Honda’s revival of the beloved Prelude has been met with excitement, but one feature enthusiasts hoped for—a manual gearbox—won’t be available. A top Honda executive confirmed at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show that the Prelude will only be offered with an automatic transmission, due to incompatibility with its hybrid powertrain. This decision, while expected by many, marks a further shift away from traditional manual driving experiences in modern hybrid vehicles.
Why No Manual? Hybrid Complexity
Honda’s Large Product Lead, Horita Hidetomo, explained to Drive magazine that integrating a manual gearbox with the Prelude’s advanced hybrid system proved too challenging. While it was technically possible in earlier hybrids like the CR-Z and Insight, the Prelude’s more complex, “nearly half and half” balance between electric power and the combustion engine makes a manual transmission impractical. The increased electrification fundamentally changes the powertrain dynamics.
S+ Shift: A Simulated Driving Experience
Recognizing the potential for a less engaging driving feel without a manual, Honda has implemented an “S+ Shift” system. This function uses alloy shift paddles behind the steering wheel to simulate the experience of a traditional manual gearbox. When activated, the paddles allow the driver to cycle through virtual gears, complete with rev-matched downshifts and amplified sound effects played through the car’s speakers.
More Than Just a Prelude Feature
The S+ Shift functionality isn’t limited to the Prelude. Honda intends to incorporate similar simulated gear-change systems into other hybrid models, reflecting a broader trend towards prioritizing efficiency and convenience while attempting to retain some sense of driver engagement. When S+ Shift is deactivated, the paddles can be used to adjust regenerative braking levels, providing flexibility beyond simulated gear changes.
A Shift in Driver Preferences
The decision to exclude a manual transmission isn’t solely a technical one. Hidetomo argued that modern drivers increasingly prefer automatic transmissions, aligning with Honda’s focus on satisfying current market needs. This viewpoint, however, overlooks the emotional connection many drivers have with the tactile and skill-based nature of driving a manual gearbox.
Strong Sales Despite the Lack of a Clutch
Despite initial concerns about the car’s reception without a manual option, the Prelude is experiencing strong initial demand in Japan. Honda has already received orders exceeding eight times its monthly sales target, significantly ahead of its planned launch in the United States, Europe, and other global markets. To meet this unexpected surge in demand, Honda is accelerating production. The long-term success of the Prelude will depend on whether this initial enthusiasm translates into sustained sales.
Ultimately, Honda’s decision to forgo a manual gearbox in the Prelude reflects a calculated compromise: prioritizing the demands of modern drivers and embracing the efficiencies of hybrid technology while attempting to create an engaging driving experience through innovative solutions like the S+ Shift system
