The 1980s were a wild time for Japanese automotive innovation, a period where engineers explored the boundaries of technology with almost reckless abandon. In this era of pushing limits, the Honda Prelude Si emerged, showcasing a feature that perfectly encapsulates this adventurous spirit: the all-mechanical four-wheel steering (4WS) system. While perhaps not the most practical or cost-effective solution, this technology was undeniably fascinating and highlighted Honda’s engineering prowess.
The charm of the Prelude’s 4WS, as humorously pointed out by Regular Car Reviews, lies in its quirks. Unlike modern systems, parking flush against a curb and then sharply turning out could lead to an unexpected fender bender. The rear wheels, designed to enhance low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability, could inadvertently steer the rear quarter panel directly into the curb. This ironic twist underscores the system’s unique, and sometimes counterintuitive, nature.
This innovative feature came at a premium. Adding 4WS to a Honda Prelude Si cost around $1,500, a significant sum on a car priced in the mid-to-high teens during that time. This investment didn’t boost horsepower or add significant luxury; it was primarily for the advanced steering system, subtly indicated by special wheels and badges.
Despite any practical drawbacks, the 4WS system was undeniably impressive in action. The video below demonstrates the remarkably tight turning circle of a 4WS-equipped Prelude, effortlessly circling a truck tire:
What set Honda’s system apart was its all-mechanical design. Resembling a four-wheel-drive setup, it featured components that might be mistaken for a driveshaft and differentials. In reality, a power takeoff drove a rear gearbox, manipulating what were essentially tie rods. This intricate setup allowed the rear wheels to steer both in opposition to the front wheels at low speeds—tightening turns—and in the same direction at higher speeds, aiding in lane changes and stability. The real-world benefits, however, were often debated.
While some, like the respected car reviewer LJK Setright, recognized the ingenuity, the broader market remained unconvinced of the necessity of 4WS. As Japan’s economic “Bubble Era” burst in 1991, the financial backing for such ambitious, technologically-driven projects dwindled, and systems like the Prelude’s 4WS faded away.
Yet, in retrospect, these seemingly “pointless” innovations are precisely what make cars from this era so captivating. The Honda Prelude 4WS, while perhaps not entirely practical, stands as a testament to a time when automotive engineers dared to explore the limits of possibility, creating wonderfully complex and unique machines.
Update: For those interested in seeing this technology in action and connecting with a passionate owner, the beautiful Honda Prelude 4WS featured is showcased online. Find @Atreyu4WS on Twitter and @atreyu_4ws on Instagram to see more of this classic piece of automotive engineering.
