Honda is reviving its iconic Prelude model, but this time around, it's coming back as a sporty hybrid with a new drive mode. The Japanese automaker announced the return of the Prelude, which is scheduled to arrive in the US in late 2025. This marks a significant step towards Honda's electrification goals, as the company aims to achieve carbon neutrality for all its products and corporate activity by 2050.

The new Prelude will feature an all-new hybrid-electric powertrain, which includes two motors. However, this doesn't mean it's a dual-motor or all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle. Instead, Honda's hybrid powertrain has had two motors for several generations, with one motor acting as a generator to create electricity for the battery and propulsion, and the other serving as a traction motor that propels the vehicle and captures regenerative energy when slowing.

The Prelude will also debut Honda's new S+ Shift drive mode, which the company claims "further advances Linear Shift Control to deliver maximum levels of driver engagement." While details about the Prelude's specifications are scarce, Honda is expected to release more information closer to the production date.

Some may be disappointed that Honda didn't opt for a fully electric Prelude, which would have been a bold move towards electrification. However, the company has a strong track record with hybrid vehicles, which it considers an important bridge to full EVs. In fact, hybrid-electric trims currently make up more than 50% of Accord and CR-V sales, and the newly introduced Civic hybrid is expected to represent about 40% of Civic sales. Cumulative sales of Honda electrified vehicles have already topped 1 million.

Honda's commitment to electrification is evident in its plans to unveil a production-ready Honda Zero model at CES next year. The company's fully electric Honda Prologue, based on GM's Chevy Equinox EV, has been enjoying brisk sales since its US launch earlier this year. Despite the incoming Trump administration's expected rollback of EV incentives and regulations, Honda remains committed to its electrification goals.

The return of the Prelude is a significant move for Honda, as it signals the company's continued focus on innovation and sustainability. As the US market prepares for a potential shift in EV adoption, Honda's hybrid-electric powertrain and new drive mode technology may prove to be a crucial step towards a more electrified future.