Hybrid vehicles are on the rise, and new futuristic designs are beginning to emerge in place of old favorites. With the automobile world facing pressing concerns related to the future of the internal combustion engine and the industry’s contribution towards carbon-neutrality, developments in the alternative engine space have meant that fresh designs and vehicle model concepts are also emerging. However, some automobile developers are combining the best of both worlds, reimaging traditional designs with futuristic engines.
The hybrid and electric vehicle takes over the road
With the industry looking for a variety of ways to offset the effects of carbon emissions on the planet, the road to sustainability has been at the forefront of concern for a variety of stakeholders. In the passenger vehicle world, this has translated to a shift towards focusing on developing the electric engine as the future of where the industry is heading.
Emerging as the most popular alternative engine concept, the electric vehicle has rapidly developed in the past ten years. However, it is the hybrid engine that has really taken off among consumers, while stakeholders outside the passenger vehicle world continue to work towards scaling up supporting infrastructure. The popularity of the hybrid vehicle, accounting for the majority of alternative engine sales, is largely due to consumers wanting to switch to more sustainable solutions while still retaining battery range concerns, especially in locations where charging infrastructure is not as developed and robust.
This hybrid combines the past with the future
Amidst the increasing developments of alternative engine conceps, more automobile developers are taking inspiration from their past vehicle models in order to provide a nostalgic and retro feel to more recent model developments, which feature futuristic alternative engine technology. The combination of the two is a way for developers to pay homage to consumer favorites while not losing sight of the trajectory the passenger vehicle world is heading towards.
Recently, in keeping with this emerging trend, Japanese automobile developer Hona just released the first look at the 2026 Prelude model, a hybrid vehicle which will be the sixth generation of Preludes produced by the automobile developer. The fifth and final generation of the Honda Prelude was produced from 1997 to 2001, and after taking a 25-year hiatus, will finally be hitting the roads again with a 200hp powertrain and a hybrid engine to keep up with sustainable initiatives.
“We are thrilled to be bringing back such an iconic nameplate to the Honda lineup,” said Jessika Laudermilk, assistant vice president of Honda National Auto Sales. “The Prelude’s return demonstrates our commitment to exciting, fun-to-drive vehicles and will help to accelerate our hybrid-electric sales in the years ahead.”
What is the future of the passenger vehicle world?
While discourse surrounding the future of the passenger vehicle world has largely focused on the shift towards changing out the internal combustion engine for more sustainable solutions, it would seem that the conversation has also expanded to include talks of seeing a passenger vehicle world where a driver is no longer necessary, thanks to the rise in automobile companies piloting the first fully automated vehicles.
While current automation technology still requires an active and alert driver who is paying attention to the roads, companies like Tesla are working hard to see a future where this will no longer be a necessity. The electric vehicle giant began their automated ‘Robotaxi’ pilot project in Austin, Texas, earlier this year, joining competitors such as Waymo and Amazon. The race is indeed on to be the first to successfully see this technology past regulatory requirements, a feat that would fundamentally change the future of the industry.
