Red Honda Prelude Concept debuts at KLIMS 2024, hybrid coupe’s first Asian appearance outside Japan

Here it is, the star of the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS). Of the handful of concepts at MITEC, the Honda Prelude Concept stands out the most partly because it’s a coupe (two-door cars are just sexier and no one can argue against that) and partly because it bears a famous old name.

The Prelude name, used by Honda for its atas coupes, was last seen on the fifth generation, which production ended in 2001. Malaysians would be most familiar with the third and fourth generation Preludes, depending on their age.

The late 80s third-gen was the one with 4WS four-wheel steering (yes, it was already around then) and pop-up headlamps, while the fourth-gen was famous for its big VTEC engine and spaceship cockpit. Every now and then, you can still see the latter on Malaysian roads, although many have been heavily modded. The fifth-gen with the square lights is a rare sight here.

Fast forward to 2023 and the Prelude badge – in old-school cursive style – would reappear on a concept car at the Japan Mobility Show. That JMS car was in white, which looks less eye-catching than the red show-stopper at KLIMS 2024.

The coupe sports features a sharp front end, slim headlights and front grille, a sweeping glasshouse and full-width taillights. It’s supposed to preview a production Prelude due to be revealed next year, but no technical details were revealed at JMS and it’s the same case here – the Prelude is still at the styling concept stage.

We only know of Honda’s intention for it to be a hybrid. The carmaker’s current e:HEV system consists of an electric motor doing the primary job of powering the car, juiced by a petrol engine that can also drive the car directly using a single-speed transmission and a lock-up clutch.

Never mind the details, let’s just enjoy the sight of it now, at KLIMS 2024.

GALLERY: Honda Prelude Concept at KLIMS 2024

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