--- title: "2026 Honda Prelude Could Be the CR-Z Revival You Didn’t Know You Wanted" date: "2024-09-26" modified: "2024-09-26" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/2026-honda-prelude-could-be-the-cr-z-revival-you-didnt-know-you-wanted" categories: - "Honda News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Coupe" - "Honda Prelude" - "sports car" --- # 2026 Honda Prelude Could Be the CR-Z Revival You Didn’t Know You Wanted ![]() *\Honda\* The [Honda]() CR-Z was a criminally short-lived car. With only one generation that spanned six years, the [CR-Z]() is a bit of a rarity here in the United States. However, it offered a compelling package for the economically minded enthusiast that was arguably ahead of its time. Thankfully, the CR-Z could be spiritually revived, as the upcoming [Honda Prelude]() is rumored to offer the option of a manual transmission with its hybrid powertrain when it finally arrives in 2026. Last October, at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, Honda announced it was bringing the Prelude back in the form of a hybrid sports coupe based on the current Civic. However, Honda didn't provide any specs, aside from the fact that the car would be electrified. According to [*BestCar*](), the Prelude is going to use the same hybrid powertrain as the new Civic Hybrid and feature both CVT and manual transmission options. That would make the Prelude the first manual hybrid Honda since the CR-Z, offering enthusiasts something both enjoyable to drive *and* efficient. The deal could be even sweeter if the Prelude lifts other parts from the sportier members of the Civic family—[Type R]() notwithstanding, of course. The [Civic RS]() recently launched in Japan is sort of like an Si in hatch form, only with less power and no limited-slip diff. While the [Civic Hybrid]() is nearly 300 pounds heavier than the purely internal combustion engine car, the Prelude's added torque plus a stiffer suspension, courtesy of the RS or [Si](), could make up for the weight penalty. ![]() ![]() That said, if the Prelude does offer a manual transmission, its hybrid setup will be slightly different than the Civic's. The Civic Hybrid eschews a traditional transmission in favor of a direct-drive setup, as one of its two electric motors handles the vast majority of propulsion, leaving the engine mostly for recharge duty. That system may need some tweaking to work three pedals and human shifting into the mix. But even if the Prelude keeps the same 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque, it will be plenty quick enough and far more powerful than the CR-Z's lethargic 130 hp and 140 lb-ft. Honda has been cagey about the Prelude's sales prospects in the U.S. On one hand, [it's been officially referred to as a "global model,"]() and the automaker did show it off at the Los Angeles Auto Show ostensibly to gauge public reception. On the other, American Honda hasn't yet confirmed the stylish coupe will land on these shores. Of course, a sporty, electrified two-door with a three-pedal option would make the Honda faithful very happy. Moreover, this Prelude could finish what the CR-Z started more than 10 years ago, and prove that economical cars can still be fun. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()