Two months following its last Prologue EV tease, Honda now takes steps to showcase the SUV's driving chic straight from its California-based design studio. The first in a long line of forthcoming EVs for US customers, the 2024 Honda Prologue SUV serves as the firm's pseudo test run in the North American space as it gears up for a 100% electric sales cycle by 2040. However, little is known about Honda's EV SUV, and the automaker is taking strides in amending that issue with periodic updates on its overall production.
Announced on Thursday, July 27, via the automaker's own blog, Honda delves deep into the design philosophy behind its Prologue EV SUV through project lead Jiro Ikeda. Honda notes Ikeda's "30 years of design experience" as being apt for the so-called "New-Rugged" design it's aiming for with the Prologue. Interestingly, the EV SUV will mark Honda's first-ever iteration designed through the likes of virtual reality, or what the firm calls "visualization technology," which leverages a multitude of varied environments for the design team to experience the SUV within.
"We were able to see Prologue in digital environments that truly resemble the real world. By simulating and evaluating colors, materials, and even lighting in a virtual 3D environment we were able to explore possibilities that took styling to a higher level," explains Honda Design's VR and CG designer Marco Tan.
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The VR-based visualization technology likewise aided the automaker in cross-collaborative design processes between both its US and Japan locations. But beyond that, it also ensured the Prologue would remain situated in this very rugged style, which shows. Even Honda agrees, citing its styling as an "adventure-ready SUV," which features "a longer wheelbase, a shorter overhang, and capable tires to create sporty proportions and a stronger stance," according to exterior designer Sang-Hyuk Ahn.
The automaker did little else in delving into additional Honda Prologue specs, as expected. But the firm did note that additional information on the EV, such as its interior, pricing, and battery proponents, will debut in due time over the course of the "coming months." Honda also suggests that customers who are inclined to learn more info the moment it drops should sign up for updates via Honda's #StayInformed page.
While it isn't exactly Honda's first EV, as evidenced via alternative concepts, like the Fit EV, Clarity Electric, and the Honda e, the 2024 Honda Prologue serves as its first introduction in the US. Some potential spy shots were published recently via Motor Authority, showcasing the Ultium platform-powered EV as bearing several resemblances to Chevy's Blazer SS EV.
Honda also detailed additional steps towards its goal of introducing 30 new EVs by 2030, initiating through the start of Honda Prologue sales come 2024. Two years following that, Honda anticipates additional production and sales on iterated Honda e:Architecture models. And by 2027, the automaker aims to deliver "a new series of affordable EVs co-developed with GM."
