Could the New Honda Prelude Spark a Comeback for Other Sport Coupes?
If Honda's upcoming Prelude proves to be a sales success, it could prompt rival automakers to resurrect their own iconic compact sport coupes with similar hybridized powertrains and simulated excitement, allowing them to once again offer fun-focused models without having to develop entirely new powertrains and platforms. Using generative text-to-image artificial intelligence and Adobe Photoshop, we take an imagined look at what some hypothetically revived compact sport coupes could look like from a variety of manufacturers. These renders in no way resemble any actual products and are exclusively for speculative and entertainment purposes.
Taking style inspiration from the polarizing Hyundai Ioniq 6, reviving the Tiburon nameplate could be an excellent way for Hyundai to take on Honda's upcoming Prelude. The Korean automaker has come an extremely long way since the Tiburon was discontinued from its lineup back in 2008, and an all-new Tiburon could provide an excellent opportunity to show off just how much progress they've made. Equipped with the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which, when paired with a 51-kW electric motor, makes 192 horsepower in the 2025 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, the revived Tiburon could directly mirror the Prelude's development philosophy, albeit with Hyundai tech and engineering, and a genuine six-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT.
For the purist enthusiasts out there, the development of a revived Tiburon sport coupe could also open up the opportunity for a more hardened performance variant, possibly powered by the same 276-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found in the Hyundai Elantra N, paired with the buyer's choice of either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. With these two hypothetical variants, the resurrected Hyundai Tiburon could cover a lot of enthusiast ground, appealing to both the hardcore purists and progressive, athletic modernists alike.
A true Fast & Furious icon, the Mitsubishi Eclipse was once one of the most desirable compact sport coupes on the market, combining daily driver practicality with agile handling and torquey, turbocharged powertrain options. Reviving the Eclipse nameplate could go a long way towards rejuvenating Mitsubishi's brand image, which has lost plenty of steam in recent years thanks to the automaker's discontinuation of every single remotely exciting model from its lineup. Diluted with monotonous crossovers, Mitsubishi needs something to remind the world that it's still in business. Whether it employs a modified variant of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV's plug-in hybrid 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrain or something juicier and turbocharged, we'd love to see something spicy back in Mitsubishi's portfolio of automobiles.
Enthusiasts have been begging Toyota for a new Celica since the model was discontinued in 2006, and recent rumors suggest that their cries may soon be answered. Whether it will equip a similar, 300-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine as found in the GR Corolla, or a Prius-sourced, 196-horsepower hybrid powertrain with all-wheel drive, we're eagerly awaiting more information about Toyota's rumored upcoming sports coupe.
As Honda's official release of the resurrected Prelude nears ever closer, we can't help but feel nostalgic about the glory days of the personal compact sport coupe, a segment that reigned supreme throughout the 1980s and '90s in North America. It seemed every manufacturer offered a small, sporty coupe of their own, reflecting an appreciation for frugal fun that seems to have been lost to the sands of time ever since. When the all-new Prelude returns, and if it proves popular, it's possible that we could see a resurgence of compact sporty coupes, albeit with an entirely modernized philosophy. Only time will tell, but the Honda Prelude has us feeling incredibly optimistic for the future of the affordable two-door coupe.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Car and Driver
7 hours ago
- Car and Driver
2026 Hyundai Sonata Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview It's a shame people have forsaken sedans in favor of SUVs when models like the 2026 Hyundai Sonata are simply nicer to drive, better equipped, and more fuel efficient than much of the high-riding competition. Not only that, the Sonata lineup caters to different shoppers with different needs with its trio of powertrains, ranging from a tame naturally aspirated four-cylinder to a thrifty hybrid to—our favorite—a muscle-bound 290-hp turbo four. In terms of handling and ride quality, this family sedan isn't at the top of the class, but it's comfortable and positively packed with driver-assistance and convenience features to make your life easier. Expert Tip: The Sonata is a great all-around package, but it's really hard to beat the Honda Accord. What's New for 2026? The SEL and SEL Convenience trims are gone, replaced by the SEL Sport. A low-level Blue Hybrid trim also joins the lineup. We don't know much about it yet, but if it follows the pattern of other Hyundai Blue models, it should offer superior fuel economy to other Sonata Hybrid trims. