and gives the Prelude a 0-62mph sprint time of 8.2 seconds.
Tomoyuki Yamagami, Large Project Leader for the Honda Prelude, said: “The characteristics of the Prelude have changed over the years, but what has remained the same is its sportiness and specialty. When you think of a sports car, you think of something sharp, like an F1 or a fighter jet.
However, I think the theme of this model is closer to the image of a glider that glides through the air with a sense of freedom.”
In terms of price, Honda has yet to announce how much the limited edition model will cost, but expect it to be slightly more than the £41k that the standard model commands.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Honda