GT5 Transcripts/Honda Prelude BB6

Honda decided to return to the basics when designing the fifth-generation Prelude. While the second-gen and third-gen proved popular, the fourth-gen variant enjoyed only modest success. Honda was intent of recapturing the magic.

The Prelude went back to a wedge-shape profile, with the rear end tapered into a notchback style. Upon first glance, the car looked more stout, the result of an overall width of more than 5.5 ft. and height of over 4.2 ft. The front end featured aggressive-looking two-bulb headlights that gave the Prelude a mean scowl. Honda opted not to bring back the retractable types used in past models.

The Xi came equipped with a SOHC engine, but all other models were powered by a 2.2-liter DOHC inline-4. In the Si, power was rated at 158 HP; in the SiR that number increased to 200. The special trim level of the Prelude lineup was the Type S, whose four-cylinder engine pumped out 217 HP, or 100 PS (99 HP) per liter. The Type S also received Honda's innovative ATTS drive power distribution system, which managed torque of the outside wheels during cornering, enhancing its turning character. ATTS rivaled other high-tech cornering gadgets of its day, including Mitsubishi's AYC and Subaru's DCCS. In 1998, Honda introduced a more affordable version of the Type S, the SiR S Spec, which was essentially an SiR with the Type S's motor.