Honda has revealed the world premiere of its S+ Shift technology, with plans of fitting this new bit of tech in all of its future HEV models, beginning with the all-new Prelude next year.

The brand’s two-motor hybrid system, dubbed e:HEV, along with a high-powered traction motor, promises outstanding fuel economy and an exciting driving experience. With the motor and the engine realizing the need to shift between each other depending on the conditions, the e:HEV hybrid system delivers high fuel economy while still keeping the driving experience engaging by responding to the driver’s inputs linearly.

The Honda S+ Shift aims to provide the “joy of driving” and put emphasis on car and driver acting as one (jinba ittai, anyone?). In addition, Linear Shift Control was developed further (first fitted in the Fit e:HEV in 2020), matching the engine’s sound with the car’s speed.

While striving for high fuel economy, the S+ Shift simultaneously controls the rpm during acceleration and deceleration for precise gear-shifting to highlight the driving experience. It responds to steering input and activates shift hold to keep it at the optimum rpm. Adding to the experience is the Active Sound Control, boosting the engine sound through the speakers in the cabin.

In Honda-speak, ‘S’ in S+ Shift indicates “sports spirit,” as used in models like the S600, the S800, the S2000, the S660, as well as the Type S. Meanwhile, ‘+’ signifies that this technology is associated with such terms as “Synchronized,” “Special,” and “Sensational.” ‘Shift’ suggests Honda’s aspiration to elevate people and cars to another level.

Sounds exciting?