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Honda Prelude News Archive (since 1997) |
January 17, 1997 Honda redesigns Prelude By Richard Truett When it comes to styling, Japanese automakers just don't get it - usually.How many classic Japanese cars can you think of that rival the beauty of a Jaguar sedan or the new Mercedes E-Class? Styling is where Honda goofed with the previous Prelude, built from 1992 to 1996. Though technically excellent, it was a weird-looking car from most angles. And it never sold well. Its failure must have been a bitter disappointment to Honda, because the 1988 to 1991 Prelude was a hot item. But here's some good news for Prelude fans: If you liked the old model, you'll love the new one. It's as if Honda went back to the '88-91 Prelude and updated that car's styling and interior when they were designing the 1997 model. There is no trace of the awkwardly styled interior, quirky taillights or pointed beak of the last-generation Prelude. That design was such a flop, Honda completely trashed it rather than try to improve it. Good move. -Performance, handling The 1997 Prelude comes with a 195-horsepower, 2.2-liter, four-cylinder engine with double-overhead camshafts and 16 valves. It's the only engine available this year, but a V-6 may be in the cards for 1998.The 2.2 is a very potent engine that delivers awesome performance at all speeds. Our test car came with a five-speed manual transmission, which proved to be an excellent gearbox. Changing gears is exceptionally easy. The clutch pedal requires little effort, and the shifter clicks into each gear quickly and smoothly. The shifter's detents are placed close together, so you don't have to move the shifter much to change gears. This helps give the car a very sporty feeling. Acceleration is strong, no matter what gear the Prelude is in. The engine is equipped with Honda's VTEC system, a setup that varies the timing of the ignition so that the optimum performance is delivered regardless of the engine speed. At high revs, the engine sounds like that of a Formula 1 race car. It growls and snarls angrily as the tachometer needle climbs into the 5,000 rpm range. I like this noise - it gives the car a bit of soul. So does the suspension system. The '97 Prelude was born to run. And turn. And brake. The Prelude doesn't have the same performance image as the Eagle Talon, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Probe GT or Nissan 240 SX, but the '97 model can run with this pack. Prelude's underpinnings include a four-wheel double wishbone suspension system, four-wheel power-assisted disc brakes and power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. If you enjoy driving cars that hold the road tenaciously while cornering, you'll be thrilled with the Prelude. There isn't much you can do to cause it to become unruly under duress. The tires grip the road tightly; the body does not lean perceptibly and the steering is razor sharp. I found the anti-lock brakes to be a bit noisy, but the car's stopping power is excellent. Gas mileage suffered, because I drove our test car with a heavy foot. This year, the Prelude must be fed premium gas, which, at current prices, will set you back about $1.50 a gallon. Our test car delivered 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, slightly less than its EPA estimate. -Fit and finish The Prelude sports a fairly stiff price. But the nice thing is that the car is very well equipped, and you won't be gouged for price-bloating items when it comes time to deal.Among the standard items are cruise control, power sunroof, air conditioning, tilt wheel, power windows, door locks and mirrors, AM/FM radio with a CD player, alloy wheels and more. A set of $87 dealer-installed floor mats was the only option on our test car. This year's Prelude offers a bit more interior room, but rear passengers are still going to find cramped accommodations. An adult will probably have to sit sideways in the back seat to remain reasonably comfortable.But that's the only negative trait in an otherwise superb interior. Last year's Prelude had a weird-looking wraparound instrument panel with a thin center section for the gauges. All that is (thankfully) gone for the '97 model. There now is a more traditional layout with the controls for the air conditioner, radio and other items in the center of the dash - just like the '88-91 Prelude. Squeaks and rattles are maladies not usually associated with Hondas. But our test car had both. When the engine was revved to about 4,000 rpm, the dash made a buzzing noise. Sometimes I could hear a squeaking sound coming from the area of the driver's seat. Aside from that, our test car performed flawlessly during the two-week, 900-mile test drive.
