HONDA

Honda Prelude e:HEV: A hybrid coupe with moderate power and responsive handling

The new Honda Prelude e:HEV utilizes the Civic's powertrain (203 hp) but incorporates suspension and components derived from the sporty Type R. This setup, combined with the S+ Shift system, delivers excellent driving dynamics and agile, stable behavior during sudden directional changes, such as in slalom tests.

Dynamics and slalom performance...The new Prelude e:HEV's agility stems from a combination of performance-focused structural elements:

Type R-Inspired suspension: Uses components and adaptive dampers that reduce body roll.

Low center of gravity: The positioning of the e:HEV hybrid system's batteries aids weight distribution, keeping the coupe planted on the road.

Instant torque: The main electric drive motor delivers immediate torque (32.1 kgfm), allowing for quick acceleration between cones.

Key technical details...The model features four-piston front brake calipers (13.8-inch discs) and 19-inch wheels with 235/40 tires. The simulated gear-shifting system (S+ Shift) allows the driver to take control via steering-wheel-mounted paddles, ensuring the combustion engine and electric motors work optimally to maintain ideal traction on winding roads.

High-performance components:

-Civic Type R DNA: The model inherits structural concepts and suspension technology from the acclaimed Civic Type R. This ensures extreme rigidity and body control during sudden changes of direction.

-Refined chassis and electronics: Honda’s chassis tuning minimizes body roll. Electronic controls intervene with surgical precision to maintain the vehicle's trajectory without completely cutting power.

Weight and torque distribution:

-Floor-mounted batteries: As a hybrid, the placement of the battery pack lowers the coupe's center of gravity. This drastically improves lateral stability during slalom maneuvers.

-Instant electric torque: The electric motor delivers immediate power when exiting corners. This helps quickly stabilize the car between cone passes.

A point to note...Despite its exemplary dynamic behavior and balance—praised by testers—the Prelude e:HEV is not a purist rear-wheel-drive sports car. Due to its front-wheel-drive layout and the additional weight of the hybrid system, it may exhibit a slight tendency toward understeer if pushed beyond the tires' physical limits in tight slaloms, performing slightly less effectively in terms of extreme lateral grip compared to 100% track-focused rivals like the Subaru BRZ.

Watch the video below to see how the model performed in the slalom tests conducted by the km77.com team.

by Autonews