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Honda Prelude Comes Back as a 200hp Hybrid
Andrew Evans
September 04, 2025
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
$1,800 Bugatti is a pricey rebadged e-scooter
V8s back on the table for F1’s next engine regulations
Wires not required with Porsche Cayenne EV’s inductive charging
Colton Herta is Cadillac F1’s test driver, will race in F2 next year
One-of-500 Lexus LFA comes up for auction
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Honda is set to reintroduce the Prelude, a sporty coupe that last saw production in 2001, with a planned launch in US dealerships by early November. This new iteration will feature a hybrid powertrain derived from the Civic lineup, along with design elements and performance enhancements inspired by the Civic Type R, aiming to balance driving excitement with fuel efficiency.
Porsche has revealed that the upcoming Cayenne EV will feature optional inductive charging, allowing for a more convenient home charging experience. While public charging stations will still require traditional plugging in, this advancement means drivers can simply park in their garage and let their vehicle charge automatically at up to 11kW.
Anticipation surrounds Audi's upcoming Concept C, a two-seater sports car expected to enter production in 2027, featuring a refined design and premium interior materials. Unlike its predecessors, this model will exclusively be an electric vehicle, with a unique hardtop that transitions between coupe and roadster configurations, and it is built on a new platform that may share elements with future Porsche models.
Ford Performance has changed branding to Ford Racing as part of its strategy to develop more high-performance road vehicles inspired by its racing heritage, similar to the Mustang GTD. The rebranding includes a fresh logo that merges the classic blue oval with a contemporary 'Racing' font, while plans for a broader range of performance models are underway, including a potential 1000hp Ranger Raptor influenced by the Dakar Rally.
Volkswagen is renaming its electric ID models to align them with its traditional combustion engine lineup, starting with the ID.2all concept, which will now be called the ID.Polo. The brand also confirmed the ID.Cross, an electric equivalent to the T-Cross, while future names will be applied to each new generation - potentially seeing the next ID.3 rebranded as the ID.Golf.
In 2028, Porsche will introduce a model currently known internally as “M1”, with the new SUV becoming the first from the brand to primarily direct power to the front wheels. This model, which replaces the combustion-engine Macan, is being developed alongside the third-generation Audi Q5 and will not feature an electric variant, as that role is reserved for the recently launched Macan EV.
McLaren, despite its history of innovation in hybrid technology with the P1, has no immediate plans to launch a fully electric vehicle, according to CEO Nick Collins. He emphasized that while the brand is exploring multi-propulsion systems, the varying global regulatory landscapes and market demands will significantly influence their timeline for electrification.
Jaguar Land Rover has acknowledged the challenges in creating an electric version of the Range Rover Sentinel that meets the same blast protection standards as its current gasoline models, leaving the armored SUV reliant on combustion power for the time being. With UK regulations mandating a transition to electric fleets by 2027, the company faces scrutiny as competitors successfully develop armored electric vehicles, highlighting a gap in JLR's offerings amid evolving market demands.
MOTORSPORT
Discussions between Formula 1's engine manufacturers and the FIA are advancing as they prepare for what will follow the upcoming engine regulations set to take effect in 2026. While the FIA is advocating for a simplified 2.4-liter V8 engine with sustainable fuels for future development, many manufacturers prefer a longer timeline before implementing significant changes, citing the recent investment in the new hybrid systems.
Cadillac F1 has appointed Colton Herta as a test driver, with his current IndyCar team Andretti Global securing Will Power to fill his position in IndyCar. As Herta prepares for his role, he will also compete in Formula 2 during the 2026 season to accumulate the necessary points for an FIA Super License.
Isack Hadjar believes that the significant regulatory changes coming in 2026 will simplify the transition for new drivers into Red Bull Racing, alleviating concerns that have surrounded the team's second seat. As he aims for a promotion following a strong rookie season, Hadjar feels that the introduction of new cars and engines will create a level playing field, allowing him to adapt without the baggage of past performance expectations.