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Hyundai Sonata is expected to start around $29,000 and go up to $39,000 depending on the trim and options. SE $29,000 (est) Blue Hybrid $31,000 (est) SEL Sport $32,000 (est) SEL Hybrid $33,000 (est) N Line $37,000 (est) Limited Hybrid $39,000 (est) 0 $10k $20k $30k $40k $50k $60k Budget-minded shoppers will do just fine with the Sonata SE, which comes with all the driver-assistance tech you need, plus proximity keyless entry, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, and wireless smartphone-mirroring tech. We'd, however, pick the 290-hp N Line. But then you probably could've guessed that. Engine, Transmission, and Performance Engines: 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder (standard), 2.0-liter four-cylinder with one electric motor for combined 192 hp (hybrid), 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (N Line) 191-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder (standard), 2.0-liter four-cylinder with one electric motor for combined 192 hp (hybrid), 290-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder (N Line) Transmissions: 8-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed automatic (hybrid), 8-speed dual-clutch automatic (N Line) 8-speed automatic (standard), 6-speed automatic (hybrid), 8-speed dual-clutch automatic (N Line) Drivetrains: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive The nonhybrid, nonturbo Sonata makes an adequate 191 horsepower from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. It's not the sharpest handler in its class—the Honda Accord is more engaging to drive—but it's still composed and sufficiently responsive. We also commend Hyundai for continuing to equip its family sedan with a smooth-shifting conventional automatic transmission instead of the engine-drone-inducing continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that other automakers have embraced. During our time with the 192-hp Sonata Hybrid, which pairs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a motor-generator, we appreciated its fuel-saving efforts but disliked its noticeable transitions between gas and electric power sources. As for the 290-hp Sonata N Line, it's our favorite of the lineup, delivering fast and frugal fun. Late-model-year models benefit from a retuned eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and a revised launch-control system, which together make the N Line much more pleasant to drive in traffic and more consistent off the line. 0–60-MPH Times C/D 60-mph Tests: 5.4 seconds (N Line), 7.8 seconds (hybrid) In Comparison: The Sonata N Line dusts both the Honda Accord and the all-wheel-drive Toyota Camry to 60, and its improved launch-control feature does a better job of mitigating tire spin off the line. View Exterior Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Tests : 39-51 mpg 39-51 mpg EPA City Ratings : 23-44 mpg 23-44 mpg EPA Highway Ratings: 32-51 mpg The EPA hasn't released fuel-economy information for the 2026 Hyundai Sonata yet, but the ratings shouldn't change. The 2025 nonhybrid Sonata earns estimates as high as 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway. The thriftiest 2025 model is the Sonata Hybrid, which earns EPA estimates of 44 mpg city and 51 mpg highway. On our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test loop, the electrified Sonata bore that out, seeing 51 mpg. The turbocharged Sonata N Line is the least efficient of the bunch, with estimates of 23 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. In our hands, though, it proved much more economical, with an observed rating of 39 mpg. For more information about the Sonata's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo First Row: We have few complaints about the Sonata's interior. The front row is more spacious than the Accord's and the Camry's, and the seats are comfortable and supportive. Material quality is also better than we'd expect for a sub-$30,000 sedan. Second Row: The back seat isn't the roomiest in the segment, but average-size adults will be fine back there for hour-long trips. Cargo Capacity: The Sonata's 16-cubic-foot trunk is reasonably sized, capable of swallowing seven carry-on suitcases. We also appreciate the wide opening, as it makes loading easy. View Interior Photos Marc Urbano | Car and Driver Infotainment and Connectivity Infotainment: 12.3-inch touchscreen 12.3-inch touchscreen Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility Audio Systems: 6-speaker stereo (standard); 12-speaker Bose stereo (optional) A pair of screens—one for gauges and one for infotainment—nestle into the dash and look right at home there. The gauge cluster's dimensions vary by trim, but all models receive a 12.3-incher in the center stack. The interface supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections too. Several trims come with six speakers, but a few get a Bose system with twice that. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Hyundai's suite of standard driver-assistance features is comprehensive. Sonata buyers get automatic high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear-cross-traffic alert, and automated emergency braking. Only some camera features and parking tech are optional. Standard Safety Features: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring Optional Safety Features: blind-spot view monitor, a 360-degree camera system, remote smart parking For information about the Sonata's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Hyundai's powertrain warranty is legendary. The company also offers longer complimentary scheduled maintenance terms than Toyota and other rivals. Limited Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles five years or 60,000 miles Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles 10 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary Maintenance: three years or 36,000 miles C/D Test Results and Specs We test every vehicle we can. Data in the chart below may be for a different model year if the model remained unchanged from when we last tested it. Specifications Specifications 2024 Hyundai Sonata N Line Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan PRICE Base/As Tested: $36,100/$37,310 Options: Aero Silver Matte paint, $1000; carpeted floor mats, $210 ENGINE turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection Displacement: 152 in3, 2497 cm3 Power: 290 hp @ 5800 rpm Torque: 311 lb-ft @ 1650 rpm TRANSMISSION 8-speed dual-clutch automatic CHASSIS Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink Brakes, F/R: 13.6-in vented disc/12.8-in disc Tires: Pirelli P Zero All Season 245/40R-19 94W M+S DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 111.8 in Length: 193.3 in Width: 73.2 in Height: 56.9 in Passenger Volume, F/R: 58/42 ft3 Trunk Volume: 16 ft3 Curb Weight: 3625 lb C/D TEST RESULTS 60 mph: 5.4 sec 100 mph: 13.0 sec 1/4-Mile: 14.0 sec @ 103 mph 130 mph: 24.2 sec Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec. Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.9 sec Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.1 sec Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.1 sec Top Speed (C/D est): 155 mph Braking, 70–0 mph: 180 ft Braking, 100–0 mph: 358 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g C/D FUEL ECONOMY Observed: 28 mpg 75-mph Highway Driving: 39 mpg 75-mph Highway Range: 620 mi EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 27/23/32 mpg C/D TESTING EXPLAINED More Features and Specs
Miami Herald
9 hours ago
- Miami Herald
5 of the Best Base Trim Vehicles in 2025
There's a lot of pressure to get the most expensive trim level due to FOMO. That shouldn't force you into getting more than you need, and while top-tier trims get all the headlines with panoramic sunroofs, massaging seats, and 20-inch wheels, most car buyers don't need all of those unnecessary features. Whether it's due to budget constraints, a preference for simplicity, or just smart shopping, base trims often provide more today than ever before. Modern base trims come packed with safety tech, infotainment, and style that rival mid-range trims from just a few years ago. Here are five of the best base trim vehicles for 2025 that prove you don't have to pay more to get a lot. The current generation of the Honda Civic might just be its best, and that's true even in base LX trim ($24,595 MSRP). The venerable Civic continues the model's long-standing tradition of blending value, comfort, and dependability. It's powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower, paired with a CVT. The exterior and interior are smartly designed, featuring more conservatively styled yet attractive sheet metal, combined with an ergonomically excellent cabin that showcases some of the best physical controls in the segment. Even if you don't add a single option to the LX, it comes standard with a ton of equipment, including 16-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, automatic climate control, a 7-inch color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and pushbutton start, Honda's full "Sensing" safety suite, makes the Civic feel like a tremendous safety value. It comes with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, lane departure warning, a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines, and traffic sign recognition, making the LX a well-rounded and smart buy in the compact car segment. Learn more here. A premium SUV doesn't have to feel like an à la carte experience. The Genesis GV70 offers real value in a segment where prices can climb quickly. In base 2.5T AWD trim ($47,985), the GV70 redefines what base-trim luxury can be. Under the hood is a potent 300-hp turbocharged 2.5‑liter four‑cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. In terms of exterior styling, the GV70 sports one of the most original looks in the segment with eye-catching two-line parallel headlights and taillights, a more intricate lattice grille, and new wheel styles. As the trim label indicates, the GV70 2.5T comes standard with all-wheel drive. The GV70 now has a beautiful 27-inch dash-mounted OLED screen setup that incorporates the instrument cluster and infotainment for a seamless experience. It also comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels, automatic high beams, heated outside mirrors, Genesis Connected Services, fingerprint authentication that allows you to start the car without a key, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and navigation, a wireless charging pad, and a hands-free power liftgate, LED lighting, heated leatherette seats, and dual-zone climate control. Its safety set includes standard adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, auto high beams, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision mitigation, and Genesis's Highway Driving Assist. Another boost for the model, even in base trim, is improved sound deadening that makes the GV70 an impressively quiet place to be, even at high speeds. The now hybrid-only Camry, which starts around $28,700, is one of the most value-packed automobiles in the industry. The significant refresh brings more refined styling, and even the base LE doesn't scrimp on features. First of all, it has the same powertrain as higher trims, a 2.5-liter hybrid engine that makes a substantial 225 horsepower and even returns an EPA-estimated 51 mpg city and 49 mpg highway. That's Prius-level efficiency in a family sedan with gobs of room, combined with steering and handling that often evade the segment. The Camry LE's list of standard features includes 16-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights and DRLs, heated power outside mirrors, acoustic front windshield, dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a tire pressure monitor, plus Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane centering, road sign assist, and proactive driving assist. The safety equipment alone is worth the price of entry. The Camry LE proves that going hybrid in base form doesn't mean sacrificing performance or features. The Camry is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. This list wouldn't be complete without a Hyundai model. The brand is known for jamming tons of standard features into every trim level, and that includes the Tucson SE, priced at $28,705. The fourth-generation provides one