Honda has trademarked the Prelude title within the US, fuelling hypothesis of a revival of the model’s long-running coupe.
The submitting, first noticed by Motor Pattern, is for “Land automobiles, specifically, vehicles and automotive structural elements” and is dated August 15, 2023.
A trademark submitting doesn’t essentially point out an organization will use a reputation, and in some circumstances they’re lodged merely to guard different events from utilizing a reputation.
Nevertheless, Japanese outlet Greatest Automotive Net reported late final yr the Prelude title would return on an electrical coupe due in 2028.
In April 2022, Honda launched a shadowy teaser of two sports activities automobiles – “a specialty and a flagship mannequin,” the corporate mentioned on the time, “which is able to embody Honda’s common sports activities mindset and distinctive traits”.
One had proportions much like the outgoing NSX, whereas the opposite had a form extra typical of a front-engine coupe.
The corporate hasn’t spoken about these automobiles since, although it did showcase an Acura design examine within the vein of a NSX successor.
Honda ended manufacturing of the Prelude in 2001, and the nameplate hasn’t been used since – although the upcoming Prologue electrical SUV has a conceptually comparable title.
The corporate has already introduced again the NSX title after an 11-year hole, whereas the CRX made a comeback of kinds with the short-lived, hybrid-powered CRZ and there have been sporadic rumours about an S2000 revival.
Nevertheless, it has been culling its two-door choices. It ended manufacturing of the Accord coupe in 2017, the Civic coupe in 2020, and the NSX and turbocharged S660 Kei roadster in 2022. That leaves the model with no coupes or convertibles.
The unique Prelude debuted in 1978, and was provided for 5 generations till its demise in 2001, at a time the place the inexpensive sports activities coupe market was being dramatically hollowed out.
The corporate isn’t alone in seeking to its again catalogue for inspiration.
Rival Toyota resurrected the 86 and Supra nameplates after prolonged absences, and the Celica nameplate has additionally been rumoured for a revival.
The latter has been dormant nearly so long as the Prelude nameplate, with the Honda’s onetime rival having exited manufacturing in 2006.
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