Formula 1 drivers will engage in an extensive meeting with the FIA on Friday to address the unexpected penalty given to Carlos Sainz during the Dutch Grand Prix, as noted by Alex Albon. Albon expressed his belief that the collision involving Sainz and Liam Lawson should have been classified as a racing incident or, at most, a penalty for Lawson, given his perspective from behind the two cars.
Frederic Vasseur acknowledged that Ferrari might have misjudged the challenges Lewis Hamilton faces in adapting to the team after his lengthy tenure with Mercedes. Despite some promising moments, Hamilton has struggled to match the performance of his teammate Charles Leclerc, leading to concerns about his adjustment and overall results in the early part of the season.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has acknowledged interest from Germany, Portugal, and Turkey for potential future races, despite skepticism surrounding political claims about their returns to the calendar. With logistical and financial challenges ahead, particularly regarding sustainability standards, prospective hosts must demonstrate significant financial backing to secure a spot in the increasingly competitive lineup of events.
As teams prepare for the 2026 season, some Formula 1 outfits are still implementing minor updates during the 2025 races, with Haas planning enhancements for the upcoming United States Grand Prix. Other teams, including Sauber, Red Bull, and Alpine, are also focusing on small adjustments that can be quickly developed and tested, allowing them to balance current performance with future design efforts.
Lance Stroll has expressed enthusiasm for Adrian Newey's role in shaping Aston Martin's design for the 2026 Formula 1 car, highlighting the engineer's dedication and positive influence on the team. Since joining as a managing technical partner, Newey has concentrated on adapting to new technical regulations, which could position Aston Martin as a competitive force in the sport's future.
Markham will host the IndyCar Series' Canadian event starting in 2026, as announced by Mayor Frank Scarpitti, moving from its long-time location in Toronto due to the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The new street circuit, designed by Tony Cotman, will be situated in Markham Centre and is expected to attract over 140,000 spectators, significantly impacting the local economy through tourism and related services.
CURIOSITIES
A 2012 Lexus LFA with nearly 10,000 miles has emerged for sale, presenting collectors with an opportunity to acquire one of Japan's most celebrated supercars. This model, part of the limited production run of just 500 units, has seen its value rise significantly over the years, reflecting its enduring appeal and the growing interest in Lexus's potential future performance vehicles.
Bugatti enthusiasts can now pick up an e-scooter from the brand, sporting a 1kW motor that allows it to travel at up to 22mph, priced at $1,800. Despite the name though, this machine is essentially a standard electric scooter manufactured by Bytech, and the price comfortably exceeds that of similar models without the Bugatti branding.
While Ubisoft has not indicated any plans to revive The Crew, which remains unplayable even in single-player mode despite community dissatisfaction and legal challenges, the game will soon come back to life unofficially. A new mod called “The Crew Unlimited” aims to restore online functionality for the PC version, allowing players to access both single and multiplayer modes through a custom server emulator.
The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is hosting a giveaway for a well-preserved 1967 C2 convertible, inviting car enthusiasts to participate by donating to the museum. Participants can increase their chances of winning through tiered donation amounts, with the sweepstakes concluding on December 15 and the winner being announced on December 29.
A recently auctioned 1955 356 "Pre-A" Speedster achieved a remarkable price of £393,750, despite its weathered appearance, marking it as the highest-selling model of its kind to date. This unique vehicle, which spent over sixty years in storage and retains much of its original components, exemplifies exceptional preservation, making it a standout in the automotive world.
The FT1 Pro from Freedom Trax is an attachment designed for manual wheelchairs, enabling users to navigate challenging surfaces such as sand, snow, and mud. Compatible with wheelchairs that have a width ranging from 18 to 26 inches, this device operates on a 24V lithium-ion battery, offering a maximum range of eight miles in softer terrains, with a retail price of $6,355.
A recent incident in Midtown Atlanta involved a Chevrolet Camaro performing dangerous maneuvers before crashing into a building, with the event recorded by a bystander. The footage reveals the car speeding down a narrow street, losing control, and colliding with a brick pillar, resulting in visible damage and raising concerns about reckless driving trends associated with the vehicle.
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