January 28, 1997 1997 Honda Prelude sets technology pace The 1997 Honda Prelude continues the sporty coupe's proud tradition of technical innovation, distinctive styling and dynamic performance. The new Prelude features a world-first drive system - Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) - for superior cornering performance in a front-drive car. Prelude also features a first-in-class Sport Shift automatic transmission with a semi-automatic sequential gearshift for sports driving.Refinement and comfort have been enhanced, with a stronger, longer, quieter body and improved headroom and legroom for rear-seat passengers. And the Prelude is better value. The 1997 range opens with the Prelude Si, which is introduced at the same price (\$39,550) as the superseded Prelude S but with extensively upgraded equipment, including a 2.2-litre 118kW DOHC engine, dual SRS airbags, air conditioning and anti-lock brakes (ABS). Next step up the range is the Prelude VTi-R, powered by a new version of Honda's class-leading 2.2-litre DOHC VTEC engine producing a massive 143 kW. This model is introduced at the old Prelude Si price - \$44,850 - despite equipment upgrades including dual SRS airbags and climate control air conditioning. At the top of the range is the Prelude VTi-R ATTS, equipped with Honda's groundbreaking Active Torque Transfer System. This innovative drive system redistributes the drive force during cornering to ensure virtually neutral handling. Despite the improvements and extra equipment, the VTi-R is priced at \$48,850 - \$4,500 cheaper than the old Prelude VTi-R. The new-generation 4-speed automatic transmission boasts Honda's Grade Logic Control and the new Sport Shift semi-automatic gear change, which gives the driver the pleasure of shifting gears sequentially like a race driver. And for the first time, automatic transmission becomes available on the powerful Prelude VTi-R.For those who prefer a manual, the revised 5-speed manual gearbox and clutch now provide even easier shifting and smoother, quieter operation. The traditional strength of the Prelude - its exceptional handling - is further improved through refinements to the 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension resulting in greater straight-line and braking stability, more linear, neutral handling and a quieter, smoother ride.Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are now standard on all Preludes. The new, lightweight, compact ABS unit is more effective in allowing the driver to retain steering control in sudden stops. A redesigned rotary-valve power steering unit is quieter with improved linear feel and quicker response.Greater torsional and bending rigidity in the body translates into enhanced handling and ride as well as overall strength. Noise, vibration and harshness - the major causes of passenger discomfort - are significantly reduced by strategic body reinforcement and insulation measures in addition to engine refinements and new exhaust and intake systems. The boot capacity is increased to 259 litres (VDA) and the opening angle is 200mm wider for greater loading ease. In addition the full fold-down rear seatback gives more cargo carrying versatility. The larger glove box and new two-level centre console ensure ample storage space for everyday items. A new air conditioning system - standard across the range - provides greater cooling capacity with quicker cool-down time while moving a larger volume of air more quietly. Heat-blocking green glass contributes to the efficiency of the air conditioning system by screening sunlight. The Prelude gains an immobiliser system with a key incorporating a transponder to provide a digital security code to foil thieves. The 1997 Prelude also raises the benchmark for build quality, improving on the remarkable standard that saw the Prelude rated No. 1 by the American J.D. Power Initial Quality Survey in 1995. Honda Senior Director Neal Robertson said the 1997 Honda Prelude was designed to build on the traditional strengths of the model."The Prelude has always been the epitome of Honda car design - innovative, dynamic and elegant," he said. "The new model captures that spirit with ground-breaking design that will appeal equally to traditional Prelude buyers and new-comers to the Honda range." Honda Australia expects the 1997 Prelude to appeal to a wider market, thanks to its improved blend of high performance, elegance, practicality and value. Honda is aiming to sell 125 Preludes a month - way above the 1996 sales rate of about35 a month. The Prelude will lead a three-pronged attack with the Integra and CRX to help Honda capture 25 per cent of the sports car market, up from the current 16-17 per cent. Honda Australia's General Manager Sales Tony Devers said the new Prelude was not only greater value but had broader appeal. He said the styling was designed to recapture the feel of traditional Preludes - distinctive, elegant and more practical than many sports coupes on the market today. "The 1997 Prelude has more rear seat room, a bigger boot with a fold down rear seat for long loads and lots of storage around the cabin," he said. "It also is easier to get in and out of, and all-round Disability has been improved. "While the new Prelude is more user friendly, it has lost none of its leading-edge performance - it remains the benchmark and has even moved the bar up another notch with innovations such as Active Torque Transfer System." Mr Devers said ATTS would be aimed at the purist who wanted the best in a high-performance sports coupe. The system would be available in limited numbers on a special variant, the Prelude VT'-R ATTS. He said the mainstream Prelude model, the Si, was being launched at the same price as the discontinued Prelude S. "This means that every Prelude now comes with a luxurious list of standard features, including ABS, DOHC engine, dual SRS airbags, alloy wheels, cruise control and air conditioning. And this is all at the same price as the superseded Prelude S. "This is a further example of Honda's value for money pledge. When you compare our cars feature for feature against our competitors, we are more than competitive." WHAT'S NEW
Cruise control is now standard on all models.
