An engineering thesis disguised as a coupe: A history of the Honda Prelude
Summary
The article traces the Honda Prelude’s evolution from an engineering-first compact to a technologically advanced icon, highlighting innovations like four-wheel steering and VTEC. It places the model's development within the economic turbulence of the 1970s-1990s and Honda’s strategic shift toward global expansion and disciplined engineering. The piece then analyzes the 2026 revival as a cost-conscious, halo-vehicle strategy that leverages shared platforms to balance nostalgia with profitability.