PRELUDE
FUELS HONDA SALES GROWTH
IN SPORTY COUPE SEGMENT
The sporty coupe market overall may be soft, but the 1998 Prelude shows no signs of softening. With 1997 sales running about 50 percent ahead of last year, the fifth generation Prelude is gaining popularity for its classic, aggressive styling, technological advancement and fastest performance of any Honda vehicle. The Prelude is available in two models - the Prelude and Prelude Type SH. Also an industry favorite, the Prelude earned a spot on Car and Driver's "Ten Best" vehicle listing and was named the world's best handling car for under $39,000 last year. In addition, the Prelude was named "Most Appealing Sporty Car" in a 1997 J.D. Power and Associates survey.
IMPROVEMENTS - Buy The Prelude Here
Technologically, the Prelude sports several Honda innovations, including an Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) on the Prelude Type SH. The ATTS is a breakthrough in vehicle handling that adjusts power to the front-drive wheels during turns, to provide near neutral road handling characteristics while cornering, which greatly reduces vehicle understeer. A smooth-shifting 5-speed manual transmission is standard on the Prelude and Prelude Type SH. The Prelude model offers an optional 4-speed automatic transmission with Sequential SportShift. This allows the driver the option of shifting manually up or down between gears, similar to the transmission on Formula One and other race cars.
ENGINE - Buy The Prelude Here
Both Prelude models are powered by a 2.2-liter,195-horsepower DOHC VTEC (variable valve timing and lift electronic control) engine. The patented VTEC engine controls intake and exhaust valve timing to provide outstanding torque and acceleration throughout its power band. Honda Progressive Valve (HPV) shocks provide a firm and smooth ride with front and rear stabilizer bars. A 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension, combined with 16-inch wheels, 4-wheel disc brakes and standard antilock brakes provide outstanding control.
COMFORT, SPACE AND SAFETY - Buy The Prelude Here
Honda does not sacrifice passenger comfort and safety for sportiness in the Prelude. In the front, the car features 37.9 inches of headroom and 43 inches of legroom, and a height-adjustable seat. The Prelude is protected by a state-of-the-art "Immobilizer" anti-theft system. When the driver inserts the ignition key, a digitally coded radio signal is transmitted instantaneously to the Immobilizer control unit. If the code is recognized, the car starts. If an attempt is made to improperly start the car, the Immobilizer disables the fuel injection and ignition systems. Prelude's long list of standard equipment includes dual air bags, power windows, mirrors and door locks, cruise control, air conditioning, power moonroof with tilt feature, adjustable steering column,12-volt power outlet, front and rear cup holders and a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo system. The Prelude Type SH adds a leather-covered shift knob and a rear spoiler in addition to the ATTS system.
SOUND SYSTEM - Buy The Prelude Here
The stereo system features a 120-watt Acoustic Feedback (AFB) System for outstanding sound quality. This system uses a built-in microphone in one of the rear speakers to "sample" sound in the cabin, comparing the sample sound with the original electronic signal. If it detects any distortion, the AFB automatically corrects the electronic signal to compensate for it.
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