It may not be huge, but Prelude’s following includes some hardcore automotive enthusiasts. This sports coupe is highly appreciated by true Honda enthusiasts. It was in production between 1978 and 2001, with five generations released during that period. For more than two decades, we’ve been waiting to see a successor. In the last couple of years, we saw several digital renderings and the 2024 Honda Prelude ZL1 is particularly interesting, as it represents a little bit different design approach compared to other renderings.
If you look at most CGIs, designers try to recreate some of the previous generations and show them in a modern layout. The fourth generation is a particularly popular choice but that’s not the case with the 2024 Honda Prelude ZL1. In this case, the Honda/GM cooperation seems to be taken to a whole new level, which goes way beyond EV development.
2024 Honda Prelude ZL1 Design
So, in this digital rendering, created by Dimas Ramadhan, the virtual automotive artist behind the Digimods DESIGN channel on YouTube, the design approach is a little bit different. Instead of taking previous Prelude generations as inspiration, the 2024 Honda Prelude ZL1 is actually based on Chevy Camaro ZL1. You can see that the overall shape is pretty much the same, while the key differences are on the front and rear ends, where the design applies bits of Honda’s contemporary design language, as well as some bits of classic Prelude design solutions.
In this scenario, the cooperation of the two firms would go way beyond EV development. Currently, GM provides Honda with Ultium battery technology and helps with the development of models like the Prologue SUV. In this case, we would also see cooperation in the development of internal combustion cars.
2024 Honda Prelude ZL1 Engine
So, in this crazy scenario, the 2024 Honda Prelude ZL1 would be based on Chevy Camaro. So, the first thing that comes to mind is the engine. Logically, we think of the Camaro’s capable 6.2-liter supercharged V8, which puts out around 650 horsepower.
Still, we think it would be much nicer to see some of Honda’s iconic engines. One of the possibilities could be the 3.0-liter twin-turbo, while we could also this engine in a combination with electric motors, with a hybrid setup that looks pretty similar to the NSX supercar.
Prelude EV
Although these romantic stories about the genuine resurrection of Prelude sound great, the chances to see them happening are minimal. Instead, we rather think that, if Honda is about to revive this nameplate, it would use it to popularize its EV lineup.
In other words, this nameplate would be used for an all-electric car, something like a sports coupe, if the company is willing to offer such a body style with an all-electric setup. Moreover, there are several sources that suggest that the Prelude nameplate will be once again in use starting in 2028. The Japanese manufacturer plans to introduce numerous electric cars by 2030 and one of them would be a sports coupe. Logically, that model would carry the Prelude moniker.