The new 2026 Honda Prelude was unveiled last week, sparking some understandable complaints about the lack of a manual transmission. Honda refers to this coupe’s transmission as an “eCVT,” but in reality, the car simply doesn’t have a gearbox in the traditional sense. It uses the manufacturer’s two-motor electric hybrid technology.
A Proven Hybrid Technology
Honda has been developing its two-motor hybrid systems for over a decade, with the first one debuting on the Accord Hybrid in 2014. Each iteration has gained in efficiency. Theoretically, the latest version should offer typical electric vehicle acceleration at low speeds and remarkable fuel economy on the highway, all without ever needing to be plugged in.
Simulation for Sensation
The Prelude’s unique feature is its S+ paddle shift system on the steering wheel. Once activated, it simulates the sounds and sensations of gear shifts from a sequential gearbox. Honda presents it as follows: “With the innovative Honda S+ Shift system, the Prelude offers the ultimate electrified Honda driving experience with a responsive and engaging simulated gear shift.”
In other words, the “gear shifting” will be completely disconnected from what the transmission is actually doing. It’s the same principle as the fake gear shifts in the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, an experience that many find surprisingly realistic.
Two Configurations for the Same System
Honda now offers two versions of its fourth-generation two-motor hybrid system:
Parallel Configuration
Found on the CR-V and Accord, it uses two electric motors side-by-side. This allows for the integration of a large, high-speed propulsion motor for better responsiveness. An additional direct-drive gear train enables light towing and improves low-speed power.
In-Line Configuration
More suitable for smaller vehicles like the Civic and soon the Prelude. The two electric motors are aligned. One drives the wheels, while the other is powered by the VTEC engine which charges the battery. Propulsion comes from a single-speed gearbox connected to the traction motor. The gasoline engine only drives the wheels via a clutch when it is most efficient, such as during highway cruising.
A Fake eCVT and an Unexpected Comparison
The term “eCVT” is therefore a misnomer: there is no variability in the gear ratio. It is a direct-drive system, whose behavior is dictated by a Power Control Unit (PCU).
Interestingly, this concept is conceptually similar to something much more exotic: the Direct Drive system of the 1,500 horsepower Koenigsegg Regera. The organization of power allocation is broadly the same, although the Swedish system is obviously far more extreme.
An Appealing Grand Touring Proposition
Even though the peak power figure has changed little since the 2000s model, the torque is higher and the technology is far more advanced. The new Prelude promises to be much more efficient, safer, more comfortable, and faster than its predecessor. It presents itself as a highly attractive entry-level grand touring proposition for those who don’t need four doors.