FYI: As Honda gears up to roll out the new hybrid Prelude in 2026, a stunning custom build of the classic model makes headlines, doubling up on power and innovation.
The Excitement Around Honda’s New Hybrid Prelude
Last year, Honda confirmed that its all-new Prelude would be coming to the U.S. as a 2026 model, marking a significant shift for this iconic sports car. The upcoming vehicle will be a hybrid, which has stirred excitement amongst enthusiasts while causing a bit of unrest among purists who favor traditional gasoline engines.
An Ingenious Twin-Engine Custom Build
In the interim, while fans await Honda’s latest offering, a unique custom build of the 2000 Honda Prelude has captured the spotlight. This spectacular version breaks new ground with its dual-engine setup, offering 400 horsepower and 312 lb-ft of torque, achieved by adding a second H22A engine. Both engines operate in harmony, linked by two 5-speed transmissions and offering the option of all-wheel drive when both are engaged.
Specifications and Innovations From the Factory Model
The original factory model of the 2000 Honda Prelude was an efficient front-wheel-drive sports car featuring a 2.2-liter inline-four engine capable of 200 horsepower. The curb weight was initially 2,954 pounds, with impressive features packed into its sleek design. However, this customized model takes things further by wrapping two engines into one vehicle, crafting something truly sensational.
A Performance Powerhouse in a Lighter Package
Though it may seem the additional engine would significantly increase weight, the custom-build remarkably manages to be lighter at just 2,820 pounds due to strategic modifications, including Lexan windows and a custom tube chassis. The weight distribution is fine-tuned at 53/47 from front to back, giving it an optimal balance.
The Prelude’s Party Trick: More Than Just a Show
Although custom builds can sometimes be perceived as little more than flashy gambits, this Prelude proves otherwise. With over 7,000 miles logged on the road and track, this build boasts reliability and performance. Enhanced features like a custom 12-gallon fuel cell, spring-lowering set, and racing bucket seats further underscore its capabilities.
Modification Marvels for Maximum Performance
Beyond the impressive twin-engine setup, this Prelude sports a plethora of performance upgrades. These include a Willwood brake bias adjuster for both front and rear and a set of Rota Slipstream wheels. Innovative intake solutions and the use of Lexan windows demonstrate the serious engineering behind this project.
Concluding Thoughts
This custom creation showcases the incredible potential that lies within performance modification, representing a bold homage to the Honda Prelude legacy. While the auto world waits eagerly for the hybrid future, this twin-engine marvel remains a testament to the creativity and engineering prowess of car enthusiasts.
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By Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
