Honda Prelude

The Honda Prelude is a mid-size sports coupe from the Japanese automaker Honda. The name Prelude in German means as much as prelude, foreplay or introduction and goes back to the fact that this model was during the construction period to Honda's technology testbed, in which many innovations first went into series production. In Germany, it was only available until the end of 2000; he was further built up to 2002 for the U.S. market. There were five generations.

  • 2.1 Model Overview
  • 3.1 Model Overview
  • 4.1 Model Overview
  • 5.1 Model Overview

First generation

In 1978, the first generation of the Honda Prelude was introduced as a sports coupe based on the Accord (type code SN). He was thus the third Honda series next to the Civic and the Accord. From this model, the Tropic of Crailsheim made ​​in the years 1981-1983 a total of 47 convertibles.

In the Prelude CVCC engines in the Accord came with 1.8 liter displacement for the Japanese and the North American market and 1.6 liter displacement for the other export markets used. The smaller engine developed 59 kW (80 hp). As the first vehicle in its class electrically operated glass sunroof was offered. From model year 1980, he was available with a Honda Automatic -called three -speed automatic.

Model Overview

Second generation

With the advent of the second generation Prelude (type code AB) in 1982 began the technological pioneering role of the model: the new 1.8 -liter engine was Honda's first three- valve engine with dual carburetors. Compared to its predecessor, this generation grew up in the dimensions and got more powerful engines. In addition to the 1.8 - liter engine came in 1985, a 2.0 -liter DOHC engine with fuel injection on the market. The available until the new generation in 1987 1,8 l large three- valve engine was in the Prelude indeed more powerful than the CVCC engine in the predecessor, by the increased weight and the larger body was this performance gain but barely noticeable. The rest is put away in 1985 the installation of a catalyst. All engines were combined as standard with a five-speed manual gearbox. Also available was a four-stage automatic transmission. In Japan, also a 16- valve DOHC engine with PGM -FI fuel injection was available, which was available from 1985 until the model change in 1987 in Europe (type code BA2 ). The installation of the engine be built higher required some changes to the front end, Honda realized by a facelift. Most notable here were the modified radiator grille, now arched bonnet, revised bumpers, the rear spoiler and body colored larger wheels and tires. The high-revving fuel injection engine was fitted as standard combined with an appropriately designed five-speed manual gearbox. Alternatively, this could also be supplied with a Prelude also revised four-speed automatic. The last models of 16V were offered in late 1986 with regulated catalytic converter. His technological leadership, the car also became righteous because he was the first Japanese car with standard anti -lock braking system. Another innovation in the Japanese version was the first navigation system from Honda. In addition, the double wishbone suspension with double wishbones mentioned on the front axle was introduced into series production with this Prelude.

Model Overview

Third Generation

In 1987, in Japan the third-generation Prelude (type code BA4 ). This was the most successful of the Prelude generations.

Motorised was this Prelude with a 2.0 - liter engine that was offered in various power levels. In the last model year, there were in North America and Japan for the " Si4 " a slightly bored DOHC engine. These engines were combined with either a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic.

The technical innovation of this Prelude was the first available in a production vehicle, steering angle-dependent mechanical four-wheel steering. This technique resulted in improved cornering ability and a decreased by about a meter turning circle. At Honda, this system is called 4WS (Four Wheel Steering).

1989 got the Prelude a facelift with white turn signals front and rear, revised valves. The power of the top model was increased from 101 kW ( 137 hp) to 103 kW ( 140 hp). In the Japanese market in addition a model called Prelude " INX " and " Si " with the so-called TCV appeared ( TCS integrated with 4WS, ABS and a limited slip differential ). In Australia, the Prelude from Wheels Magazine was the " Car of the Year 1987 " is selected.

Model Overview

Fourth generation

Honda Prelude (1992-1996)

The fourth generation of the Prelude sports coupe was released in 1992 (type code BB1/2/3 ) in Japan with a completely redesigned body. The export was recorded after only a year. In Japan, the Prelude was offered with two 2.2 -liter DOHC engines - one with VTEC technology. This aggregate was in the export until 1993 used. The other motor was not exported to Europe. There were entry-level model the Prelude with the 2.0 -liter SOHC engine from the Accord. Was otherwise export a new 2.3 -liter DOHC engine used. These engines were combined with either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4- speed automatic transmission. In this model, four-wheel steering 4WS has been supplemented by an electronic control.

Model Overview

Fifth generation

Honda Prelude (1997-2002)

The fifth-generation Prelude was released in 1997 (type code BB8 / 9) again with a completely different body. By design, he oriented himself back to the models of the third generation, as the fourth generation had not met sales expectations.

The last generation Prelude was built from January 1997 to mid-2002 (type code BB6/8/9 ). However, they had been since the end of 2000 no longer available in Germany. 2002 production was stopped completely. Mid-2002 was only the 200 hp 2.2VTi to have on the American market.

In contrast, the motor selection remained substantially the same. The base model in Japan had a 2.2 -liter SOHC engine. The DOHC version of this aggregate was exported, for example, to Australia and New Zealand. Top engine was acquired from the previous 2.2 -liter DOHC engine of the H22 series with VTEC technology world. In North America, this was the only engine offered variant. In Europe, there was a basic engine the 2.0 liter SOHC engine ( F20A4 ) from the Accord. In Japan, there was also a Type-S variant with modified suspension and a performance-enhanced 2.2 - liter engine with 164 kW ( 220 hp) at 7,200 min-1 and 220 Nm at 6,500 min -1. These engines were combined with either a 5-speed manual gearbox or four -speed automatic.

If desired, the top model could be equipped with the well-known from the previous electronically controlled, electrically -actuated four-wheel steering 4WS. However, the technical innovation of this Prelude was an electronically controlled active driving force distribution ( ATTS - Active Torque Transfer System), which reduces understeer roll when cornering by the outside wheel is driven faster and stronger. This resulted in a significantly improved cornering performance. Thanks to this system, he was elected in the American Car and Driver Magazine 1997 to the "best - handling car under $ 30,000 ."

Model Overview

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