
Honda Did Not Anticipate Baby Boomers to Flood Prelude Orders, Yet Here We Are | Carscoops
The latest Honda coupe has tapped into nostalgia, with a significant number of buyers aged in their 50s and 60s contributing to its outstanding success.
Honda has received 2,400 orders for the Prelude within a month, which is eight times the expected amount.
Most purchasers are in their 50s and 60s, with nostalgia cited as the primary reason for their interest in the model.
Many of these buyers are adding the Prelude as a chic second car or for weekend use.
The Prelude is officially making a comeback, and Honda’s focus on nostalgia combined with hybrid performance is already reaping rewards. Just one month after its debut on September 5, Honda reports securing 2,400 orders in Japan.
This number is approximately eight times greater than Honda's initial projections, despite the Prelude’s premium price of ¥6,179,800 (around $41,100 or €35,000 at current exchange rates). This price point is not only high for Honda but even surpasses that of the Nissan Z, which offers 400 hp and starts at ¥5,497,800 ($36,300 or €31,100).
To accommodate the unexpected demand, Honda is implementing adjustments behind the scenes.
Some dealerships have already stopped accepting new orders, while Honda is increasing production to fulfill existing orders. The automaker aims for “as many customers as possible” to experience the Prelude, suggesting that production might soon exceed original forecasts.
The Predominantly Older Buyers
Interestingly, Honda is not attracting a wave of younger buyers with the Prelude; instead, it is Generation X and Baby Boomers in their 50s and 60s who are eagerly purchasing this new two-door hybrid.
This demographic is filled with individuals who cherish memories of earlier Prelude models and are willing to invest now to relive aspects of their youth. While this modern version may not have the raw edge of the original, it remains both practical and stylish.
The breakdown of color choices also sheds light on the buyers' preferences. A significant portion (63 percent) selected Moonlight White Pearl for their vehicle's exterior, followed by 16 percent choosing Meteoroid Gray Metallic, 11 percent opting for Crystal Black Pearl, and only 10 percent picking Flame Red.
Hybrid Technology with a Honda Touch
The new Prelude is built on Honda’s e:HEV hybrid platform, which finds a middle ground between a traditional hybrid and an electric vehicle. Notably, it does not feature a conventional transmission; instead, it uses two electric motors to send power to the wheels, drawing energy from a generator powered by the gasoline engine.
A new feature called “S+ Shift” offers a “sharp shift feel similar to a stepped shift,” and the front suspension benefits from components of the Civic Type-R's dual-axis strut and active dampers. This setup is designed to deliver a driving experience unlike any other Honda has created.
At the core of the Prelude is a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 134 lb-ft (182 Nm) of torque at 4,500 rpm. This engine works in tandem with an electric motor that generates 181 horsepower and 232 lb-ft (315 Nm) of torque. However, since the two systems provide power differently, their combined output reaches 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft (315 Nm).
Sales in the US
The new Prelude is expected to hit the American market later this fall, with pricing information to be revealed soon. We are looking forward to experiencing it.

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Honda Did Not Anticipate Baby Boomers to Flood Prelude Orders, Yet Here We Are | Carscoops
The new Honda coupe has resonated with nostalgia, as the majority of buyers in their 50s and 60s are contributing to its success beyond all anticipated levels.