Honda Prelude gains leather option for 1999 November 9, 1998 Honda’s top-selling sports coupe, the Prelude VTi-R, gains optional leather upholstery and more performance in the 1999 model launched today. Leather trim becomes a $1500 option on the VTi-R, which also gets more power – up 4kW to 147kW, thanks to tweaks to the fast-revving 2.3-litre VTEC engine. All ‘99 Preludes gain keyless entry, while the top of the range 1999 VTi-R ATTS – on sale next month – gets a new-look sporty mesh grille and new rear-deck spoiler, along with the optional leather.The Prelude is one of Australia’s top-selling sports cars, accounting for more than 17 per cent of volume in the VFACTS sports segment. The mid-range Prelude VTi-R makes up about 60 per cent of Prelude sales volume. Prices for the 1999 Prelude remain unchanged, ranging from $39,550 for the Prelude Si manual to $44,850 for the VTi-R manual and $48,850 for the VTi-R ATTS manual. Honda General Manager Sales Tony Devers said the Prelude remained one of Honda Australia’s most consistent performers. "By adding the option of leather, we can offer Prelude customers just a little extra touch of luxury," he said.
New Honda Prelude SE Canada-exclusive January 19, 2001 A new Prelude SE model will be arriving soon at Honda dealerships across Canada. The exclusive-to-Canada trim level will replace the base model and will offer $2000 worth of additional features for about $500 above the manufacturers suggested retail price of the base Prelude. The Prelude SE's suggested retail price is $28,800 (5 speed) and $29,800 (SportShift automatic) plus freight and PDI. It will go on sale March 1st. In addition to the Prelude's standard equipment, the Prelude SE features a standard leather interior with perforated leather seats, leather wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. Unique carbon-fibre style accent trim is used around the window switches and the audio panel. The Prelude SE can be distinguished from other Preludes by a bright chrome "SE" badge on the trunk lid. In addition, the Prelude SE will carry unique 5-spoke alloy wheels, further differentiating it from the previous base model.
Other standard features on the Prelude SE include heated front bucket seats, power windows and locks, power sunroof, keyless entry, air conditioning with micron air filter, cruise control, and a CD player with Acoustic Feedback System and 6 speakers. As before, Honda's 2.2-litre DOHC 16-valve VTEC four cylinder engine will provide the power for the Prelude SE. Using Honda's racing technology, the 2.2 VTEC produces 200 horsepower at 7000 rpm with 156 ft-lb of torque at 5250 rpm. Equipped with the optional sequential SportShift automatic transmission, the engine puts out 195 hp at 6600 rpm. Other Prelude engineering features include progressive valve (HPV) shock absorbers, a fully independent suspension and front and rear stabilizer bars. The Honda Prelude, now in its 5th generation, first entered the Canadian market in 1979 with a 1.8-litre SOHC 4-cylinder engine and an independent suspension.
January 23, 2001 No one has ever accused Honda of not having vision when it comes to the automotive sector, as the Japanese automaker is giving consumers a Prelude of things to come at the Salon de l'Auto de Montreal, where the company will show its exclusive-to-Canada base model Prelude SE. Honda said it jacked up its new base model to include over $2000 worth of additions, and the consumers can purchase the Prelude SE when it hits dealerships on March 1. Now standard on the Prelude SE is an all-leather interior, including a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel. Other additions include carbon-fibre accent trim, and a bright chrome SE badge on the trunk lid. Those in market for a new Prelude will also get five-spoke alloy wheel, heated front bucket seats, power windows, locks and sunroof, air conditioning, cruise control and a CD player with six speakers. The SE also gets Honda's 2.2-litre DOHC 16-valve engine, which produces 200-horsepower with 156-lb.-ft of torque. Consumers have a choice of transmission as well, as a five-speed manual version will go for a suggested price of $28,800, and the SportShift automatic version will go for $29,800.
Honda plans to discontinue Prelude June 27, 2001 A report in U.S.A Today quotes American Honda Executive Vice-President, Dick Colliver as saying that Honda will scrap the Prelude sports coupe next year. He said it would be replaced by a 2003 model "with a completely different design". Colliver was quoted as saying that the costs of building and importing the Japan-built Prelude were too high.
Honda to eliminate
high-performance Prelude, introduce hybrid version of Civic
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