. The four wheel steering system was changed to an electronic version and the engine was increased in capacity from 2. The Prelude was introduced in Europe during 1979, but was not a strong seller, its high asking price not helping its chances of sales success. This model also marked the end for the pop-up headlights. The received an exclusive front fascia, rear tail lights, wheels and many other body panels, now being marketed as a somewhat separate model from the family-oriented sedan, yet its sedan roots gave it much more utility than the comparatively cramped Prelude. The model with the 2. It featured fixed headlights, with a front fascia very similar to the contemporary coupe and of the same time period.
The SiStates also featured a Japanese version of the 2. These cars were a limited production run and very few were built. The Japanese version of the Prelude also had certain options which were never found in state-bound models but did show up in the Canadian market. Le Moniteur de l'Automobile in French. The rear end was no longer flat and wide; but wide, rounded and fairly high in comparison.
It also offered, as an option, Honda's new. The Japanese model came with optional Honda Access accessories such as Typus ski racks, under dash lights, headrest covers, a cabin air filter, and floor mats. It spanned five generations of cars but was discontinued upon the release of the fourth-generation Honda Integra in Japan in late 2001, due to its decreasing sales and popularity. Since only 15 were ever made, they are assumed by many to be custom-built. Production of the Prelude concluded in 2001 upon the introduction of the. He brought in craftsman Bruce Meyers Known for the famous Meyers Manx Dune Buggy to help design the tooling and fiberglass work for production.
Manufacturer styling options included seat lettering. The rear end was rounded and fairly high in comparison to the previous square trunk line. The three-way catalytic converter was also increased in size, as well as the exhaust piping from 2 to 2¼ in 51 to 57 mm tToV. It was bored to 83 mm 3. Three versions were available: a basic version, one which had more luxurious options, and one which added a body kit.
Honda used a single central gauge cluster design in this car which housed the speedometer and tachometer in one combined unit where both instrument's needles swept along the same arc. Tropic Design, located in , Germany. The other being that it was over 2. The exhaust system was also treated to a redesign, with the pipe cross sections becoming more cylindrical rather than oval. The dashboard stretched from left to right in the car, being equal in height over the full length and housing all dials and indicators.
The four-wheel independent struts, brakes, and engine were all borrowed from the first generation Accord, but the chassis was all new and developed by chief engineer Hiroshi Kizawa expressly for the sporting Prelude. This was the first generation of Prelude to have pop-up headlights, which allowed for a more aerodynamic front clip, reducing drag. It was equipped with the 2. This causes premature piston ring wear contributing to exceptionally high oil consumption. No details are known about the engine types and other specifics.
The interior featured newly developed synthentic materials called Cabron and Excene to upholster the seats which most people perceive as leather and Alcantara laced with red stitching. Second generation Preludes were modified by another German company; some 100 Preludes were modified. Solaire collaborated with other companies including Classic Touch, Con-tec, Silcco, Steas Industries and National Coach. Many of the interior parts were also revised, including the dash bezel, the door handle and window switches. The light blue back lighting introduced in the third generation was continued. Prelude competitors traditionally included the , the and the. The light blue backlighting introduced in the third generation was continued.
There is believed to be a few third generation preludes made however it is not confirmed how many were made. Company owner Jürgen Weber learned this trade in the United States. The wheelbase was 2,320 mm, and was 60 mm shorter than that of the original Accord. Standard Catalog of Imported Cars, 1946-1990. The Prelude featured innovative features for its time such as a 0. The car no longer had pop-up lights. In Japan, the Prelude was one of the key models sold at Japanese Honda dealership sales channels, called , which offered performance-oriented products.