02:23 06-11-2025

Honda Prelude hybrid drops the manual: S+ Shift explained

Honda has confirmed once and for all that the new Prelude will not be offered with a manual transmission. The decision comes down to technical incompatibility with the hybrid setup, where the engine and the electric side split the workload roughly evenly.

A similar pairing appeared on the CR-Z and the Insight, but the Prelude’s level of electrification is notably higher. To offset the absence of a stick shift, Honda has introduced S+ Shift, a mode that simulates an eight-speed gearbox. Using the steering-wheel paddles, the driver can run through virtual ratios, with simulated rev-matching and engine sound delivered through the audio system. The idea is to recapture some of the involvement purists value; whether it feels natural will depend on the calibration more than the spectacle.

The Prelude has already drawn strong interest in Japan, with orders exceeding the plan by a factor of eight. The S+ Shift technology will also appear in other hybrid models from the brand. The new Prelude could become one of the most anticipated cars of 2026, mixing classic style with modern technology.