The 2026 Honda Prelude debuts to a fair bit of controversy, mostly aimed at its transmission (or lack thereof). It is not accurate to say the new sixth-generation Prelude has a continuously variable transmission or even an “eCVT,” as Honda’s two-motor hybrid system doesn’t have any form of transmission. Instead, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine acts as a generator to power the electric motors, and it only drives the wheels at highway speeds. This is the same system Honda uses in the Civic Hybrid, where it produces an identical 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque.
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