of the strongest value propositions in the compact SUV segment, and it's even more appealing with a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen incorporated within a larger dash-mounted display with new analog gauges. The SE is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 187 horsepower, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment on the SE includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and DRLs, automatic headlights with high beam assist, a rear spoiler, acoustic front glass, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear occupant alert, and advanced safety features like forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning. The Tucson also offers a spacious interior with a class-leading 41.3 inches of rear legroom and a sizable cargo area of 80.3 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, making it a smart and practical pick for small families or anyone wanting crossover utility without climbing the trim ladder. With bold styling and Hyundai's excellent warranty, the Tucson SE punches well above its price point. Learn more here. The Mazda3 might seem long-in-the-tooth on paper (it's now in the 7th year of its 4th generation), but it still delivers arguably the most premium experience among base trims. Even the 2.5 S trim level, at a starting price of $24,170, is impressively outfitted. First of all, the style quotient is high with its curvaceous body that exudes premium. The 2.5 S comes with a 191 horsepower 2.5-liter engine that can be mated to either a 6-speed manual with front wheel drive or a 6-speed automatic transmission with front- or all-wheel drive, the latter of which is uncommon for base hatchbacks. Inside, the Mazda3 has a near-luxury feel, with high-quality materials and elegant design throughout the cabin. Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, heated power side mirrors, LED headlights and DRLs, automatic headlights, black body trim, pushbutton start, voice control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, an 8.8-inch color infotainment display, while safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beam control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Mazda3 also excels dynamically, offering responsive steering and confident handling that enthusiasts will appreciate even in the base model. It's a tremendous value in base form, and everyone will think you paid more than you did. Across the board, these five vehicles show that base trims no longer equate to boring, stripped-down transportation. In 2025, smart buyers can get high-end tech, advanced safety, solid performance, and thoughtful design right from the entry-level offerings. Whether you're looking for efficiency, utility, or a dose of driving excitement, every one of these base models proves that you don't have to spend more to get a great vehicle Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Gizmodo
10 hours ago
- Gizmodo
The Big EV Tax Credit Mystery
If you're thinking about buying an electric vehicle, brace yourself: the federal tax credits that offer up to $7,500 off new EVs and $4,000 off used ones could change as soon as September 30. But here's the real issue: Nobody knows for sure what happens next. Carmakers, consumers, and even some dealerships have been operating under the belief that a signed contract before September 30 locks in the credit. But now, some automakers are quietly admitting that the IRS has not finalized that rule. 'It is our understanding that a signed contract is required to qualify for the federal tax credit, and that the contract date serves as the determining factor,' a spokesperson for Honda told Gizmodo, while noting the government is still working it out. That caveat is huge. With no clear guidance from the Treasury Department or IRS, consumers are left in the dark just as they're being asked to make expensive decisions. The Inflation Reduction Act created a powerful incentive structure for EV adoption, including: These benefits have helped reduce upfront costs for many buyers, but they come with fine print, and that fine print may be changing soon. September 30 has become an unofficial deadline based on how the law was initially interpreted. The industry believed that signing a contract by then would preserve your eligibility, even if the car arrives later. Now, that interpretation may no longer be reliable. Gizmodo reached out to several car companies. Most pointed to the IRS website and declined to provide clarity beyond current offers. Nissan confirmed that vehicles like the Ariya and new LEAF—built in Japan—don't qualify under current rules, and had nothing to share about what will happen beyond September. 'We can only provide information on our current offers,' one spokesperson said. 'At this time, we don't have anything to share regarding additional incentives or rebates.' This silence has left buyers confused. Many still assume any EV qualifies, but that's not the case. In fact, most foreign-made models don't, and even domestic ones may only qualify for partial credits based on battery sourcing. The IRS didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The lesser-known $4,000 credit for used EVs applies to: But just like the new EV credit, it could be impacted by any regulatory shifts post-September. Bottom Line: Act, But Cautiously This is about timing. For buyers, a delay of even a few weeks could mean the difference between a five-figure incentive and nothing at all. With the government still working out the final rules, the best advice is to stay alert and sign your contract before September 30 if you're planning to buy. If you wait, you might not just miss the credit. You might miss the window entirely. For the most detailed and up-to-date information on eligibility and how to claim these credits, always refer to the official source: the IRS website on Credits for New Clean Vehicles:
