Honda Prelude sports coupe debuts in new generational vision
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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AUSTIN, Tex. -- A slick streak of silver slipped past on the freeway, looking smoothly rounded and sophisticated in sporty low stance with low dipping nose and high wing spoiler flying off the back deck.
What in the ever-evolving world of car models was that?
Goosing the accelerator to catch up for a closer look, I realized the coupe's chiseled form was entirely new, another shape to add in an ever-expanding memory that tries to catalog burgeoning entries from all automakers.
Then the distinctive trunk logo of Honda flashed as revelation came: That's the new Prelude.
After five annual issues off the previous design, Honda jettisoned virtually everything but the sports coupe concept, then went to work developing an entirely new car in fifth generational iteration with two model labels -- a base Prelude and the wily Prelude SH, both depending on the same VTEC-induced 4-cylinder powerplant.
The resultant example, rolling alongside in the adjacent freeway lane, seemed up-to-the-minute in terms of its contemporary styling, beginning up front at wrap-around integrated front bumper and chin spoiler accented by unique double-deck headlamps.
Side panels appear both rounded yet flat in unusual form which works as slightly regressive but progressive too.
If you're at all familiar with previous Preludes, this one will immediately look familiar in overall form and at the same time seem fresh and exciting.
Of course, since its inception in the 1970s Prelude has represented Honda's stab at sportiness.
With twin bucket seats up front and seating for two in back, it essentially remains a car reserved primarily for the driver and a front passenger in the manner of racy 2-seat roadsters.
But Prelude always did what the typical roadster could not -- assume a user-friendly attitude, particularly when considering interior refinements.
It has represented the pinnacle execution confirming Honda's penchant for helpful gadgets and gizmos, for practicality and dependability, for taking that middle-of-the-road position which counters extremes of sportiness in powerful acceleration and impish agility with concepts of comfort and convenience.
A subsequent test-drive in the new Prelude SH confirmed that while the new car may not be the most powerful in its class nor the most acrobatic, it feels immanently good to drive and so easy to accommodate -- no need to read a thick driver's manual for Prelude, just buckle up and roll.
The only catch concerns cost, as Prelude adds up to a fair investment. Even the base Prelude lists now for a figure that lips well over the line of $20,000.
Prices for Prelude SH run the tab to $26,000 or more, as it totes the same torquey twin-cam engine of the base model but adds interior fittings plus a package of sporty handling features which includes Honda's new stability control system.
On balance, Prelude arrives with the promise of dependability, then laces the deal with handy features.
Plan for the new car begins with a platform stretched slightly in both wheelbase (up 1.3 inches) and overall length (by more than three inches). These increases result not only in a smoother ride quality, but more usable interior room, such as in the rear seat where previously passenger legroom was nil.
The new Prelude platform follows in a line of Honda chassis upgrades, with steel added at key stress points to create a stronger stage which resists torsional flex and bend tendencies typical to any car in motion.
It's a far quieter car than its predecessor, thanks to special measures designed to reduce engine vibrations and exterior noise from penetrating the passenger compartment.
It's a safer one too due to a full round of safety-oriented hardware, such as side-impact beam imbedded in each door and twin airbags aboard for those riding up front.
Honda's design maintains cabin integrity for tests over 30 mph at front, back, side and angled-front collisions.
Inside, riders gain space for knees and heads in a cockpit plan that lowers sills of windows for better views.
Up front, Prelude feels like a custom fit -- it all gets back to that user-friendly image. Even on base Prelude, the driver's seat can be adjusted vertically to fine-tune the fit.
Consider Prelude's entire interior plan as new.
The instrument panel, in concise and no-nonsense design, positions bold analog white-on-black speedometer and tachometer immediately behind the padded steering wheel, with smaller round fuel and coolant temperature gauges flanking the larger ones.
Climate control knobs stand on dashboard below center vents in easy-to-reach positions, with functions for the sound system immediately below.
Ergonomics play excellent in the Honda tradition of easy use.
Prelude's high-tech aluminum engine scores as another Honda strong suit.
The 2.2-liter four, with dual overhead camshafts, four valves in each cylinder and multi-point programmed fuel injection, gains five digits in horsepower with tweaking to nudge total output up to 195 hp.
This plant results in quick off-the-line action, more throttle response for passing, fatter torque for mid-range speeds and low-gear action.
A manual 5-speed is standard, but Honda's electronic 4-speed automatic is optional and comes with a neat twist.
Dubbed Sequential SportShift, the new automatic also can function as a manual when desired. One console-mounted lever serves as automatic shifter and clutchless shift-it-yourself manual stick.
Both models wear Honda's remarkable double wishbone suspension with stabilizer bars and sport geometry, and both stock rack and pinion steering and disc brakes with ABS.
Prelude SH adds the fancy stability control -- Active Torque Transfer System -- that directs more engine torque to outboard front wheel when lateral slippage is detected.
1997 HONDA PRELUDE
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| 1997 HONDA PRELUDE VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS |
| Description: |
Compact sports coupe |
| Model Options: |
Compact sports coupe |
| Wheelbase: |
101.8 inches |
| Overall Length: |
178.0 inches
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| Engine Size: |
DOHC 2.2-L I4 VTEC
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| Transmission: |
Manual/5, Auto/4 |
| Drive: |
Front |
| Braking: |
Power disc/ABS |
| Airbags: |
2 |
| Gas Mileage: |
22/26 mpg |
| MSRP Price: |
$ 23,000 to $ 28,000 |
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